New Gadgets Come To 2010 Cars

With all the attention paid to the exterior styling of new car models, the new features inside that stylish 2010 model might get overlooked.

That's a shame, especially given how cool some of those features are and considering most of the time you spend around your car will likely be inside it.

With that in mind, let's look beyond the curves, headlights and paint jobs of the new models appearing on showroom floors.

MyKey -- Ford

If you've ever found yourself worrying about your child after she has borrowed your car, Ford has just the answer for you.

MyKey uses a computer chip in the car's ignition key to limit teen drivers to a top speed of 80 mph. Parents also have the option of programming the teen's key to limit the vehicle's audio system's levels and to sound continuous alerts if the driver doesn't wear a seat belt.

Parents also have the option of having the car sound a chime if the teen exceeds 45, 55 or 65 mph.

"Our message to parents is, hey, we are providing you some conditions to give your new drivers that may allow you to feel a little more comfortable in giving them the car more often," said Jim Buczkowski, Ford's director of electronic and electrical systems engineering.

The new technology will be introduced as a standard feature in the 2010 Ford Escape hybrid, Focus and selected other models before spreading to the entire Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup as models are updated.

Touch Tracer -- Toyota

Touch sensors on the steering wheel that allow the driver to control the stereo, climate and more have been around for a while now.

Toyota is taking that idea a step farther with the 2010 edition of its popular hybrid Toyota Prius. When a driver touches one of the buttons on the Prius' wheel, a duplicate image is displayed on the instrument panel, directly in front of the driver.

The Touch Tracer is the first system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel, reducing driver eye movement to allow for better concentration on the road.

“It’s an everyday car for everyday use, and when it goes on sale a few months from now, we believe that its new features will appeal to returning owners, while at the same time attract buyers who are looking for innovative technology with a hybrid powertrain,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division.

Splitview -- Mercedes Benz

If you buy one of Mercedes' facelifted 2010 S-Class cars, prepare to be amazed. The German automaker is debuting a new display technology that allows driver and passenger to see two totally separate programs from the same screen at the same time.

That means the driver can access GPS information, turn-by-turn directions and monitor the car's systems on the 8-inch screen while the passenger can watch DVDs or TV.

While the driver's side would feature touch-screen capabilities, the passenger side would be controlled by a separate remote. The system also allows for audio on the passenger's side to be routed through headphones to keep from distracting the driver.

Night vision -- BMW

High-end vehicles often come standard with infrared cameras that allow drivers to see better at night. BMW's 5 Series sedans will offer a Night Vision feature that locates objects up to 300 meters in front of a car and displays images of them on a high-definition screen next to the steering wheel.

Sync -- Ford

Owners of newer Ford vehicles can tell you that the Sync system isn't something new. But in 2010, the entertainment and communications system will get an upgrade designed to help it compete against not only OnStar but also a new system Toyota is rolling out.

The wireless, voice-activated Sync will not only give you turn-by-turn directions, but also real-time traffic information. The upgrade will also allow Sync to offer news and sports scores that drivers can customize.

The technology will be available in select 2010 models, but will be standard in all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury 2011 vehicles.

Attention Assist -- Mercedes

Not content to rest on its laurels with the Splitview system, Mercedes is also expected to launch its Attention Assist feature in some spring models this year.

The system is designed to combat the threat of falling asleep while at the wheel. Attention Assist monitors the driver's steering along with the car's speed. When drivers drift from their normal patterns, a voice shouts, "Attention Assist! Break!" to alert the sleepy driver.

Solar roof -- Fisker

You'll have to wait until the fall to check out the last feature on this list, as Fisker plans to introduce its hybrid-powered luxury Karma sedan in November 2009.

The company claims the multimode hybrid will travel about 50 miles on pure electric power, then a traditional four-cylinder engine will kick in to recharge the batteries and provide electricity for propulsion.

Also aiding in powering the car is its unique solar roof. Partitioned into four zones with 20 cells in series, the roof converts radiated sunlight into electrical energy. The energy can be sent to the electric motors, assist climate controls or remain stored.