CAPE TOWN: Driving a car faster than the speed of sound just wasn’t fast enough for RAF Wing Commander Andy Green. He and his Bloodhound SSC (supersonic car) are scheduled to complete their first high-speed test runs in South Africa, on a flat piece of desert that workers have cleared of pebbles. Yes, really. If all goes well, Green will take the Bloodhound up over the speed of sound to 1,287 kilometres an hour (800 miles an hour) in 2015. That would be a new land speed record, but it’s just a warm up for the real goal: 1,609 km/h (1,000 mph) in 2016.
More rivals for the Porsche 911
There are so many versions of the Porsche 911 that just about any sports car can be considered its rival. But in 2015, the 911 must take on more challengers than ever, including an all-new Audi R8, an all-wheel drive Jaguar F-Type, the hardcore Porsche Cayman GT4, the hybrid-powered Acura NSX, and a new entry-level model from McLaren.
Interface design
The interior is the next frontier for automotive design, and we’re not just talking softer plastics and extra carbon-fibre trim. With more technology being crammed into new cars, they’re becoming extremely complicated – distracting, even – for drivers. Better interface design is the solution, and there’s room for improvement. Expect to see slicker graphics and streamlined command systems on next-gen infotainment systems.
Turbos for everyone
The proliferation of fuel-efficient, downsized turbocharged engines will continue, as auto makers work to meet tougher emissions standards. Except for Mercedes-AMG, nobody has figured out how to make turbocharged engines sound as wicked as their naturally-aspirated counterparts.
More plug-in hybrids
Another way auto makers will meet fleet-wide emissions targets is by offering more hybrid plug-in versions of existing vehicles. Expect to pay a steep price premium for such efficie.
