Life in the year 2028 (according to Volkswagon)

[Derwin]

I just came across this presentation by Volkswagon, and I was really inspired. I thought you guys may want to take a look also. It seems there will be a day when petro is obsolete, and all vehicles run on some kind of alternative energy. I also like the idea of simply being able to "order" a car on the spot, and then have it magically arrive to your location! Very cool. But I don't think all of these things will be taking place by 2028! Here is the link:

http://www.volkswagen.com/vwcms_publish/vwcms/master_public/virtualmaster/en2/experience/innovation/volkswagen_2028.html?action=no

Be sure to click on the main top banner where the concept cars are shown. When you click on that, a new window will pop-up showing the film presentation.

I think the film presentation is simply fantastic and a real pleasure to watch. I also like the little 3 wheeled tilting vehicle they are "considering" to come out with.

Anyway, go ahead and watch it, and then come back here and share your thoughts.

Derwin

[CelticFlyer]

I watched a few of the linked videos. Great sci-fi that I wouldn't mind seeing made into sci-fact!

The accident avoidance and virtual driver video was of particular interest. It reminded me of the promise of flying cars years ago, but it seemed a lot more realistic given the fact that a couple of their test mules delivered the goods.

I'm surprised that VW doesn't produce a hybrid; I guess their TDI is the closest thing they have to ultra fuel-efficient vehicles.

[RAN]

A networked traffic system makes a whole lot of sense to ease the congestion of today and plan for the congestion of tomorrow.

Also you can see how aerodynamic the bodies are on all of VW's future concepts.

I also really like the in wheel motors!

I believe VW is working on a hybrid, for the simple reason that, with the high price of diesel in the US, and the price premium that diesel engines command in the showroom, I don't think diesels are going to make it big here, what with hybrids and BEV's coming so close on their heels.

[Derwin]

RAN, I kind of thought you would like the in-wheel motors! Do you think that they would actually suggest this if they were not capable of doing it? In other words...Do you think the technology is in place yet to actually produce a quality vehicle with in-wheel motors? And if we DO have that technology in place, why wouldn't Venture Vehicles use it? I would think it would be a must.

Derwin

[Miracleman89]

Well here is my 2 cents! I am one of those people who truly enjoy driving and I am afraid that they are going to make it so that all vehicles drive themselves! This does not set well for me! I can see Government say that by such and such year all vehicles must be fully automated and we can all say goodbye to that sensational feeling of pushing through a corner at high speed and holding the line! Or even simply the joy of driving along a remote road on a lazy afternoon. It just won't be the same when our "skylux 3000" or whatever it is called, is driving for us! There is a bond between a driver and the road that will cease to exist and I for one am not looking forward to it! Now having said all that, I do like the idea of personal mobility and emissions free vehicles! Heck, I am all for it! Just don't take driving away from me!

[RAN]

As much as driving is fun when traffic's light, or when you're out of the city, driving in rush hour traffic is mostly a giant PIA. Automating driving during those times would not only make rush hour go more smoothly, but eliminating most accidents would remove the straw that often breaks the back of traffic flow.

It would be like having your own limo driver! Imagine how less stressful commuting in a large city would be under such a system. Not only would you get to work (and away from it) in less time, but you could actually use that time for other things besides battling traffic.

I agree though that at all other times, the option to pilot yourself has to be there!

[RAN]

RAN, I kind of thought you would like the in-wheel motors! Do you think that they would actually suggest this if they were not capable of doing it? In other words...Do you think the technology is in place yet to actually produce a quality vehicle with in-wheel motors? And if we DO have that technology in place, why wouldn't Venture Vehicles use it? I would think it would be a must.

Derwin

The in-wheel motors we have now don't quite look like the ones VW uses in their concepts, though in 20 years they could.

In-wheel motors are gaining acceptance in the EV world, but the problem is they just don't have much of a track record yet. They have to be able to withstand the constant rigors of dirt, water, bumps and lateral stresses in cornering. Ian would love to use them in the V-1, but they're just not proven yet. Of course, if V-1 development gets pushed back any more, they may be ready by then! I'm sure it would be much simpler designing the power pod without having to fit the motor in there.

[Derwin]

I don't think we have anything to worry about, to be honest. An automated traffic system will not be in place in our lifetimes, if ever, in my opinion. Like RAN said, they may put something in affect in the "inner cities" due to the high traffic during rush hour in the morning and evening, but even that is unbelievable to me. Something like this would never be implemented in rural areas. Actually, I wouldn't think any of this would be around for at least 100 years from now, if then.

Think about it..... Technology just has never moved THAT fast in regards to this kind of stuff. Heck, by now we were supposed to be flying around in a Moller SkyCar, right? I remember back in the '80's seeing interviews with Moller, and how this thing was certainly going to be taking place by now. But look.....It's 2008, and no SkyCar! Also, my beloved Chicago Cubs should SURELY have won (or even been IN) a World Series by now! But, nope......still the same old Cubbies! Dang that Bartman!

So, to sum it up..... I think we will be enjoying independent driving for a long time to come. And it might take ANOTHER 100 years before the Cubs see a World Series!

Derwin

[RAN]

"When pigs fly..."
"When the Cubs make it to the Series..."
"When there's a V-1 in my driveway...."

You guys are depressing me! :rolleyes:

[Derwin]

Hey, wait a minute. We'll have a V1 before pigs fly. I'm not sure about the Cubs in the world series, though! Just kidding!

Like you, I really look forward to having a V1. I'm just a little depressed that it won't be for at least 2 or 3 years from now.

Derwin

[cpaddock]

I have to agree with Miracleman on the pure joy of driving issue. Much as I dislike all the
various noxious fluids and emissions that are a part of the ICE experience, my Miata has given me a new found appreciation for both the handling and the sound of a well tuned
roadster. The act of going through the gears connects you with the vehicle in so many ways: attention to conditions, kinetics, response/reaction, audible signals. I don't listen to the stereo as I prefer the feedback and pleasure of hearing the purr of the engine.
Cars designed to drive fast on the autobahn, for instance, have NO CUPHOLDERS! There
is no multitasking going on. No cell phone chit chat. No eating or putting on makeup. Just
attention to driving. Guess I have discovered my "old school" roots. Every new technology that comes along ain't necessarily an improvement. There is always a trade off.
Curves Ahead!

[Miracleman89]

hey hey hey!!!!! enough with the Cubbie slamin' if not this year then we'll get them next year!