Car technology | New car tech 2012 | In-car entertainment | Navigation | Touchscreen controls

Ford is experimenting with plastic made with shredded currency

Lightweight leads the way at Ford's research centre

Reycled and bio materials are all part of the ongoing process

If you believed every car advertisement you saw, you'd swear every "digital" innovation in the automotive industry happened in the last 20 years. A lot of them did, but some of them go back way further.

Everything you need to know about touch screens

How computers and displays are giving your car's dashboard a makeover

SYNC proves Ford is no longer a 'car company'

SYNC, Ford’s in-car voice recognition system, has come a long way since being introduced on the 2008 Ford Focus. Now the feature is included in most Ford vehicles sold, helping the company position itself as more than just a car maker.

App of your eye: Car companies dive into mobile developing world

Ford, General Motors, and other manufacturers are looking to take advantage of growing smart phone popularity in North America by releasing mobile apps of their own. Users are able to monitor and control their cars in ways that just weren’t possible before.

Anatomy of modern car technology

Modern car tech is amazing: it lets you see in the dark, and see around blind corners, and stop you from crashing into things. But, don't forget that this technology necessitates a miniature mountain of computer power and wiring, every piece adding weight, size and bulk to modern automobiles. As cars get increasingly complex they become more like consumer electronics, with built-in lifecycles. Make sure you know what you're getting.

Luxury hatchbacks (Mercedes-Benz A-class Concept)

Small cars, big futures

Wondering what future small cars will look like? A quick scan of some recent compact concept cars shows we've a mix of new, advanced technologies and old, revamped ideas to look forward to. Expect some of these on Canadian roads in the next few years.

Robocars: Driverless cars are here

Or, In Future: Cars Drive You. Either way, it's a little scary. I for one am not quite ready to welcome our four-wheeled overlords. But, these cars are pioneering active safety technology that could make the difference in a crash - or even avoid crashes altogether.

Feature fail: Car safety that never caught on

Airbags, seatbelts and mirrors didn't always come standard. At one time, they were experimental pieces of technology carmakers hoped would make the car safer. Those features stuck, but others, well, they just sucked. Here are 20 safety features automakers tried, then dumped.

Cars that keep you alive

Time was when cars were actively trying to kill you. (Yeah, we're looking at you old Porsche GT2 and Lambo Countach). Modern "intelligent" cars actually work hard to keep you alive. Here's how they do it:

You think this is wild? You've gotta see what manufacturers are doing!

Best in-car entertainment features

We called it "entertainment," but really any driver lucky enough to be driving one of these machines should leave the entertainment to their passengers. With everything from Internet to high-end audio systems creeping into modern machines, it's a good time to be a technophile — and a bad time to be a safety advocate.

Sensotronic - Look Mom! No brakes!

Electronic components are replacing hydraulic and brakes are no exception, as they are about to give way to the inevitable momentum of progress.

The car with eyes in the back of its head

For instance, who would have thought that the rear-view camera would ever become one of those things you can't do without?

What is the gas consumption of an electric car?

How do you calculate the gas consumption of an electric car?

Hydrogen engines: a tangible alternative to fuel cell batteries

Very few car manufacturers spend time researching the internal combustion hydrogen engine. Yet, they may be the most efficient way to embrace a cleaner energetic new era. Or not.