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August 16, 2007 8:46 AM PDT

Cars in '08 to be most wired ever

by Laura Burstein

A survey released today says the 2008 model year will yield the highest percentage of gadget-filled cars in history.

2008 BMW 5 Series: Techiest car in the world

The study, conducted by Telematics Research Group (TRG) and based on 100 cars announced for the 2008 model year, says almost 70 percent of cars for sale in North America will offer voice-activated, hands-free Bluetooth phone support. Navigation systems will come standard in 80 percent of announced MY08 models.

Portable music player support will also be at an all-time high. According to TRG's Technology Availability Index, 50 percent of cars will have direct iPod connectivity, and 90 percent will have auxiliary input and/or flash memory interfaces. (Not too long ago, those of us wanting to connect our iPods directly to our cars had to shell out around $300 for a stereo shop to install a third-party solution.) Some automakers are also taking a chance on the growing popularity of USB; 20 percent of upcoming models will offer support.

Other technology becoming more widespread in new cars includes safety systems like parking assistance; 60 percent of cars will have ultrasonic park assist as standard or optional equipment. Camera-assisted parking will be available on 30 percent of MY08 vehicles.

TRG named the 2008 BMW 5 series the most technologically advanced vehicle in world for that model year. According to the survey, it has the highest number of electronic features and gadgets available as standard or optional equipment. The German car beat out the Lexus LS-460, which led the pack in the '07 model year.

Availability of features for 2008 model year

Laura Burstein is a freelance automotive and technology journalist, covering news and events ranging from auto shows to Formula One races. She is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure.
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Obviously. DUHHH
by computerwiz2 August 17, 2007 7:47 PM PDT
Posting this doesn't need knowledge on cars, this only proves that she knows how to read, and common sense. OBVIOUSLY CARS IN 2008, THE LATEST MODEL YEAR WILL HAVE THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY!! Any idiot could've told you that.
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DUHHH??? needs to do some reading of his own
by softwaregirl September 4, 2007 4:44 PM PDT
Computerwhiz should stick to computers. If he knew anything about CARS, he'd know that it takes YEARS to get "the latest technology" into a new model year vehicle. Sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you're stupid, rather than opening it and proving them right.
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Thanks for your stupidity!
by computerwiz2 September 26, 2007 8:48 PM PDT
So based on your logic, technology in cars will be the same from 2000-2007? And all of a sudden in 2008 new technology comes out? Secondly, true enthusiasts don't give a crap about cabin tech. I think you should rethink that statement.
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by faisalas25 April 22, 2008 11:35 PM PDT
Latest Model Cars
Today most of the car models that are available elsewhere are also available in world
http://latestmodelcarsever.blogspot.com/
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About Girl on Cars

Laura Burstein is a freelance automotive and technology journalist. She covers car news and events ranging from auto shows to Formula One races. Laura is a member of the Motor Press Guild and the BMW Car Club of America.

She is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET.

Disclosure.

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