Popular Science is one of my favorite magazines, and I've been subscribing to it since 1968. They've given out their Best of What's New awards to the best innovative technologies of 2005. Here are their awards for auto tech.
The Jeep Hurricane is the grand prize winner in the field of auto tech. The real achievement lies underneath, where a central transfer case called the T-Box receives the opposing engines' driveshafts and apportions a combined 700 horsepower and 750 pound-feet of torque to all four independently sprung wheels. Each wheel can deflect up to 45 degrees off-center, enabling the Hurricane to scoot diagonally like a beach crab or spin in place.
Other nominees included:
Ferrari Superamerica RoofDial in the sunlight, or drop the top -- fast
Garmin Streetpilot 2720A GPS that speaks in street names
Saab Biopower EngineThe fast, ethanol-loving turbo
Volkswagen Twincharger A power-packed, gas-sipping engine
BMW 3-Series Advanced BrakesBrainy brakes save lives
Michelin TweelThe tire that never needs air