Tony Whitney Contibuting Writer IF there is one surefire way to find out exactly where automotive tech- nology is headed over the next few years, it is to thoroughiy check out the latest and greatest in the upscale end of the car market. Buyers who spend upwards of sixty grand on 2 new car expect it to be not only stylish, speedy and agile, but to have every modern automotive con- venience available. For those minimizing braking to unloaded wheels. Abo included in this elec: tronic package is a skid control system, Which controls engine output and applies brakes to the appropriate wheels to pre- vent loss of control. Another aid to sate braking is a system that takes into con- sideration a heavily loaded vehicle or steep dewngrade. Greater pedal effort is needed to slow the car under such cir- cumstances and the LS 430 computer senses this and increases braking force accord- ingly. Cars with this kind of tech- nology working away behind the scenes are very difficult to get into trouble with, regard- less of weather conditions. The ability to see clearly through the windshield regardless of weather is a criti- cal need that perhaps doesn’t get the attention it deserves. The LS 430 has water- repellent coating on the wind- shield and front door windows that cause water drops to roll off easily, enhancing visibility. Also available is a rain sensor, which detects the amount of raindrops hitting the wind- shield, and operates the wiper image Lexus HIGH-PRICED technology generally makes its appearance in expensive cars tike the Lexus LS 430 above. Eventually those features ave found in cheaper autos. When it comes to occupant comfort, the new Lexus also has a few tricks up its sleeve. After considerable research, Lexus came up with a climate control system that simulates human perception and refines the air conditioning control appropriately. A solar sensor on the rear parcel shelf gov- ers air conditioning for rear occupants, This detects sun- light entering through the rear window and allows for more accurate rear air conditioning levels. cool box located in the rear centre armrest. It uses cool air from the rear climate control system and can accommodate up to five cans of pop, or whatever Lexus rear seat pas- sengers sip on while they enjoy the ride. To keep all that shiny sheet metal looking pristine, the LS 430 has a park assist system, which warns the driver of the distance benveen the vehicle and any obstacles standing in the way. Ituses a buzzer and ¢ liquid erystal display linked to ultrasonic sensors installed in the front and rear bumpers. No excuses for scufied bumpers with this cart Technology like this is showing up in various upscale automobiles and each new Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Cadillac, Lincoln, Acura, Audi and Volvo takes the process one step further. Tnidally, the benefits are only available on premium- prices luxury automobiles and SUVs, but as pointed out ear- lier, most of the truly useful features eventually drift down market. Remember that the first VCRs cost $1,500 or more and you can now buy one for fess than a hundred bucks.. Tony Whitney's column — appears courtesy of the BC Automobile Dealers’ Association (BCADA). Complete mechanical & electrical repairs by factory trained technician IMPEX AUTO 116GA West 14th Street Tel: 985-6237 To make life even easier for (off Pemberton Ave., entrance at rear) of us whose automotive tastes blades at optimum speed or intervais. rear seat passengers, there is a Visit our web site: www.impexauto.com run to more reasonably priced 4 = 4, models, the upside is that ne SS NO ee ee ee ee ee much of the technology packed into today’s flagships eventually filters down to more affordable cars, vans and trucks. Til use the 2001 Lexus LS 430 as an example because it happens to be the most recent addition to the ranks of top- end luxury sedans. It’s a good indication of just how far autonnakers can go when it comes to packing in the good- ies. I’ve driven the 4.3-litre V- 8 engined LS £30 on road and track and even now Fm only just coming to grips with the range of engineering and con- venience features it offers. Since the key features of the new LS 430 would take several colunins to cover, | will concentrate on some of the more unusual ones, Note also that some of these benetits come as options, though the LS 430 is exceptionally well equipped in its basic form. For starters, how about electronically modulated air suspension? The LS 430 sys- tem uses compressed air actua- tors, Which act as springs and control the spring rate along with the vehicle height. All this happens automatically in accordance with driving condi- tions. The shock absorber damping force is also con- trolled electronically to main- rain optimum vehicle posture — no nose dive, body roll or squatting under acceleration with this car. Another LS 430 teature is electronic brake-torce distribu- tion, or EDB. Most anti-lock braking systems are automati- cally set up ata predetermined level. EDB 1 sors to detect the difference in front and rear wheel deceleration, then fine tines brake fluid pressure of both front and rear wheel evtinders. This process maximizes stopping distance in all conditions while preventing rear wheel lock-up. The EDB system also con- trols the distribution of brake force to the left and right wheels during cornering — or Winner 1999 of the President’ Award of Merit. 2 REGENCY INISSAN Y OBS—-O385 - 700 ) Marin ine Drive North Vancottver wor wuregencyante.cons Coa IN ‘Saaowsr Os Su: SiNnsig> DRIVEN. Thage are imated time giters 4&-mo ease apples ta ZU0! 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