More electronics in Detroit´s 1985 models: Bells and whistles take a hack seat to functional, efficient design and to the integration of instrumentation

Describes the ways in which automobile manufacturers are moving toward a more mature, integrated-systems approach to design. Innovations in 1985 cars include improved diagnostics, better engine controls, a new automatic load-leveling scheme, travel computers, air-bag restraints, antilock braking, AM stereo, a computer-controlled viscous converter clutch, and a retained power feature for powering certain accessories after the ignition has been turned off.