# Features you'd want on your dream car? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 13, 2010, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623 "2010-09-13T16:58:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/41 "2010-09-20T03:34:09Z")
> [@Napier](#): > > No beepers or buzzers inside. I have no idea what they are for. I guess they are to remind us that cars are generally dangerous? You could try reading that book that came with your car, you know the Owner’s manual. Car are not generally dangerous, but in the hands of someone that does not know how to operate them, they can be. > [@](#): > > ready-made passageways through the roof columns for fishing cables. Cars are always 1 or 2 inventions behind electronics and will never, ever, ever catch up. > > Roof rack made out of 80/20 aluminum extrusions. does anyone have an English translation for these comments? Particularly the fishing cable one. 😕 ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/42 "2010-09-20T05:21:46Z")
A windshield that repels snow, frost, and ice. Actually, I want the whole car to repel snow, frost, and ice, so I never have to sweep it and other people who don’t bother to clean their cars don’t have to, either. A heater that heats the whole car extremely quickly (and can also be used when the engine is off). Front seat foot wells that have a drip pan that can be taken out and emptied. A place to put a purse in the front passenger seat that isn’t on the floor (I mean, when I’m sitting there - I can put it on the seat when I’m driving). I don’t care for putting my purse in the puddle in the floor well, and the back seat isn’t always available. Windshield wipers that are built for extreme cold and last much longer. Actually, make all the parts of the car built for extreme cold and last much longer. Quick disconnect on the block heater cord so it disconnects easily, and also lets go if you start driving away with the car still plugged in. I’ve spend far too many freezing mornings fighting with my block heater cord, trying to disconnect it. Frozen plastic doesn’t have much give. Truly all-season tires - good for rain and hot roads as well as snow and sheer ice. Most people don’t put winter tires on even though they do a really good job because it’s just too much hassle. We use cars here that are built for much more forgiving climates, and it you can tell - getting 10 years out of a car here is pretty good, regardless of how well you look after it. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/43 "2010-09-20T07:05:23Z")
A kinetic energy dispenser. In the event of a crash, it converts all the kinetic energy involved into a harmless form of energy, like a big flash of light, and leaves the car and its occupants perfectly still, and untouched. Would also do the same for people and animals the car is involved in running over/into. Bonus points if the energy can be stored to power the car … thus if you were low on fuel you could charge the car by ramming things. ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/44 "2010-09-20T07:56:30Z")
Small freezer compartment in the trunk - here in Vegas, it would be great to store frozen food, or just keep ice. Mini-radar system so I can tell there is some wild ass drunk or cop car coming down the cross street at 130 MPH. Press a button and spikes extend from your tires for sudden snow/ice on the road. Automatic “black out” windows to keep sun away when you park your car in the summer, plus a low fan to blow out the heat. Blu Tooth installed, so all I have to do is turn on my cell and the car hooks up - with multiple connections for others in the car who might want to have their phones hooked up as well. Oh, and the option to shut the damn thing off as well. Loud speaker so I can tell the driver in front to “PULL INTO THE INTERSECTION, ASSHOLE!” ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/45 "2010-09-20T13:42:16Z")
> [@Rick](#): > > > [@Napier](#): > > > > ready-made passageways through the roof columns for fishing cables. Cars are always 1 or 2 inventions behind electronics and will never, ever, ever catch up. > > > > Roof rack made out of 80/20 aluminum extrusions. > > does anyone have an English translation for these comments? Particularly the fishing cable one. > 😕 I think he means to have user-accessible channels throughout the vehicle for the purpose of fishing new wires and cables through. Like, say, should he decide to add CAT6 Ethernet to the trunk. While we know these are all over the body structure, they’re not user-accessible. And then 80/20 is that stuff we sometimes make material handler end-effectors out of. I guess that that would make for a really flexible roof rack system! ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/46 "2010-09-20T16:51:30Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > Loud speaker so I can tell the driver in front to “PULL INTO THE INTERSECTION, ASSHOLE!” Surely you mean “Don’t block the intersection, asshole!” Or “Don’t pull into the intersection unless you are assured of exiting the intersection before the light turns red, thus assuring you are not impeding other traffic!” Because waiting in the intersection for the light to turn, then jetting out when oncoming traffic stops is called “running a red light”. It’s illegal for a reason. ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/47 "2010-09-20T17:00:11Z")
> [@ducati](#): > > Because waiting in the intersection for the light to turn, then jetting out when oncoming traffic stops is called “running a red light”. It’s illegal for a reason. Cite? (Show me yours, and I’ll show you mine. – As long as you enter the intersection before the red, then it’s _not_ running a red light. It’s how normal people make left turns at intersections without controlled lefts.) ---
**Author:** ![pyromyte](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d26b3c/32.png) [@pyromyte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pyromyte)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/48 "2010-09-20T17:23:14Z")
In Kentucky (where I normally drive) any vehicle that entered an intersection on a circular green or yellow light is allowed to complete a left turn during the red light. Ky statute [189.338 (1) (d)](http://www.lrc.ky.gov/krs/189-00/338.PDF) ---
**Author:** ![Nunzio\_Tavulari](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Nunzio\_Tavulari](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunzio_Tavulari)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/49 "2010-09-21T04:44:44Z")
Manual transmission is always my first requirement on a car, dream or otherwise. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/50 "2010-09-21T13:11:44Z")
> [@Evil\_Captor](#): > > A kinetic energy dispenser. In the event of a crash, it converts all the kinetic energy involved into a harmless form of energy, like a big flash of light, and leaves the car and its occupants perfectly still, and untouched. Would also do the same for people and animals the car is involved in running over/into. Imagine if this was hooked to the brakes. Stop-and-go traffic would be _sparkly_. > [@Evil\_Captor](#): > > Bonus points if the energy can be stored to power the car … thus if you were low on fuel you could charge the car by ramming things. …once. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/51 "2010-09-21T13:15:13Z")
It wouldn’t be my dream car if it couldn’t drive itself, especially on long highway trips. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/52 "2010-09-21T13:18:06Z")
> [@ducati](#): > > … Because waiting in the intersection for the light to turn, then jetting out when oncoming traffic stops is called “running a red light”. It’s illegal for a reason. Not in Texas it isn’t. Cite: Driving school, both the literature and the instructor. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/53 "2010-09-21T16:58:43Z")
Mundane stuff: Better stereo with iPod input. I could have such installed but it’d cost at least 500 dollars. A setting that remembers your seat adjustments and mirror adjustments so that when Someone Else drives your car, you touch a button and you don’t have to futz with getting everything re-set. Yeah, I know some higher-end cars have this but I want it on my everyday car. More fanciful: Legroom. Enough legroom and elbow room for everyone. Maybe even room for people to stretch out and recline a bit. Maybe even the driver, if we ever get an automatic system where the driver can relax. Instant-on heat. You’re driving to work in the middle of the winter and the car is just barely getting warm enough when you get to the office. Some sort of photo-sensitive windshield material so when you’re driving directly into the sunlight, you’re not faced with the choice of being blinded by the sunlight, or by flipping down the visors. Some sort of thing to beam “wake up” rays at your brain so you don’t get drowsy during long drives. A small refrigerator for road-trip drinks etc. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/54 "2010-09-21T17:04:07Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > … > EATA: and a CD jukebox that can hold at least 100, so I don’t have to rummage around for them when I’m listening to a book. Oooh - an iPod will do the job with that and they do make radios that direct-connect. I had one installed in \*\*Typo Knig’\*\*s car that works that way; now he just leaves his old iPod in the glove compartment and controls it from the radio knob. ---
**Author:** ![FordTaurusSHO94](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f07891/32.png) [@FordTaurusSHO94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordTaurusSHO94)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/55 "2010-09-21T21:20:52Z")
My only required feature is a standard transmission. I bought a Ranger over an F-150 earlier this year because an F-150 is only available with an automatic and an F-250 is too expensive since I wouldn’t use it for much towing. A dream list of features would be 0-60 in under 4 seconds, top speed of 150+, 12" of ground clearance, 4x4, soft top, and a standard tranmission. I guess between my 4x4 Ranger, Jeep Wrangler, and sport bike, I’ve got all of that, but one vehicle would be nice. ---
**Author:** ![Yarster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/7c8e57/32.png) [@Yarster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yarster)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2010, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/56 "2010-09-22T20:43:10Z")
How abouts front and passenger seats that truly fold flat and make one continuous flat space with the rear seats folded flat in the SUV so that it becomes your tent while camping/ having sex in the car? An auto-defrost setting - seriously, how is this not a feature in every car by now? Scrambling to find this in every rental car is always a pain. Tail-lights that get brighter and flash if I slam on my brakes to give extra warning to the car behind me so I don’t get rear-ended. And as a practical point, put a better motor in the driver side window and better cloth/leather on the driver’s side seat since it will get far more wear than the others. No manufacturer has ever done that, and every car I have ever owned has had a dying electric motor in the door and cracked/ripped driver’s seat by the time I am ready to get rid of it. Awesome gas mileage and a cool body style would be great too! How about interchangeable bodies for the car? A larger SUV style for taking multiple people and a sportier body for me and the wife would be awesome. ---
**Author:** ![UncleRojelio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unclerojelio/32/3160_2.png) [@UncleRojelio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleRojelio)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2010, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/57 "2010-09-22T20:54:56Z")
The ability to get in and voice command it to fly to my destination. ---
**Author:** ![ThisOneGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c0e974/32.png) [@ThisOneGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisOneGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2010, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/58 "2010-09-23T03:19:51Z")
I’ve been dreaming of this car for a few years now, I think the technology is available. A hybrid 4WD with the motors in the wheels, making it so you don’t need axles at 1/2 wheel height. Unimog style ground clearance, with ordinary (for 4WD) seat height, CG, etc. Plus, with motors in all four wheels, its like having full time locked differentials. As long as one tire has traction, you are going to move. Run 35x12 tires stock. I figure, a small engine that is just enough to go say 80mph on level ground, using the battery for hills, passing, acceleration. Regenerative braking for those long, steep descents. Make it plug in, so you don’t need to use fuel at all for short trips around town. It wouldn’t get prius milage, but should get compact car levels for around town trips. Also, as mentioned above, seats that fold down flat for camping, or hauling. Seat four full sized adults. Good visibility. It might even have a market. The mass media don’t mention it, but there is a large overlap between those who want to protect the environment, and those who like spending time in it. ---
**Author:** ![interface2x](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c0e974/32.png) [@interface2x](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/interface2x)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2010, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/59 "2010-09-23T03:23:35Z")
Rack and peanut steering? ---
**Author:** ![MrJDL71](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dbc845/32.png) [@MrJDL71](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrJDL71)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2013, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623/60 "2013-05-14T16:38:30Z")
A Box hitch for a trailer ball hitch or for a removable bike rack Auxillary stereo plug for iPod and/or a USB plug for MP3s stored on a thumb drive Keypad entry Light Emitting Diode (LED) tail lights so the bulbs never burn out LED interior lights so the bulb never burns out Six USB charging plugs up front and four in the back A 110 volt plug in the trunk A solar panel to trickle charge the car’s battery A fan (powered by a solar panel) that keeps the interior of the car \<80 degrees while parked A plug-in hybrid flexfuel engine with a solar panel so the car can run on electricity or any type of fuel (gas, propane, biodiesel) Electric front window defroster like the electric back window defroster Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) windows that get darker the brighter the sun gets A train’s air horn in addition to the regular car horn The headlights automatically come on when I turn on the wipers The high beams flash when I hit the horn Front passenger seat folds flat or a quick release to take it out completely [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/features-youd-want-on-your-dream-car/553623.md?page=4)