The Future of Cars:

Cars. I love them. I’ve spent most of my life driving them, talking about them, and occasionally crashing them. But what will cars be like in the future? Will they still have wheels, engines, and steering wheels? Will they still make loud noises, emit fumes, and annoy cyclists? Or will they be silent, clean, and self-driving? And more importantly, will they still be fun?

There are four main trends that are shaping the future of cars: electrification, autonomy, connectivity, and sharing. Let me explain what they mean.

Electrification means that cars will run on batteries instead of petrol or diesel. This is supposed to reduce emissions, save money, and improve performance. Sounds good, right? Well, not quite. You see, batteries are heavy, expensive, and take a long time to charge. And where does the electricity come from? Coal-fired power stations? Nuclear reactors? Wind turbines? Solar panels? All of these have their own problems and costs. And what about the fun factor? Electric cars may be fast, but they are also boring. They don’t make any noise, they don’t have any gears, and they don’t have any soul. They are like washing machines on wheels.

Autonomy means that cars will drive themselves without human intervention. This is supposed to increase safety, efficiency, and convenience. Sounds great, right? Well, not really. You see, autonomy is complicated, expensive, and unreliable. It requires sensors, cameras, radars, lidars, computers, software, maps, and networks. And what if something goes wrong? What if the car gets hacked, crashes, or kills someone? Who is responsible? The driver? The manufacturer? The software developer? The government? And what about the fun factor? Autonomous cars may be smart, but they are also dull. They won’t let you choose your route, your speed, or your music. They won’t let you enjoy the scenery, the thrill, or the challenge. They are like taxis without drivers.

Connectivity means that cars will be online and capable of sending and receiving data. This is supposed to enhance entertainment, information, and communication. Sounds cool, right? Well, not exactly. You see, connectivity is intrusive, distracting, and risky. It exposes your personal data, your location, and your preferences. It bombards you with ads, messages, and notifications. It tempts you to check your phone, your email, or your social media. And what about the fun factor? Connected cars may be entertaining, but they are also annoying. They won’t let you focus on the road, the car, or the moment. They won’t let you relax, escape, or explore. They are like smartphones on wheels.

Sharing means that cars will be rented or borrowed instead of owned or bought. This is supposed to reduce costs, congestion, and pollution. Sounds sensible, right? Well, not really. You see, sharing is inconvenient, unhygienic, and impersonal. It limits your choice, your availability, and your comfort. It exposes you to strangers, germs, and damage. And what about the fun factor? Shared cars may be practical, but they are also bland. They don’t let you customize, maintain, or cherish. They don’t let you express yourself, your style, or your personality. They are like hotel rooms on wheels.

So there you have it. The future of cars is electric, autonomous, connected, and shared. But is it bright? Not in my opinion. The future of cars is boring, soulless, annoying, and bland. It takes away everything that makes cars fun: the noise, the speed, the control, and the ownership. It turns cars into appliances, utilities, services, and commodities.

But don’t worry. There is still hope. There are still some carmakers who understand what we want: cars that are fast, loud, beautiful, and exciting. Cars that make us feel alive, happy, proud, and free. Cars that are not just machines, but works of art.

Cars like the Aston Martin Valhalla, a hybrid supercar with a V8 engine and an electric motor can reach 217 mph (350 km/h) and go from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.5 seconds.

Cars like the Chevy Corvette Z06, a petrol-powered sports car with a V8 engine that can produce 670 horsepower and rev up to 8 600 rpm.

Cars like the Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4, a retro-futuristic supercar with a V12 engine and an electric motor that can deliver 814 horsepower and sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.8 seconds.

These are the cars of the future that I want to drive. These are the cars that make me say: “Poweeerrr!”