2011 Lincoln MKX Button-free Controls

2011 Lincoln MKX Button-free Controls: The 2011 Lincoln MKX will be the first production vehicle to dispense with traditional pushbuttons, knobs and switches for audio and climate controls. These have been replaced by touch-sensitive pads that respond not to pressure but to the proximity of a finger swipe - which disturbs a minute electrical field, which triggers the operation of whatever function the driver wishes to engage - such as adjusting fan speed or the stereo's volume. It is not necessary to actually touch or push on the panel, as you'd do on a microwave, for example.

Each pad illuminates amber when activated, returning to neutral white backlighting when off.

Jaguar debuted a similar system last year in the 2010 XF sedan, but only for a few functions, such as opening the glovebox. The Lincoln system is much more comprehensive and dispenses with most of the old-style buttons and switches one used to find all over the dash - replacing them with a smooth, ultra-modern looking surface that's also easier to keep clean since there aren't small crevices for dirt and dust to work their way into.

The only potential downside is the likely high cost to repair/replace the touch pads and associated electronics should they malfunction down the road - when the car is no longer under warranty.

Kia Sorento UVO voice-control interface

Kia Sorento UVO voice-control interface: Making its debut in the 2011 Sorento SUV, the UVO (your voice) system allows hands-free, voice-activated operation of the car's stereo as well as plug-in accessory devices such as MP3 players, PDAs and USB memory sticks. The driver can also send and receive phone calls (and text messages) via voice prompt. UVO features adaptive software that helps it learn each driver's different voice pattern - and it's fluent in multiple languages.

Kia says UVO should help drivers keep their eyes on the road - and their hands on the wheel - instead of looking at and fiddling with lots of buttons as they drive.

Ford's Sync system - which came out about two years ago - is similar but less advanced. For example, UVO can directly access the Internet through a wireless connection to continuously update its software, features and functions - which implies that UVO could also enable drivers to access e-mail and even surf the web while in their cars.


Ford is working on an updated version of its Sync technology that reportedly will allow the same thing - although it's still an open question whether it's a good idea for drivers to be surfing the Information Highway while they're driving down the actual highway.

2011 Chevy Volt Spark pure electric car

2011 Chevy Volt/Spark: The forthcoming Volt is somewhere in between a plug-in hybrid like the 2011 Prius and a pure electric car like the 2011 Nissan Leaf (see below). Like the Prius, the Volt has both an electric motor/battery pack and a small internal combustion engine. But unlike the Prius and other hybrids, the Volt's gasoline burning engine is only used to provide back-up power for the engine's onboard battery packs in the event their charge runs low. It is not connected to the drive wheels or transmission. In effect, the Volt carries around its own built-in generator - making it independent of recharging stations.

The Volt's batteries may also be charged up by plugging the car in to any common household 110 volt outlet. This dual-mode recharging should give the Volt greater versatility and range than plug-in hybrids like the '11 Prius - as well as superior overall economy.

GM claims the Volt can go for 40 miles on a fully-charged battery without the gasoline engine ever coming on - and up to 300 more miles with the small gasoline engine providing generator power. If these claims prove accurate (and we won't know until the cars are actually available about six months to a year from now) the Volt would be the most fuel-efficient car ever mass produced.

But there is a potential downside: GM reportedly will price the 2011 Volt at between $35,000 to $40,000 - comparable to the cost of an entry-luxury BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Federal tax deductions of as much as $7,500 will help make the Volt more affordable but it will still take awhile to work off the up-front costs in "down the road" fuel economy gains. Middle class buyers most interested in a high-economy car may find the Volt too expensive.

Later in 2011 or 2012, GM may also offer a similar drivetrain in the Spark ultra-compact city car, which should be priced more affordably.