Advanced Driver Assistance Systems...and what they mean & do!

When driving a car, drivers have to compe with a multitude of complex traffic situations. First of all, they have to control the vehicle dynamics. Secondly, they have to keep an eye on the direct environment of their vehicle. Thirdly, there is a navigation task to route the car from the starting point to the destination. In addition, driver’s may be using infotainment solutions or talking to passengers. By helping the driver to detect and process information on these three levels - stabilisation, guidance and navigation - the driver’s workload can be reduced, resulting in more convenient and safer driving.

BLIND-SPOT MONITORING
Blind-spot monitoring is starting to become available on a wide variety of non-luxury vehicles. With blind-spot monitoring, virtually all systems show a warning light on the exterior mirror or pillar when an object is detected in your blind spot. Most systems will also beep at you if you try to signal into that lane. Honda has even taken the blind-spot monitoring up a notch with its Lane Watch system, which decreases the passenger-side
 blind spot by displaying the view on the touchscreen when the driver signals into the right lane.

LANE DEPARTURE WARNING
Lane departure warning systems use cameras to “see” the yellow and white lines on the highway and will chime at you when you start wandering outside those lines. Most systems will beep and flash some lights in the instrument cluster, but some vehicles will go the extra mile to grab your attention by vibrating your seat. The warnings are only triggered if you start to cross over the lines without signaling, and most systems can be deactivated.

LANE KEEP ASSIST
Lane keep assist is different than lane departure warning in that it utilizes intervention. Instead of just beeping at you, the system will gently nudge the car back into its lane if it senses you are drifting into another lane that has a car in it. Some cars have more aggressive systems in which the car will steer itself into the correct lane, while some Infiniti and Mercedes models gently apply the brakes to bring you back in your lane.
chime at you when you start wandering outside those lines. Most systems will beep and flash some lights in the instrument cluster, but some vehicles will go the extra mile to grab your attention by vibrating your seat. The warnings are only triggered if you start to cross over the lines without signaling, and most systems can be deactivated.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
This safety feature is exactly what it sounds like. Using radar, sensors, lasers, and cameras, this system lets drivers know when they’re approaching an object too fast with audible and visual warnings, vibration of the seat or steering wheel, or a combination of the three. Some vehicles will even try to minimize the impact of a crash by priming the brake system’s hydraulic lines in preparation for a hard stop. The seat-belt pretensioners will even lock up to better prepare passengers for a crash. Some vehicles try to avoid an accident altogether by using automatic emergency braking in which the car gently applies the brakes to avoid a crash if it senses the driver hasn’t done so in a timely manner.

REAR CROSS-TRAFFIC ALERT
A rearview camera usually shows drivers what’s directly behind them, but rear cross-traffic alerts offer extra protection by combining the camera with radar to alert the driver of potential hazards when backing out of a spot. Some systems issue audible-only warnings, while others also issue a visible warning on the backup screen. Infiniti’s Backup Collision Intervention even depresses the brakes if the driver doesn’t do it in time to avoid a collision

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Self-driving cars won’t hit the market for a while, but cars on public roads are already demonstrating a type of autonomous driving with adaptive cruise control. This feature works just like cruise control, except it’s much smarter since it measures traffic in front of the car using radar or laser sensors. If your car starts approaching a slower-moving car, adaptive cruise control will slow it down and maintain a safe distance between both cars. If the other car moves out of the way, it will bring your car back up to speed again.

ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHTS
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found that adaptive headlights are one of the more effective safety features available on cars. That’s because they increase visibility in dark areas, with the headlights moving in the same direction the steering wheel is turned. This allows the headlights to bend around dark curves, which can make driving through dark canyons safer and much more fun. Automakers such as BMW continue to improve this feature with laser light technology, while Carnegie Mellon University has worked on “smart” headlights that virtually make rain drops disappear by predicting where raindrops will fall and then deactivating light beams that would normally bounce off drops. Active high beams could also supplement adaptive headlights, as they automatically turn on when it’s really dark and turn off when they detect lights from oncoming traffic.

AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Automatic emergency braking usually comes as part of an advanced safety suite that also features some type of collision avoidance. If the system senses a crash is imminent, it will engage the brakes and issue a loud beep or visual warning to alert the driver to intervene. The systems in certain vehicles can even bring the car to a complete stop without the help of a driver. Like rearview cameras, it’s possible this tech could start being offered as standard equipment on mass-volume cars rather than just premium cars. The IIHS found that automatic emergency braking in collision avoidance systems reduced the frequency of collisions, which explains why Nissan is offering the feature as standard equipment on all its cars in its domestic market in Japan.

ATTENTION ASSIST
It’s hard not to imagine that your car has a mind of its own, especially when it can sense that you’re falling asleep. In this case, a driver alert system will flash lights at you and sound a chime to help you remain alert. Mercedes-Benz’s system gets to know your driving style and is tipped off by steering wheel movements that suggest you’re drowsy.

15 Least-Expensive V8-Powered Vehicles

Although V-8 engines aren't as prevalent as they were in the 1960s to 1980s, a number of mainstream vehicles are still available with the classic American powerplant. And not all of those are from American brands. We put together this list of the 15 least expensive V-8-powered vehicles available in the U.S. Only two models crest the $40,000 mark, and five models are available for less than $30,000. Check out the most affordable base models with a V-8 engine in our list here.

2015 Toyota Sequoia SR5 2WD - $45,320


The rear-drive 2015 Toyota Sequoia SR5 is powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 rated at 381 hp and 401 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. With three rows of seating, the Sequoia offers room for eight occupants. Standard features include cloth seats, three-zone climate control, underbody skidplates, and 18-inch alloy wheels (www.wheelertoyota.com).

2015 Dodge Durango R/T RWD - $40,790


If you want a Hemi in your SUV, the rear-drive 2015 Dodge Durango R/T is your least expensive option. The standard 5.7-liter V-8 makes 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. Standard features included HID headlights with LED daytime running lights, Beats by Dre audio system, 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, leather seating, and a lowered suspension. A Durango Limited with the optional Hemi is $95 more. The three-row Durango is also $295 less than the two-row 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x2 with the available Hemi engine.

2015 Nissan Armada SV 4x2 - $39,055


 For those who want a body-on-frame SUV with V-8 power, the 2015 Nissan Armada SV 4x2 is the least expensive offering. Mated to a five-speed automatic, the 5.6-liter V-8 is rated at 317 hp and 385 lb-ft. The Armada can tow up to 8,200 pounds. Standard features include rear backup sensors, heated mirrors, an eight-way power driver's seat, a four-way passenger seat, fold-flat second and third rows, running boards, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

2015 Chrysler 300S Hemi RWD - $38,890


Now that the high-performance Chrysler 300 SRT is no more, the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is the most powerful engine offered in the premium sedan. The 2015 Chrysler 300S with the available ($3,000) Hemi is rated at 363 hp and 394 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic with Sport mode sends power to the rear wheels. The 300S model features black exterior trim in place of other models' chrome bits and rides on Hyper Black-finished 20-inch alloy wheels. Other unique pieces include new lower side sills and a small decklid spoiler.

2015 Chevrolet Camaro 1SS - $34,500




(2015 Chevy Camaro 2SS #1719 shown, www.airportchevy.com)


Powered by a 426-hp, 6.2-liter LS3 V-8, the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS (with 1LE package) won our most recent muscle car comparison (a non-1LE Camaro SS is shown here). With 420 lb-ft, the big V-8 and six-speed manual helped that car hit 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Standard features include a limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, 20-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, and a Chevrolet MyLink with a 7-inch diagonal color touchscreen. An all-new Chevrolet Camaro is expected for the 2016 model year. That car will be powered by the Corvette Stingray's 6.2-liter LT1 V-8. www.airportchevy.com

2015 Dodge Charger R/T RWD - $33,990


The 2015 Dodge Charger R/T is the least expensive V-8-powered sedan available. In the Charger R/T, the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 makes 370 hp and 395 lb-ft. That's 7 hp and 1 lb-ft more than the Chrysler 300S for nearly $5,000 less. The engine features a four-cylinder mode to save fuel. An eight-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. Standard equipment includes projector headlights and LED foglights, 20-inch by 8-inch alloy wheels, and a dual-climate zone system.

2015 Ford Mustang GT - $33,125


(#64194, 2015 Ford Mustang Coupe V6 Shown, MSRP: 38,163 www.butlerford.com)

Now in its sixth generation, the original ponycar is still one of the most affordable ways to get into a V-8 coupe. The 2015 Ford Mustang GT is powered by a 435-hp, 400-lb-ft, 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic. In our testing, the new Mustang GT with the available Performance pack reached 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Standard performance features on the Mustang GT with manual include launch control and an electronic line lock. www.butlerford.com

2015 Dodge Challenger R/T - $32,490


Not only is the 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T the most affordable muscle car available, but it's also the least expensive V-8-powered car currently on sale. In the Challenger R/T, the 5.7-liter Hemi makes 375 hp and 410 lb-ft, more power than its more expensive Mopar siblings. The Challenger is also the only Hemi car with a six-speed manual transmission. An extra cost eight-speed automatic is available, though the power drops to 372 hp and 400 lb-ft with the slushbox. The Challenger R/T comes standard with 20-inch alloy wheels.

2015 Nissan Titan King Cab S Short Box 5.6L 4X2 - $30,735


Although ponycars and muscle cars are affordable ways to own a V-8, there is an often-overlooked segment that undercuts their price by a noticeable amount. The rear-drive 2015 Nissan Titan King Cab S with 6.5-foot box is the first two-wheel-drive half-ton pickup on our list and comes standard with the same 317-hp, 385 lb-ft, 5.6-liter V-8 as the Armada SUV. Standard features include air-conditioning, 18-inch steel wheels, a removable tailgate, and four-wheel disc brakes (a higher trim is shown here).

2015 Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo Regular Wheelbase WT RWD - $30,550


Another overlooked segment is the full-size van. In this category, cargo models undercut passenger models by a significant amount. The 2015 Express 2500 Cargo Regular Wheelbase WT RWD is powered by a 4.8-liter V-8 rated 285 hp and 295 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. A less creepy passenger version starts at $33,185, and the mechanically identical GMC Savana Cargo and Savana Passenger start at $30,550 and $33,185, respectively. www.airportchevy.com

2015 Toyota Tundra SR Regular Cab 8-Foot Bed 5.7L 2WD - $29,460




(#066706 Access Cab Shown, MSRP: $24,935 www.wheelertoyota.com)


A two-wheel-drive 2015 Toyota Tundra SR Regular Cab pickup with the 8.1-foot bed and 5.7-liter V-8 is the most affordable configuration (a Double Cab model is shown). Mated to a six-speed automatic, the 5.7-liter V-8 is rated 381 hp and 401 lb-ft. Those needing more interior space and less power can opt for a Tundra SR Double Cab with the 6.5-foot bed and 4.7-liter V-8 for $29,610. The 4.7-liter is rated 310 hp and 327 lb-ft. www.wheelertoyota.com

2015 Nissan NV 2500 Cargo Van - $29,435



If cargo vans are your thing but the Chevrolet Express is down on style and power, then Nissan has your answer. The 2015 Nissan NV2500 Cargo Van with a 5.6-liter V-8 rated 317 hp and 385 lb-ft undercuts the Express by just over $1,000. A five-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. The NV has enough space inside to haul two 40-by-48-inch pallets in tandem, standard 8-by-4-foot sheets of drywall, 10-foot pipes, and plenty more. An NV Passenger Van with room for up to 12 occupants starts at $35,005.

2015 Ford F-150 XL Regular Cab 6.5-Foot Box 5.0L 4x2 - $28,590


(SuperCab Shown. Stk: 54326 $53,990 www.butlerford.com)

With the Ford F-Series being the best-selling vehicle in the U.S., it's no surprise it's also one of the three least expensive vehicles available with a V-8 engine. The available 5.0-liter V-8 in the 2015 Ford F-150 XL Regular Cab with a 6.5-foot box is rated 385 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. Although the base F-150 undercuts the Mustang GT in price, it rides on 17-inch steel wheels and makes do without modern conveniences such as power windows, locks, and mirrors (an F-150 with more equipment is shown here). Those options plus many others are available at an extra cost. www.butlerford.com

2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT Regular Cab Short Box 5.3L 4x2 - $28,560



Bow Tie fans can get their hands on a V-8 powered Silverado 1500 for $30 less than a Ford F-150 5.0. The rear-drive 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT Regular Cab with 6.5-foot box is available with a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 rated at 355 hp and 383 lb-ft (a Rally Edition model is shown here). A six-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. Like the F-150, the base Silverado features 17-inch steel wheels and manual windows and mirrors. The Silverado WT does, however, come with power locks and a rear-step bumper standard. www.airportchevy.com

2015 Ram 1500 Tradesman Regular Cab Short Box 5.7L 4x2 - $25,915


The 2015 Ram 1500 Tradesman Regular Cab Short Box 4x2 with the available 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is the least expensive V-8-powered vehicle available in the U.S. With 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, the Ram 1500 Hemi is not only the most affordable vehicle available with a V-8; it is also the most powerful truck engine here (the 1500 Tradesman Regular Cab is shown here in EcoDiesel form). In fact, only the Camaro's larger 6.2-liter V-8 makes more horsepower and torque than the Ram 1500's Hemi (+31 hp, +10 lb-ft). The Mustang's 5.0-liter engine makes 40 hp more but 10 lb-ft less. Although a six-speed auto sends power to the rear wheels in the most affordable variant, an eight-speed auto is available for $2,340. At $28,255, the Ram 1500 Hemi with eight-speed auto undercuts the second-place Chevrolet Silverado by $305.