Are Cars Becoming Similar to Video Games?
With new, advanced technology features, real-life cars seem more like video game vehicles than ever before.
Written by Alexandra Maloney
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Car-themed video games
have been popular for years, but are they actually going from the screen to real life? Because of advanced graphics and new
car technology
features, a recent AutoTrader
article claims cars are merging with video games. What do you think about this new phenomenon? The 2024 Ford Mustang makes the case
One of the biggest examples that virtual cars are merging with real-life cars is the 2024 Ford Mustang.
AutoTrader reports one of the things Ford focused the most on in its reveal of the 2024 Mustang was the car’s incredible graphics. In fact, the first press release on the vehicle devoted more words to the car’s screen graphics than it did the Coyote V8 engine.
The
2024 Ford Mustang
uses Unreal Engine 3D design to create graphics that allow drivers to select car color for the miniature version of their Mustang on the screen in front of them before they start driving, as well as adjust features like steering feel and engine response by swiping around a 3D model of the car on screen.There’s even an electronic drift brake, designed to allow gamers who know how to drift on screen, learn and practice on a real car. The Performance Electronic Parking Brake for drifting comes standard with the Performance Pack on all 2024 Mustang models.
Other cars have video game features, too
While the 2024 Mustang definitely adds the most video game features to a real-life vehicle, it’s not the only car to do it. The
Hyundai Elantra N
has a Boost Button that allows drivers to kick the car into high gear, similar to a temporary advantage on a game like Mario Kart. In the Elantra, drivers get 10 additional horsepower for 20 seconds after pushing the Boost Button.The
2023 Dodge Hornet
has a similar feature called the PowerShot, which also gives drivers a temporary horsepower boost when they pull on the shift paddle. And, in many 2022 Mercedes-Benz vehicles, there’s an integrated starter generator that gives drivers a brief power boost.The integrated starter generator was originally developed for Formula One racing, which is probably the closest thing that exists to a real world racing video game. As this technology makes its way to regular cars, it only becomes more evidence that everyday vehicles are becoming similar to video games.
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Are cars becoming similar to video games?
Ford’s Unreal Engine 3D design technology and electronic drift brake, along with Hyundai’s Boost Button and Mercedes’ integrated starter generator are all evidence that cars are becoming similar to video games.
While the roads definitely won’t look like Mario Kart or other racing video games anytime soon (or ever) these new features aren’t a bad thing. Instead, they’re simply small upgrades in technology many car brands are making, and using them is completely optional to every driver.
4.7
