(NAPSA)—Thecarof the future conjures up images of a sleek, aerodynamic body equipped with lots of gizmos and gadgets. In addition to these, the next generation of automobiles will have technology that will make them safer, cleaner and fun. Thecar of the 21st century will have a host of onboard communications and multimedia. The new “wired” car will provide Internet access, e-mail and real-time infor- mation. It will also allow you to verbally communicate with an onboard computer without ever taking your eyesoff the road. Several new technologies are being developed to help prevent accidents. Sleepy drivers who veer from their lane will hear a rumble sound to wake them up. To help reduce accidents at night, you might find an infrared laser system that more thantriples nighttime visibility over today’s headlights. Perhaps the most radical change will be found under the hood. Drivers can say goodbye to the internal combustion engine, and hello to the fuel cell, a battery that produces energy rather than storing it. Right now, more than 30 fuel cell vehicles are undergoing roadtests. In the meantime, new “hybrid” cars that combine more powerful batteries with smaller engines are being built to produce less pollution and useless gas. For more information, visit www.yournextcar.org.
