Wireless technology revolutionizing autos

Wireless technology that allows drivers to dodge traffic jams, report potholes and road hazards, and pay for a drive-through meal without ever touching a wallet is coming to a car near you. But don't hold your breath.

The age of Vehicle Infrastructure Integration -- known as VII and defined simply as cars that "talk" to each other and to roadside units via cellular, wifi, satellite and other technology -- is an evolutionary step comparable to the creation of the interstate highway system 50 years ago, say experts.

Some wireless services already exist -- such as OnStar, which offers services such as roadside and directional assistance and hands-free phoning, and entertainment options like the iPod and satellite radio. But that's just the tip of the iceberg of what's to come. Proponents of VII say once wireless technology becomes commonplace we'll see things like seat belts communicating with roadside traffic managers, engineers and others to make driving safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable.

Vehicles features include dashboard-mounted touch screens that offer Internet access, navigational assistance, car performance and diagnostics, music and entertainment with the brush of a finger. A USB port replaced the cigarette lighter. Since the basic equipment needed for a car is a radio and a GPS unit, car manufacturers said VII should add little to a car's price tag -- less than $100.

In a CAR survey of the auto industry's expectations for the rollout of VII technology in new cars, 2012 was the median year respondents said auto companies would begin outfitting new cars with the technology. Just four years later, by 2016, 50 percent of new cars would be so equipped, respondents predicted. Full roadside deployment across the U.S. -- all interstates, paved state highways and local roads -- is expected by 2035.

Fuel Economy - What does it cost to drive?

The best place to find out what kind of gas mileage your vehicle offers is at www.fueleconomy.gov. The quandary that new car buyers find themselves in this summer is that while it makes sense to take fuel economy into account, two moves by the federal government have made it more difficult than ever to calculate cost effectiveness.
New factors to consider:

1.
The EPA changed the way it comes up with the mileage ratings on new cars -- lowering the numbers substantially.
2.
Tax credits for the most popular hybrids have vanished, erasing a good portion of the anticipated savings.

First, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency changed the test procedures it uses to determine the city-highway fuel mileage numbers that are affixed to all new-car price stickers -- meaning 2008-model vehicles will have lower ratings than the identical 2007 model. The big losers in the EPA recalculation of fuel mileage are the gas-electric hybrids, which now carry EPA ratings up to 30 percent lower than last year. Consider the Toyota Prius, which has been the darling of the fuel-efficient fleet. Under the old EPA system, it was rated at 60 mpg in city driving, 51 mpg highway and 55 mpg in combined city-highway. The new system says the Prius is likely to get 48 in city driving (20 percent less), 45 mpg on the highway (12 percent less) and an average 46 mpg (16 percent less) in combined driving.

The good news is that the new ratings more accurately reflect what drivers report in real-world conditions and that the hybrids are still usually the fuel mileage champs in various categories, since the new EPA results also lowered the mileage numbers for conventional gas-only vehicles.

Consumers who haven't shopped for new cars in the past few years will be confronted with some new, more fuel-efficient choices, from subcompact sedans to an expanding array of sport utility vehicles that are based on engine and chassis combinations that are more like sedans.

Cars like the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa are testing consumer interest in buying cars that are half the size of the SUVs that have been the favorites of drivers in past years. While sales of these cars have been encouraging, there's no indication that buyers -- even with gas prices around $3 a gallon -- are rushing to downsize.

Crossover SUVs like the Ford Edge, Chevrolet Equinox and Mazda CX join longstanding crossovers like the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot. These vehicles offer interior room and styling that's similar to traditional SUVs like the Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Tahoe, but with better fuel mileage and often a more comfortable ride. The compromise is that crossover SUVs usually sacrifice some off-road and towing capabilities.

First, make an honest assessment of what you need in your next vehicle in terms of passenger capacity, size and price. Then consider your budget for fuel, taking into account that you're likely to have your next vehicle for five or more years. While no one has a crystal ball to know what gas will cost over that period, it's a safe bet that prices will not be returning to $2 a gallon. So plan accordingly. While your mileage and cost will vary, it's a place to start when deciding which new vehicle will best suit your mileage needs.