The technology sector of the auto industry is advancing at a rapid pace. So fast, in fact, that if you blink something might be missed. New high-tech features are a key selling point in many higher-end or luxury vehicles today. It’s only logical that these new technologies launch in more expensive vehicles, because they are costly to engineer, develop, and produce. Premium platforms can more readily absorb the higher costs because they have greater profit margins.

That said, many of the advanced systems that were new to market just a year or two ago are working their way into more mainstream models. It’s simply the natural evolution of the car market. Coincidentally, many of these sophisticated on-board systems are now standard or optional features in electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Some of the latest electronic wizardry is targeting future autonomous transportation, or at least partial autonomous mobility. We are already seeing the first steps today. Some current production models feature automatic emergency braking to avoid an imminent collision or warn s driver if their car is drifting out of their lane. Some driver assistance systems also provide gentle steering input to keep a car centered in its lane if drifting occurs when a turn signal is not engaged.

Self-parking technology allows vehicles to parallel or head-in park without a driver touching the steering wheel, accelerator, or brakes. To accomplish this, a vehicle is equipped with sensors in the front, rear, and on the sides to determine distances to nearby objects. With that information, a car’s on-board computer can provide accurate control inputs to accomplish the parking sequence. Parking is done efficiently on the first shot, clearing the lane while saving both time and fuel.

The evolution of adding exterior cameras on vehicles began with rear-facing backup cameras. These transmit a real-time rear view to a dash-mounted display, allowing a driver to more accurately see what’s behind the vehicle. This very useful technology has filtered down to just about any car or truck with an LCD display. More advanced systems show the path a vehicle will take as the steering wheel is turned.

That was just the beginning. Cameras now proliferate in other locations on vehicles as well. The latest development places cameras on the sides of a vehicle, with some integrating eight cameras placed all around the vehicle perimeter. These provide information used in lane departure mitigation by reading lane markers and other side threats. When a lane departure is detected without a turn signal, some manufacturers alert a driver audibly and visually while others vibrate or pulse the steering wheel or seat to get a driver’s attention.

Another advantage of having cameras mounted all around the vehicle is the ability to show a birds-eye view of a car or truck on its LCD display. All camera views are stitched together to provide what can best be described as an image from a drone hovering above the vehicle. A top view image of the vehicle is superimposed in the middle. This takes back-up camera safety to a whole new level since a driver can check for pedestrians, small children, and other obstructions that might otherwise be missed from the driver’s seat. It is especially helpful in taller vehicles like trucks and SUVs.

Enabling much of the latest technology is the proliferation of LCD screens in the dash. Most of these displays are touch screen, providing increased control over various electronic functions. The goal is to provide the information and interface without it becoming a distraction to the driver, so eyes and attention aren’t diverted from the road for too long. To solve this, many systems now have a voice interface that allows the driver to push a steering wheel-mounted button and tell the car what they would like it to do, much like Apple’s Siri.

Of course, one of the first electronic functions to be integrated into LCD displays was GPS navigation. This handy function assists in driving more efficiently by suggesting the most direct or quickest route, thereby saving fuel. We’re all familiar with the way these systems adjust on the fly, redirecting a driver if you wander from the designated route by providing audible navigation prompts for getting back on track. This intelligent operation means eyes can stay on the road, an operating strategy that other ‘smart’ on-board systems would be wise to follow. Electric cars and plug-in hybrids can also find the nearest public charging station using most nav systems, a handy thing if you are driving in unfamiliar territory.

Traction control, a system that detects drive wheel spin and adjusts power and braking accordingly to keep a vehicle moving forward, has been with us for many years now. While not connected to the road in the ‘smart’ sense like the newest driver assist technologies, manufacturers are taking this concept another step with vehicle rotation and wheel speed sensors at all four wheels to keep the vehicle from spinning-out and losing control. Though there are different names for this technology, it is commonly referred to as yaw control since it detects rotation of the vehicle and applies power or braking to individual wheels as needed, thus preventing the potential for spin.

Technologies facilitating communication between vehicles and the surrounding environment hold great promise and are already being deployed to a degree. With car-to-car interaction, a driver could be alerted in advance to slippery conditions if a car ahead experiences wheel slip or traction control is activated. Two-way communication between vehicles can also be used to warn of road hazards, or by emergency vehicles to alert nearby drivers to proceed with caution or give way.

One of the most useful technologies to come out in the past few years is adaptive cruise control. This feature gauges distance to the vehicle in front when cruise control is set. If that vehicle is going slower than the set cruise speed in your vehicle, cruise speed will be reduced to match the vehicle ahead and keep a safe distance. Adaptive cruise control systems typically allow a driver to select the distance they feel is safe. Most systems will also bring your car to a complete stop and apply braking if necessary to avoid a collision or an object in the road.

This is made possible by the integration of forward-facing radar. The radar sends a signal out that bounces off vehicles or objects and is returned to the vehicle’s receiver. An on-board computer then calculates distance and closing speed to determine what appropriate actions are required. More advanced adaptive cruise control detection incorporates LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). LIDAR works much like radar but uses lasers to read distance.

In the not-too-distant future, cars will communicate with smart city infrastructures in addition to other vehicles on the road. Greater use of cellular signals for this communication plus satellite information will also be required. Work on this front is already well underway as it will be necessary for implementing both semi- and fully-autonomous vehicle operation.

All of this new and future connected technology requires considerable computing power inside the vehicle, which will add weight and require a very stout electrical system. The connected car trend has considerable momentum and is sure to advance at a rapid pace in the future. So don’t blink…or you may well mist the next big breakthrough in this fast-paced field!

When it comes to chips, automakers are all-in. That is, the silicon variety and not those with which you can gamble away a fortune, something auto companies are loathe to do. Traditionally, the risks auto manufacturers undertake are carefully calculated and always rooted in the world of profit and market share. As they look to the future, their chips are increasingly riding on ‘green’ and ‘connectivity.’

Key to this is Silicon Valley, which for decades has been synonymous with the high tech world of consumer electronics, encompassing everything from computers and cellphones to software and apps. Today this storied list has expanded in important and unexpected ways to include technology that’s at the heart of the auto industry’s future. It’s here that auto manufacturers have forged strategic alliances with Silicon Valley icons like Google and Apple, plus noted tech companies like NVIDIA and an array of Silicon Valley start-ups that promise to bring new and exciting functionality to our vehicles.

Striking alliances with tech companies is an important direction for an industry that has been entrenched in its own world for well over a century. It’s so important, in fact, that many auto manufacturers have gone beyond just alliances, establishing dedicated research and development centers in Silicon Valley to tap the undeniable expertise here. We have seen surprising moves in recent times, like Toyota’s short-lived alliance with Tesla to develop the excellent, though quite expensive, battery electric RAV4 crossover a few years back. Sometimes things work out, sometimes not. But ventures like this are important to the journey as a future unfolds that will certainly find advanced electronics playing a major role in the cars we drive, or perhaps, to cars that drive themselves.

This is happening already with an increasingly sophisticated array of on-board electronics incorporated into new car models. As you might expect, much of this is showing up in higher-end vehicles first as technology costs are absorbed into the price of aspirational vehicles already expected to command a higher point of entry. As technology costs decrease, advanced systems like these tend to move down-market to more affordable vehicles. We’re already seeing this happening in real time.

In addition to the on-board systems we tend to take for granted today – such as navigation, back-up display, satellite radio, and Bluetooth cellphone integration – there’s a new generation of sought-after features that use a vehicle’s integrated cameras and sensors to perform wondrous tasks. Adaptive cruise control that automatically maintains a safe distance from the car ahead is one of these.

Beyond that is the latest generation of such systems with a stop-and-go function capable of automating the boring task of driving in urban gridlock. Lane minder systems that warn if you stray outside your lane are being enhanced with automated features that nudge you back where you belong. Automated parking is yet another popular feature in electronics-rich models. This is just the start as technologies like pedestrian avoidance systems make their way into new models, plus technology that automatically brakes or slows your car at intersections if another vehicle comes into your path.

All this is coming together to make our vehicles more fuel efficient, convenient, and safer as we drive toward a more connected future. Strap in because big changes are ahead.

BMW’s X1 xDrive28i seeks to differentiate itself in an increasingly crowded compact crossover market with desired functionality, impressive fuel efficiency, and of course the dynamic driving experience expected of a BMW. This all-new, second generation premium compact crossover features updated styling for 2016, new powertrain and chassis technology, and an array of desired on-board electronics. Plus, it offers greater headroom and legroom while also increasing cargo capacity. All this comes at a starting price of $34,800, a premium over most other small crossovers but then again, this is a BMW.

Best-in-class power is delivered by a 228 horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter EfficientDynamics engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, providing the X1 xDrive28i an EPA estimated 32 highway mpg. This latest 2.0-liter modular BMW engine has an aluminum crankcase and cylinder head, forged steel crankshaft with an integrated balance shaft drive, low-weight pistons, forged connecting rods, friction-reduced cylinder coatings, and map-controlled oil pumps. Peak torque of 258 lb-ft is available between 1,250 and 4,500 rpm. The engine connects to a lighter 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with reduced converter slip to decrease energy losses. A wider gear spread also means lower rpms at higher speeds for reduced emissions.

The BMW xDrive system in the new BMW X1 is considerably lighter with 30 percent less energy loss in normal driving. Working closely with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), it counteracts oversteer or understeer. BMW EfficientDynamics technology includes Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering, and on-demand fuel and coolant pumps. ECO PRO mode allows coasting between 30-100 mph, disengaging the powertrain when a driver's foot is taken off the throttle.

Inside, the all-new X1 features a driver focused cockpit with the flat surfaces of the instrument panel and center console controls all angled toward the driver, and the choice of a 6.5 or 8.8-inch display.

The rear seatback can be split 40:20:40, with the three sections folding down individually or jointly to enhance functionality. An optional sliding and reclining rear bench has individual elements that can slide forward or back by up to five inches for seating comfort. Cargo space has been increased by more than 15 percent to 58.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

BMW ConnectedDrive features include a Head-Up Display, BMW Online, BMW Apps, and Advanced Real Time Traffic Information. Standard and available camera-based assistance systems include Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, Frontal Collision Warning with Pedestrian Warning, City Collision Mitigation, Park Distance Control, and Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go. Altogether that’s about all the advanced tech you could possibly want, and BMW delivers it big time.