No one wants to call CES 2017 the year of autonomous cars…because they aren’t here just yet. But 2017 marks the year where the consumer electronics industry is gearing up for their arrival. At the Nissan keynote given by Carlos Ghosn, it was revealed that ProPilot would be coming to the next Nissan Leaf. This semi-autonomous driving suite is already in a handful of Japanese vehicles. According to Ghosn, “The destructive triangle of autonomous drive technology, electric vehicles, connected cars and services means we will see more change in the next 10 years than we did in the last 50.”
Everyone was excited and anxious to see what Faraday Future was going to bring to the table, especially after last year at CES, when they led everyone to believe they were bringing a consumer-oriented vehicle but wound up unveiling a hypercar. On the exterior, the FF91 SUV does not disappoint. However, we’ll see if there will be a market for the SUV that is touted to be able to reach zero to 60 in 2.39 seconds (faster than a Tesla Model S). The company said it will take preorders at $5,000. We’ll see if LeEco and its CE pockets can help float the vehicle dream to a production reality.
Hyundai was giving rides in its autonomous IONIQ through a one-mile loop of Vegas. There was a human on board to make sure everything went smoothly, but Hyundai is promoting it can make autonomous technology work with fewer expensive sensors, bringing autonomous technology to the masses sooner.
Ford revealed it would partner with Amazon, and Alexa would be coming to SYNC 3-equipped vehicles. According to Ford, the Alexa integration – the most comprehensive ever in a vehicle – allows Ford owners to play and resume audiobooks, order items on Amazon, and search for and transfer local destinations to the in-car navigation system. From home, Ford vehicle owners will be able to remote start, lock or unlock doors, and get vehicle information using voice commands. Steve Rabuchin, vice president of Amazon Alexa, said, “We believe voice is the future, and this is particularly true in cars. The ability to use your voice to control your smart home, access entertainment, manage to-do lists and more makes for an extraordinary driving experience. We can’t wait for Ford customers to try this out.”
Deep Learning AI in the Auto
Audi and NVIDIA have partnered to try and get a Level 4 autonomous vehicle on the street by 2020. “NVIDIA is pioneering the use of deep learning AI (Artificial Intelligence) to revolutionize transportation,” said Jen-Hsun Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, at his CES keynote. “Audi’s adoption of our DRIVE computing platform will accelerate the introduction of next-generation automated vehicles, moving us closer to a future of greater driving safety and new mobility services.” The Audi/NVIDIA system used artificial intelligence and neural networks to navigate a course at CES in an Audi Q7. According to Audi, the Q7 learns from both the road and the driver in every mile it travels. It can handle unpredictable situations like roadblocks, construction, and changes in weather.
VOXX’s Gentex Full Display Mirror
When I reviewed the Cadillac CT6 for an automotive publication, I relished the Gentex-sourced rear-view mirror called the Full Display Mirror, or FDM. The LCD display gives a wider image to eliminate blind spots. You could theoretically stuff your rear seat full of helium balloons from Party City and still ‘watch your six’ in perfect clarity. Now this technology will be available in the aftermarket from VOXX. Under this new distribution agreement, VOXX will exclusively distribute the Gentex Aftermarket FDM Full Display Mirror. The FDM is the first hybrid rear vision system. It functions as a standard automatic dimming rearview mirror, but with the flip of a lever, a custom high-dynamic range imager kicks in that captures video of the vehicle’s rear view and streams it to a unique, mirror-integrated LCD display. This system meets current U.S. mirror regulations and is FMVSS-111-compliant. Aron Demers, senior vice president of VOXX, noted: “Gentex has always been an innovator in this category and we look forward to future product collaborations between the two companies. As a leader in the 12-volt aftermarket and new car dealer space, we are always looking to expand our product offerings to meet consumer demand for new and improved technologies, and we are thrilled to become the exclusive distributor and product launch partner of the Full Display Mirror system.”
Pioneer’s CES Presence
Pioneer was at CES displaying technology for vehicles of yesterday, today and tomorrow (the booth’s tag line). “Autonomous driving is no longer a future concept; it’s reality,” Russ Johnson, executive vice president of marketing, said. “Pioneer plays a pivotal role in this evolution of the automated vehicle because we continue to provide first-to-market solutions for both our aftermarket and OEM partners. At this year’s show, we are highlighting not only technologies that help make automated vehicles viable, but also those created to make every drive an enjoyable entertainment experience.” On the emerging technologies side, Pioneer displayed an Advance UX Cockpit demonstration for automated driving. It included a driver monitoring system containing a suite of technologies including a facial recognition camera (to see if you doze off), a heart rate monitor, a steering wheel sensor, seat sensor, and seat vibration transducer (to alert you if you do).
Pioneer was also showing off current technologies for the 12-volt specialist. The company has come out with some inventive subwoofer designs through the years, but we really dig the TS-WX70DA subwoofer system. When space is at a premium, this diminutive and super-shallow unit (3.75 inches in height) produces impressive bass for its size. There are two 6.5-inch drivers in a back-loaded horn enclosure design. Ted Cardenas, vice president of Pioneer, noted: “For most consumers, the most significant car audio upgrade starts with more bass because environmental interference such as wind and tire noises mask low frequencies. Adding a subwoofer to an existing system can instantly improve the in-car listening experience. The TS-WX70DA is a great option because it incorporates unique engineering solutions to generate the same powerful bass and impressive sound as a traditional active subwoofer, while minimizing its physical size and therefore maximizing the vehicle’s storage space.” The Pioneer TS-WX70DA subwoofer is available with a suggested price of $500.
On the loudspeaker front, Kicker introduced some very high quality point-source coaxial drivers for the specialty retailer. The new QS Series features two models that come in at 6.75 inches and 6×9 inches. They will be available exclusively at Authorized Kicker Q-Class Dealers by late Q1 at $549.95 MSRP. The QS Series is the latest addition to the elite Q-Class product line, Kicker’s premier mobile-audio line. These bi-amp-capable drivers feature a dynamic tweeter and cone design for superior frequency response, while an 18dB/octave crossover network and Neodymium tweeter magnets help overall sound quality. The QSC’s point-source design incorporates 25mm Teteron silk-dome tweeters, each placed in the center of the voice coil, along with a custom waveguide for near-perfect phase alignment and, according to Kicker, impeccable sonic clarity. The QSC crossovers can be bi-amplified. They feature an 18dB/octave crossover with built-in tweeter protection so only the ideal frequencies reach the Teteron domes. The 6.75- and 6×9-inch speakers fit a host of vehicles without modification, and include adapter rings to fit several more. The rings are designed to create a seamless factory fit in select model years of hard-to-fit cars and pickup trucks.
To complement the speakers, Kicker’s KX-Series Amplifier line carries additional features for 2017. To optimize subwoofer performance, KX-Series Amplifiers are also equipped with KickEQ+ variable 18dB bass boost, plus a variable 24dB subsonic filter with adjustable frequency control. Mono models will also include a full-range RCA pass-through for easy system expansion. The new KXARC wireless Bluetooth LE remote will come standard with mono and five-channel amplifiers. The remote will offer a convenient way for techs to monitor and change vital controls on the amps without the need for long wire runs between the amp and controller. A single remote will control as many as four KX-Series mono or five-channel amps simultaneously. The KX-Series Amps come housed in black anodized aluminum lit with a red LED light pipe along the top.
Dual Electronics was showing off its DBN927BT flagship (available in February), which is loaded with features for the MSRP of $249.99. The double-DIN receiver features built in iGo navigation, Bluetooth with an included external microphone, a front-mount USB that can charge, back up camera input, and steering wheel control inputs. Jim Braun, president and CEO of Dual, noted, “With the re-introduction of in-dash navigation, and the prevalence of Bluetooth and mirroring connectivity, the Dual lineup offers the most sought-after convenience, smartphone integration and safety.”
Sony & Smartphone Integration
Sony was all about smartphone integration when it came to introducing its new head unit lineup. For example, the new XAV-W651BT DVD AV Center allows for a one-touch smartphone connection via NFC (Near Field Communication). Additionally, voice control, powered by Sony’s SongPal app or Siri Eyes Free, allows the customer to access media easily while on the road. The new model also includes an intuitive touch screen interface, front AUX connection, and rear-view-camera-ready function with customizable parking guidelines. The AV center is navigation-ready for connecting with the optional XA-NV400 navigation module to assist in drivers’ journeys. The hideaway unit comes loaded with maps from TomTom.
AudioControl is hitting the streets again with two six-channel car audio amplifiers. According to the company, the design goals of the LC-6.1200 and the D-6.1200 (with built in digital sound processor) were to deliver the ultimate solution for factory (OEM) sound system integration and superior overall performance. The new amps are high-current designs housed in a solid one-piece aluminum chassis with internal cooling. Each amplifier delivers 125 watts into 4 ohms/200 watts into 2 ohms and 400 watts bridged into 4 ohms. Both AudioControl 6.1200 models are the first automotive amplifiers to offer eight summable speaker-level inputs, eliminating the need for clunky external adapters and making OEM integration possible even for the most complex factory systems. Chris Bennett, national sales manager of AudioControl, noted, “Installers need premium solutions to make OEM integration easier and with absolutely stunning performance and overall sound quality. These six-channel amplifiers are complete system solutions in a single chassis that deliver the features and performance that today’s car audio consumers demand.”
On the vehicle safety front, EchoMaster was at CES promoting its new products through an adorable method – mini vehicles! “The EchoMaster lineup includes over 90 back-up, front and blind-spot cameras, 40 sensor systems and monitors, and 55 vehicle-specific solutions,” CMO Marie Still explained. “Each of these products addresses specific needs for drivers, but choosing the right solution can get confusing. We wanted a way to showcase the unique aspects of each of our products in a creative, but demonstrable way.” The miniature cars outfitted with EchoMaster solutions allowed for testing out the products to provide an accurate idea of how each product can improve the driving experience, she added.
