Hopeful Tweaks To Modern Car Features

"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
11/30/2015 at 08:55 • Filed to: Wishlist

Here are four things I wish modern vehicle features did better. Feel encouraged to add your own in the comments.

Powered Liftgates

I think foot activated liftgates are the way to go, however I wish the sensors were placed on the sides of the bumper rather than the center. This would eliminate the need to lean on the back leg or jump backwards to avoid the rising liftgate. Especially true with the size of SUVs and the average height of those that drive them, as seen below. Also a swipe should close the gate if an obstacle isn’t detected after 3 seconds.

Setting for Full Cargo Capacity

Also, when the second row of seats are lowered and the headrest hits the back of the front seats, the front seats should automatically move forward. It’s a pain dropping the second row, then going to the front in order to move the seats forward. A lot of SUVs allow you to drop all rows with switches or levers in the rear cargo area. Having to walk around to the front and move the front seats forward on both sides of the vehicle completely kills this convenience. I believe the new GLC has this feature.

Diamond Stitching

Diamond stitched patterns look out of place in modern interiors and it needs to be used as an ornament rather than as a focus. The seats and armrest of the bottom picture is my preference, unfortunately the leather door trim does not match in style. Leather doesn’t need to have the same pattern as my grandmother’s quilts in order to be comfortable or perceived as such.

Factory Sound Systems

Rattles in the vehicle should not be audible with factory speakers! Loose items in the door storage and consoles are fine of course, as well as plastics when cold, but no rattles should be audible over the corresponding speaker volume. That tells me the build quality is below the level of the sound system installed. I would love this to go to the next level in which no mirrors visibly vibrate with the system below 75% of possible output. As a musician and a driver, this means the world to me.

DISCUSSION (34)

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 09:01

The motorized lift gate seems stupid until you don’t have it.

Wobbles the Mind > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
11/30/2015 at 09:10

I feel like we do this for all car features. I’m still strongly opposed to cruise control though. Adaptive cruise and active lane keeping has finally made cruise control safe enough to be used.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 09:11

I never use my cruise control and don’t even know if it works.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 09:22

I kinda like how Hyundai did the power gate on the new Tucson. No foot thing, just stand by the gate with the key in your pocket for a few seconds. Of course then there’s the issue of it opening while you’re standing there talking to someone or something

Side note: I really wanna hear that Bose Panaray system in the CT6. 34 speakers can't not sound good.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 09:23

You are crazy, cruise control is the ONLY feature I could not live without. Sure I generally try to avoid the highway and then don’t cruise control, but I most certainly need it for any highway travel. It feels somewhat like voodoo magic to use cruise control with a manual but I really hate holding the gas pedal at a constant speed for hours on end. It is so much more comfortable to relax my right leg and just steer the car in those situations. I have noticed a significant difference in fatigue when using cruise versus not using it.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 09:27

Leather doesn’t need to have the same pattern as my grandmother’s quilts in order to be comfortable or perceived as such.

Quite. The seat in general needs to have the same pattern as your grandmother’s sofa. Duh.

Kinja'd!!!

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 09:29

You should definitely include infotainment on this list. Sure many companies have improved these systems, and apple/android systems will be the next step. But compared to current phones/tablets, the interfaces generally feel outdated. I am one that would want just an aux cord, clock, and volume knob with some speakers to keep things simple, but that is why aftermarket is the way for me.

Wobbles the Mind > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
11/30/2015 at 09:34

I was for Hyundai’s solution until I realized it isn’t the simplest solution to evolve. I think the argument against it is poor as well, people just hate giving credit to good ideas. I’m also curious about CT6 sound system more so than the features.

My thing is that no one seems to realize that it’s hands-free gate closing that everyone needs. You rarely load a vehicle with full arms, but unloading (think grocery bags in one trip) is always an issue and there is no easily controlled way for that to be hands-free besides a foot swipe.

Wobbles the Mind > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
11/30/2015 at 09:35

+30 plushness, yo!

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 09:40

Damask seats like the above are uncommon, but both Lincoln (and Ford, on some Granadas) and Cadillac dabbled in them. Late 50s through mid 60s, mostly. Not only did it have to be in fashion, but you had to have people who were crazy enough to buy a pricey car with expensive material and didn’t want leather.

functionoverfashion > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
11/30/2015 at 09:41

I’m with you, but unfortunately aftermarket is getting harder in many modern cars. With built-in screens that are separated from the controls (or touchscreens that ARE the controls), you can’t just put in an aftermarket head unit. Even if you could, you might lose, for example, HVAC control. That would be a showstopper.

Wobbles the Mind > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
11/30/2015 at 09:41

The only way for infotainment systems to work as well as phones is if cars made them easily removable and updated over the air. Basically they would need to be a standalone system (like a tablet) that the dealer installs into the dash. This way you can get new hardware every two or three years and software updates as needed. So automakers will need to let tech companies actually make the entire apparatus and just make their system an “app” sort to speak.

DoYouEvenShift > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 09:43

The auto bcm shut down feature has saved my battery many times. It shuts off radio, interior and exterior lights after a few minutes of inactivity when the key is off.

functionoverfashion > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 09:43

I have an issue with auto manufacturers putting already-outdated infotainment systems in their cars. Even if you can update the software, think about using a 10 year old iphone to run the newest OS. In many cases it won’t even do it! This is what it will be like to own a 5 year old car with a janky touchscreen screen that can’t (reasonably) be replaced.

Wobbles the Mind > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
11/30/2015 at 09:45

I think now is an example of a time when people are very willing to not have leather. Problem is consumers don’t know of a synthesized material that is as prestigious as real leather for a similar cost. BMW and Lexus have something working out though, I just can’t remember at the moment.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 09:48

The ‘59 Lincoln I posted a picture of being towed has heavy vinyl and damask seats. Teal. The damask is shredded from sun exposure, but there is hope: I have found a source on it.

Wobbles the Mind > DoYouEvenShift
11/30/2015 at 09:49

I love how this is evolving in cars by the way. Paired with keyless entry, keyless ignition, remote start, as well as proxmity detection, modern vehicles give experiences and interactions that show character without ever even driving them now.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
11/30/2015 at 09:51

I don’t understand people who don’t like cruise, it makes highway driving way less annoying when you don’t have to pass someone 5 times in 30 minutes due to them not using cruise.

Wobbles the Mind > functionoverfashion
11/30/2015 at 09:55

Completely agree. Infotainment is the only reason I say lease a car or finance brand new. Buying a 4 year old car and paying it off in 4 years still leaves you with an 8 year old or older chunk of electronic hardware and power outlets. Think of all the vehicles that didn’t have USB, AUX, or three-prong outlets just three years ago. Tech companies need to make the hardware and the manufactures need to make their systems as more of an app that directly links to the operating system. They don’t make most of the other parts in house, so why do they make the one thing they are worst at?!

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 10:21

For the power liftgates, I think if they were Twerk-activated it would be better.

And for the full cargo capacity, there should also be an ‘instant bed’ option.

And the diamond stitching will be best if it is paired with a whorehouse-red velour fabric.

:-)

Wobbles the Mind > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
11/30/2015 at 10:22

Finally, someone understands me!!

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 10:25

Kinja'd!!!

Better yet, split barn doors again.

Wobbles the Mind > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
11/30/2015 at 10:26

I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 10:28

Barn Doors FTW

Or, at least split tailgate. Either Astro style or where the glass lifts before separately rom the main liftgate.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 10:29

Oh... and replace the interior light with an illuminated disco ball!

Wobbles the Mind > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
11/30/2015 at 10:31

Wait, that isn’t standard anymore?! The world I grewed up in is gone...

functionoverfashion > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 10:42

I have thought for many (okay, at least 2) years that the infotainment system needs to run off a tablet. Then you could buy an updated nexus or ipad or whatever in a few years and get the plastic adapter and move on with the latest and greatest OS and everything. Even if you’re 3-4 years behind with your tablet, that’s way better than being stuck with whatever was current 2 years before the release of your car.

This would allow the tech companies to do their thing (as you suggested) and the auto companies just piggyback on with their model-specific controls.

edit: This will be a much bigger factor in my next vehicle purchase than I care to admit.

MUSASHI66 > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 10:53

I don’t think I’d ever buy a car without one again. I still pay attention to the road - I just don’t have to keep my foot on the pedal for 500 miles of highway driving.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > functionoverfashion
11/30/2015 at 14:06

Well yeah, its crazy how integrated modern infotainment is. I have found the easiest solution is to bypass the headunit entirely. Just throw an amp in the car and hook up my phone directly to that. Rewire the door speakers to said amp and then I have not touched the factory stuff at all. This helps preserve resale value also since everything is easily revertable to stock. I have done this in my Miata mostly out of fear of an aftermarket unit getting stolen (and my top cut in the process).

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 14:07

That apple car play and the Google thing seem to be promising solutions at least. I am excited to see how those progress.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again.
11/30/2015 at 14:12

It is always hilarious to me to watch other people who are very obviously not using cruise control. You will be going along on cruise control and pass by someone. Then in a few minutes they come creeping up and pass you. And again you end up passing them at some point. It becomes obvious they are not using cruise. I avoid braking at all costs and make it almost like a game of how long I can keep the cruise control going without tailgating anyone or using the brakes.

functionoverfashion > Wobbles the Mind
11/30/2015 at 14:40

This. Exactly this.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
11/30/2015 at 15:31

Same.

TheJMan92 > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
12/01/2015 at 17:32

A few years ago everyone in my family was angry when they found out my cruise control was the only one out of all our cars that worked, and that I never use it. Still don’t, though I think two others now have working cruise.