With the Backup Collision Intervention system (BCI) on the new 2013 Infiniti JX crossover, the Japanese luxury automaker adds to its long list of active safety technologies -- and three-letter abbreviations for the same. The JX also has LDW (Lane Departure Warning), LDP (Lane Departure Prevention), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Distance Control Assist (DCA), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) and an Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD). Taken together, the nine technologies make up Infiniti's All-around Safety Shield, although the company skips abbreviating that one.
BCI goes beyond the typical cameras and sensors used in most automotive backup assist system. And it's also a step beyond technologies like Ford's Cross Traffic Alert system (CTA, of course) that warns drivers of another vehicle bearing down on them while blindly backing out of a parking spot.
Like the latest Infiniti active safety tech, BCI takes control of the car by automatically applying the brakes if it detects that a vehicle is about to tag your rear end. Before it hits the brakes, it will give audible and visual warnings and also push back with forward pressure on the gas pedal. It uses the same cache of cameras and sensors that comprise Infiniti's other active safety tech. No word yet on whether it can be turned off, for those who don't need a nanny riding along.
Speaking of which, Infiniti also used the occasion of the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show to unveil its Infiniti Connection telematics system. It provides many of the safety and convenience feature of similar systems -- automatic crash notification, emergency assistance, stolen vehicle reporting, door locking and unlocking -- as well as a unique Google Calendar sync function.
And it offers Drive Zone Boundaries and Speed Alert functions that "parents will find useful in monitoring young driver's vehicle usage." The system will send notification via email or text or call a phone if preset boundaries or speed thresholds are crossed -- so that kids can't hoon dad's G Coupe or take it into the city from the 'burbs without getting busted.
smrtypants44 says:
10:09 PM, 11/19/11
This would never work for me since i pull out in front of someone on purpose when they are too much of a jerk to let me out of my spot.
ed124c says:
07:54 AM, 11/20/11
The Escape seems like a winner with its THREE different engines and a SIX speed automatic. The gas mileage outflanks the CR-V quite handily. But... the CR-V has, apparently, quite a loyal fan base. It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out. It seems like, in 2012, the auto industry will experience a paradigm shift to much more efficient 4 cylinders, with and without turbos.
Hyundai was the leader in this, but now they need to make their cars get closer to the EPA numbers, and make the supposed 274 hp turbo faster than a Camry Hybrid. (See the latest MT)
ed124c says:
08:00 AM, 11/20/11
Oops, I put this post in the wrong place. And I am too lazy to recreate it in the five choices from the LA show.
montgom616 says:
03:55 PM, 11/20/11
I would love to see any research that this is a good idea. Sounds like a gimmick. An expensive gimmick to buy and repair.
montgom616 says:
03:56 PM, 11/20/11
I would love to see any research that this is a good idea. Sounds like a gimmick. An expensive gimmick to buy and repair.
lostboyz says:
04:00 AM, 11/21/11
This is just an existing system that has an extra feature turned on. Expect to see this as an option on any car that already has blindspot detection, fcw, and rcw. They are all made between two suppliers that everyone uses, it's not that special. Unfortunately, one or all of the companies will lobby NHTSA to make it mandatory in the near future.
cr_driver says:
07:07 PM, 11/21/11
And nannies just keep getting bigger and bigger!