On the outside, this GMC Acadia looks like a normal SUV. Inside, it’s a technology powerhouse with lots of futuristic features courtesy of Delphi.
First there’s a new gauge cluster that’s basically just a display screen. That means anything can be displayed there...
The outside rear view mirrors have been replaced by cameras with monitors mounted INSIDE the car near the typical mirror position. A shorter distance between the gauges and mirrors means a quicker glance when changing lanes. The view is also more expansive than with a typical mirror.
Finally, Delphi has outfitted this Acadia with a face recognition sensor – that purple glow isn’t a flash reflection, its an eye that analyzes the driver’s face. If the wrong person is sitting there, the vehicle won’t start. The system doubles as a driver fatigue monitor – if it looks like you’re gonna nod off while on the road, a buzzer sounds and a light flashes.
It may seem like nothing more than a vast collection of pipe dreams as some of these features have been seen before on various concept cars. The difference is that Delphi put all this stuff into a production car and company officials say they’d expect to see real world applications by model year 2011 or 2012 – Brian Moody, Road Test Editor.
estreka says:
07:55 PM, 01/ 8/08
I sure hope so. My vast collection of Delphi shares has been disappointing for about a year, now. Now's the time to buy, folks!
They should be exiting bankruptcy in March.
stovt001 says:
08:17 PM, 01/ 8/08
I just don't get the point of video cameras replacing mirrors. OK I get backup cameras as they show things often hidden by the rear of the car. But the side mirrors? The cameras don't show much more, and they are just one more thing that can break and cripple your car. Only time a mirror can stop working and cripple your car is if it falls off or something. Sometimes technology is the answer to the question no one asked.
briancam says:
11:00 PM, 01/ 8/08
...exiting bankruptcy in march? I've heard MUCH more compelling pitches for buying certain stock.
Seriously, this Delphi technology looks ready to roll. The car was finished and was most likely a driver - this stuff is coming.
tryan says:
03:57 AM, 01/ 9/08
This may be "new" technology for automobiles, but it's been in aviation for quite some time now (read: decades). It's hard to buy a new aircraft WITHOUT a glass cockpit these days.
Actually, didn't Mercedes already do this with the S-Class?
The relocation of hardware via wireless is interesting though, and if proved reliable enough, would seriously cut down on wire bundles and hopefully cost. Delphi needs all the innovation it can get these days...
carboy28 says:
07:38 AM, 01/ 9/08
So does this thing have an airbag on the steering wheel?
My guess for "no mirrors" is to make the car more aerodynamic.
ateixeira says:
09:19 AM, 01/ 9/08
I like the LCD replacing the mirrors as well.
It could be lighter, more aerodynamic, easier to keep clean, nothing sticking out to park in narrow spots, etc.
For big, wide vehicles, this could be great.