AUTOPIA

An update on the pioneering state of intelligent automobile technology.

Bentley, a host on The Gadget Show and former executive producer for Top Gear, believes cars are both a significant transportation convenience and a “powerful psychological force,” but he acknowledges that the industry must continually evolve to remain relevant. After a streamlined history lesson and an outline of automation, the author explores modern technological advances in speed, efficiency, and gadgetry. He explains revolutionary “deep-learning” system advancements in autopilot car automation, including facial recognition, self-parking, and sound management technology, and he looks at the advent of robotaxis and the main manufacturing players behind them. While many of these thrilling enhancements look great on paper, the author effectively communicates the constant obstacles facing the visionary developers polishing their ultramodern innovations. This is the case with intuitive brain-to-vehicle technology, whereby electroencephalography transcribes a driver’s brainwaves via a cumbersome skull cap, as well as problematic laser-powered navigation and car-to-car communication technologies. Bentley shares his fascination with electric cars—though they are plagued with sluggish charging times, battery woes, and “range anxiety”—and the long-range potentiality of diesel and hydrogen fuel sources. While the author’s expertise and passion for cars are evident throughout, he doesn’t shy away from discussing the many hurdles of automotive innovation—e.g., job losses for professional drivers, traffic congestion, and compromised security and safety of driverless technology and its vulnerability to hackers. He tosses in plenty of entertaining surprises: fully driverless, remote-controlled freight trucks and taxis, trailblazing solutions to driver distractions, Elon Musk’s “hyperloop pods,” and the astonishing speed and hefty price tags of the hybrid Hypercar line. In nimbly balancing industry developments and challenges—he also includes a chapter on the endangered culture of classic car enthusiasts—Bentley offers an illuminating and spirited report on the technological wizardry of the car automation revolution.

An impressively researched and fascinating look at the cars coming to a future near you.