Image source: high.org
The High Museum of Art in Atlanta has an exhibition on now through to September 7 called Dream Cars: Innovative Design, Visionary Ideas. It’s a fascinating look at the cars we thought we would be driving in the future. There doesn’t appear to be as many engineers throwing out crazy designs like in the past, but here are five automotive features which we’ll probably be seeing in the (not to far) future.
- Self-driving: Since Google is already working on it it’s only a matter of time. But I see it more as an auto-pilot option. Men, in particular, will always enjoy driving. It’s the feeling of power beneath your foot and gripped in your hands. It’s irreplaceable. More importantly, it’s irresistible.
- Voice controlled communications: Your voice will unlock the car and start the engine. And it won’t matter whether you’re physically driving or laying back and relaxing, the full suite of comms capabilities will be activated by voice command. Video chat, internet search, movies, the works.
- Self-repairing panels: Forget those carpark prangs. Advances in materials will enable us to develop new metals that can restore their structure after absorbing impact. Unfortunate for panel beaters, but excellent for the rest of us.
- Rotating wheels: Attached to flexible axels, wheels will be able to rotate 90 degrees enabling the entire vehicle to be driven sideways. Parallel parking on a whole new level.
- Hover cars: The amphibious car already exists (thanks Alan Gibbs for nailing this), as does the Hover craft. Wheels will eventually become completely optional.
