The trickle-down effect in technology provides benefit to many industries, most notably the auto industry; we can thank NASA and the military for much of that. Using Volvo's flagship V8-powered S80 as our test subject, let's examine some of the latest technology enhancing safety and convenience behind the wheel.
Without an explanation of Volvo's BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), occupants would surely wonder what triggers an orange light located at the base of each A-pillar to illuminate in an apparent random fashion. The lights indicate to the driver, the presence of a vehicle in the Volvo's blind spot on either side of the vehicle. With a lens mounted beneath each side-view mirror, the system uses digital camera technology to spot vehicles travelling alongside the Volvo or rapidly approaching from behind. During daytime driving, the digital processor examines the camera's image for objects matching the shape of such vehicles. At night, the technology looks for headlight patterns to identify these threats.
How effective is BLIS? Well it can't be relied upon as conclusive- meaning a shoulder check is required before departing lanes. Road curvature and visibility issues can interfere with the system's accuracy. Not withstanding the occasional false-positive or failure to notify, I found BLIS to be very useful in keeping me apprised of what was transpiring around the sides of the S80 while in motion on multi-lane roadways. BLIS doesn't replace the need to frequently scan rearview and sideview mirrors to maintain awareness of what is approaching from the rear and the location of surrounding vehicles; it does however feed the senses useful information in a very straightforward, unobtrusive way. Volvo's commitment to safer motoring doesn't end with BLIS.
Piggybacking on Volvo's optional adaptive-cruise-control technology is their sophisticated, Collision Warning System (CWS). Adaptive cruise control relies upon RADAR technology to modulate the Volvo's speed relative to the speed and distance of vehicles ahead in the same lane. Volvo's CWS utilizes the same technology to identify pre-collision factors and warn the driver of impending contact. Unlike a park-assist program, CWS functions at speeds greater than 7 kph. Its audible alarm is paired with a brilliant lightpad positioned on the top surface of the dashboard, directly ahead of the driver. When triggered, the pad illuminates in bright red- and yes, it gets your attention immediately focused onto the road ahead of the vehicle.
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| The Blind Spot Information System's warning light. |
Without an explanation of Volvo's BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), occupants would surely wonder what triggers an orange light located at the base of each A-pillar to illuminate in an apparent random fashion. The lights indicate to the driver, the presence of a vehicle in the Volvo's blind spot on either side of the vehicle. With a lens mounted beneath each side-view mirror, the system uses digital camera technology to spot vehicles travelling alongside the Volvo or rapidly approaching from behind. During daytime driving, the digital processor examines the camera's image for objects matching the shape of such vehicles. At night, the technology looks for headlight patterns to identify these threats.
How effective is BLIS? Well it can't be relied upon as conclusive- meaning a shoulder check is required before departing lanes. Road curvature and visibility issues can interfere with the system's accuracy. Not withstanding the occasional false-positive or failure to notify, I found BLIS to be very useful in keeping me apprised of what was transpiring around the sides of the S80 while in motion on multi-lane roadways. BLIS doesn't replace the need to frequently scan rearview and sideview mirrors to maintain awareness of what is approaching from the rear and the location of surrounding vehicles; it does however feed the senses useful information in a very straightforward, unobtrusive way. Volvo's commitment to safer motoring doesn't end with BLIS.
Piggybacking on Volvo's optional adaptive-cruise-control technology is their sophisticated, Collision Warning System (CWS). Adaptive cruise control relies upon RADAR technology to modulate the Volvo's speed relative to the speed and distance of vehicles ahead in the same lane. Volvo's CWS utilizes the same technology to identify pre-collision factors and warn the driver of impending contact. Unlike a park-assist program, CWS functions at speeds greater than 7 kph. Its audible alarm is paired with a brilliant lightpad positioned on the top surface of the dashboard, directly ahead of the driver. When triggered, the pad illuminates in bright red- and yes, it gets your attention immediately focused onto the road ahead of the vehicle.
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| The 2007 S80 is loaded with technologically advanced features. |