Continental Helps You 'Simplify Your Drive'

Continental AG has developed a system that changes the driving dynamics of the car with the push of a button, out of a choice of three preconfigured modes, Comfort, Eco and Sport. The technology reflects the recent trend of incorporating electronics into vehicles.

The new feature called "Simplify Your Drive" is showcased before press members on a Volkswagen Passat. It was recently shown at the supplier's US headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and it is demonstrated to potential clients before being shipped back to Germany next month.

Development begun about two years ago and the idea of pushing the button and having the car make the adjustments came from digital cameras, said Javier Gonzalez, senior manager of business development for interior electronics solutions for Continental in Babenhausen, Germany.

"One thing was clear: We wanted to increase the functionality while reducing the complexity," Gonzalez said.

Each of the three car modes affect different engine and transmission parameters and instrument clusters as well as center console graphics and information.

In the "Comfort" mode, the transmission shifts early for a smooth and quiet ride. The chassis, accelerator and steering wheel are set for a soft response. The gauges and ambient lighting are a soothing blue.

The "Eco" mode sets the displays to green and several adjustments are made in order to save fuel. There is an engine "inhibitor" that reduces power, shifts gears early and the aerodynamics of the car are improved by slightly lowering the suspension. An interesting feature is the accelerator pedal which increases resistance to discourage over-acceleration. A green "magic eye" grows larger, as an incentive for an eco-friendly driving style.

Opposed to the "Eco" mode is the "Sport" profile, which releases the full power of the engine, adjusts the transmission to shift later and closer to the upper end to the rev-range. Bright red gauges mimic the shift light indicator on a Formula One car, and the displays even indicate the G-forces on each turn.

"In a household with more than one driver, it is a way to customize the drive experience for each member," said analyst Stephanie Brinley of EMC Strategic Communications in Troy.

Once Continental has secured a deal, the technology could be developed within two years, according to Gonzalez.

Pricing would vary by vehicle and application, but it doesn't require expensive hardware, he added.