42v is unlikley to happen, so camshaftless engines may have to wait a while until they go into production. of course there are companies that have them already as research engines - the carrot crunchers at lotus included

electric brake calipers enable far more braking force overall by individually apportioning maximum retardation to individual wheels - even those that are turned - and by allowing more bias to the rear than is currently used.

on the subject of brakes, carbon discs will increase in use

how about delphi's twin disc system? twice the braking torque in the same diameter package - ideal for the old skool 13"


in my area, there are already hybrid a/c compressors that have one mechanically driven scroll compressor, and one electrically. honda have been using these a while, and other companies are looking into it. means a/c can be run when engine is not running.

of course the next major step in propulsion will be hydrogen fuel cells, but i think that there may be more hybrid diesels first. i've already seen many hybrids designed for the Ultra Low Carbon Car challenge including citroen berlingo and smart forfour and fortwo. bizarre watching them drive silently about on electric power

alternative fuel engines will be more common, particularly biofuels