The 2007 Audi A4 as been named by Forbes as one of the safest cars in 2007. This is primarily because of its extensive list of active safety features to help avoid accidents. In fact, it has performed well on all crash tests completed on vehicles in the United States. Of course, among of the most important safety features are its revised brake system and electronic brake distribution.

In federal government crash testing, this generation of A4 achieved four out of five stars for protecting both the driver and front passenger in frontal crashes. In a side impact crash tests, it earned five out of five stars for protecting front seat passengers, and four out of five stars for protecting backseat passengers. The A4 received four out of five stars for its ability to prevent a rollover. It is important to note that, while these tests were performed on a 2006 model, the car tested was mechanically the same as the 2007 A4.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the A4 sedan its highest rating, “good,” in both frontal offset and side impact tests. The car earns an “acceptable,” the second-highest rating, for protecting occupants in rear impacts. These high scores led the IIHS to name the A4 sedan a “Top Safety Pick” in its class for 2007. Shoppers should note that these scores apply only to the sedan. A4 Cabriolet convertibles have a separate set of scores.

Audi’s Electronic Stability Program with integrated Traction Control performs well on skid tests, and includes a unique feature designed to keep the brakes performing well in wet conditions. Motor Trend explains, “This ESP system features a brake disc wiping function that keeps the rotors dry on wet roads even if the brakes haven’t been applied for a long distance. The brake linings are pressed against the disc at regular intervals, although the driver never knows or feels it.”

To enhance driver awareness during night driving, the A4 includes bixenon headlights that actually turn their beams with the car’s steering. Moreover, it also includes a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System that warns the driver of dangerously underinflated tires.

Sedan versions of the A4 include a full suite of air bags as standard equipment. Occupant-sensing front air bags in front of both driver and front passenger inflate only if the seat is occupied, and can inflate at varying speeds depending on occupant size and crash severity. Roof-mounted head curtain air bags protect all passengers in side impacts. In addition, seat-mounted side air bags, which protect passengers’ torsos in a side-impact crash, are standard in front and optional for rear seats. Cabriolet models of the A4 must use a different air bag system, since the crash dynamics of convertibles are very different than those of sedans.

 Air bags: driver and right-front passenger, dual-stage, frontal and side impact air bags; first-, second- and third-row side-curtain air bags; for outboard passengers with Passenger Sensing System and rollover protection

Air bags help protect the driver and right front-seat passenger in certain collisions by supplementing the protection provided by safety belts. Side-impact air bags for both the driver and right-front passenger help reduce the risk of injury in certain side-impact collisions. Dual-stage front air bags utilize sensors to detect the severity of a crash, and then determine whether the air bags should be deployed and at what level of force.

The Passenger Sensing System automatically switches the right-front passenger frontal air bag on or off based on the passenger’s weight.

Side-curtain air bags are designed to help reduce the risk of head injuries to front-seat and outboard rear-seat occupants on the near side of certain side-impact collisions.

Brakes: four-wheel antilock disc

The antilock brake system (ABS) is designed to help drivers maintain steering control by reducing wheel lockup during hard braking on most slippery or dry surfaces.

StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Rollover Mitigation

The StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Rollover Mitigation helps your vehicle respond to your steering commands. During difficult driving conditions, sensors feed data to an onboard computer that adjusts engine speed and brake pressure to any individual wheel to help keep you on track.

Theft-deterrent system: PASS-Key III engine immobilizer with content theft alarm

As an added security feature, this vehicle has the PASS-Key III theft-deterrent system, which includes a special ignition key with up to three trillion possible code variations. If any attempt is made to start your vehicle without the properly coded key, the starter and fuel injectors are temporarily disabled.

Traction Control: full-range

Traction Control reduces engine power and modulates the brakes to help reduce wheel slip during acceleration on many surfaces.

OnStar: one-year Directions & Connections Plan with Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Vehicle Diagnostics and Hands-Free Calling (Click here for important details)

With OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Advisors can send your route directly to the vehicle. As you drive, OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation tells you when the next turn is approaching, and if you miss a turn, automatically offers to get you back on track. OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation lets you keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel - so you can stay focused on driving.

The high-performance brake system requires 17-inch wheels to accommodate larger diameter brake discs which ensure outstanding stopping power and deceleration. Brake performance is further enhanced by BMW’s new-generation Dynamic Stability Control. Introduced on the 3 Series Sedan, this latest DSC system incorporates several new functions. For example, DSC works to counteract the slightest brake fading effect even at extremely high brake temperatures by increasing brake pressure accordingly. This ensures maximum brake power even under the toughest conditions, without requiring the driver to exert any higher pressure on the brake pedal.

If the driver suddenly lifts off the accelerator pedal, Brake Standby positions the brake pads closer to the discs to further reduce stopping distances in an emergency. Brake Drying, in turn, optimizes brake performance in the wet by using the brake pads to periodically dry the brake discs. Dynamic Brake Control automatically maximizes brake pressure whenever required in an emergency stop. Start-off Assistant briefly holds the car when setting off on an uphill grade.

Dynamic Traction Control is another feature of DSC. Activation of DTC raises the threshold for intervention by the brakes, enabling the driver of a BMW 3 Series Coupe to set off smoothly on low friction surfaces such as snow. A benefit of DTC for the enthusiast is that it allows slight, easily controllable slip on the drive wheels even on a dry surface.

Of course, as in all BMWs, the driver has the option to completely deactivate DSC in the new 3 Series Coupe.

The new BMW 3 Series Coupe also comes standard with run flat tires. Featuring the most advanced fail safe running qualities, these tires allow the driver to continue for up to 90 miles at 50 miles per hour even with complete loss of pressure in one tire. The standard Tire Pressure Monitor gives plenty of warning and alerts the driver when the pressure of any tire falls 25 percent or more below the ideal level.

In dangerous driving situations, even a fraction of a second can make a huge difference. The standard Adaptive Brake System is designed to use those valuable split seconds effectively.

When driving under the rain, for example, a film of water can form on the brake discs resulting in a decrease in brake performance. But Adaptive Brake technology is so precise, it can remove this film of water by imperceptibly applying the brakes for an instant. This brake drying function ensuring the brakes are optimized in the wet.

Priming is another ingenious safety measure. If the accelerator pedal is released abruptly, Adaptive Brake anticipates the driver’s intentions and brings the brake pads closer to the brake discs. Should the driver then apply the brakes, the response time is significantly faster, helping to reduce stopping distances.

The Adaptive Brake System also incorporates Hill Start Assist, a support function that prevents the car rolling backwards when moving off on an uphill gradient.

In the event of emergency braking, flashing brake lights are activated warning traffic approaching from behind, resulting in both a reduction in response time and stopping distance. Hazard warning lights are also automatically activated after emergency braking from high speed.

High-performance braking system

The BMW Z4 Coupe is built for performance - and so are its brakes. They were designed for minimum weight and thus maximum agility, and deliver outstanding stopping times, together with optimum durability and longevity. This sports coupe benefits from even greater braking power thanks to a new 17-inch braking system with ventilated discs front and rear (front only on other models).

Two-stage brake lights

Only a small fraction of everyday braking is emergency braking. And yet it’s on these rare occasions that the reactions of other drivers are so important. That’s why the BMW Z4 Coupe comes with two-stage brake lights that vary according to the braking pressure. In heavy braking, a second light section is illuminated, allowing the drivers behind to recognise emergency braking by the brightness of the stop lights and to react accordingly.

The MINI Cooper S now comes standard with oversized brakes in the front for optimal braking. These top of the line brakes help provide excellent stopping performance, outstanding grip and incredibly short braking distances. And just like all Mini Brakes, they come standard with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC) to further enhance agility and handling, while Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is available as an option.

Electronic Brake Force Distribution

Different loads of cargo require different brake force distributions. EBD helps distribute brake forces to the different wheels depending o the MINI’s current load.

Cornering Brake Control

If a driver of a MINI brakes while cornering or changing lanes, Cornering Brake Control (CBC) will improve the vehicle’s stability. By optimizing the braking effects being applied to each wheel and evening out the braking pressure from side-to-side, the CBC system helps drivers maintain control at critical times on the road.

 The Smart Fortwo is equipped with an impressive list of active safety features that will further increase safety on the road.

ABS and EBD - Most cars have Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS) today, but Smart takes things one step further by adding Electronic Brake-Force Distribution Control (EBD). With ABS, you can hit your brakes hard knowing the ABS circuitry will apply and release each brake independently to keep you from skidding regardless of the type of road surface each wheel is on. EBD then optimizes the front-to-rear balance of braking to allow you to steer without loss of control.

CBC - When you enter a corner and apply your brakes, the unequal forces at each wheel can result in a skid or a complete “end-around”. With Cornering Brake Control (CBC) your smart fortwo controls the braking force at each wheel to keep you headed where the car is steered.

HSA - The auto/manual transmission of the smart fortwo is equipped with Hill Start Assist (HSA) which allows you to pull away on a hill without having to apply the handbrake. As you lift your foot from the brake pedal while sitting stopped on a hill, HSA holds the brakes on for .7 seconds to give you time to move your foot to the accelerator. So don’t worry about driving your smart fortwo in San Francisco.

EBA - Avoiding accidents is often measured in inches. Electronic Brake Assist can sense when you have stepped on the brake quickly but have not applied it hard enough to activate the ABS system. It can be the difference in reaction time you need to avoid an accident.

ESP® — One of the standard features on your Smart Fortwo is something called Electronic Stability Program or ESP®. When the ESP® sensors indicate a skid or swerving of your car, they automatically control the engine throttle and the Anti-Lock brakes to bring the car back under control.

ASC and ETC - Acceleration Skid Control (ASC) allows your smart fortwo to move forward on slippery surfaces. It acts much like a differential lock but does it by selectively braking the wheels that are losing traction. Engine Torque Control (ETC) provides engine control when driving on slippery surfaces. It “feathers” the throttle on low traction acceleration and limits torque in down shifting applications.

The sixth generation of the range-topping 911 model provides unmatched performance in a practical, stylish and functional package perfect for everyday use. Power comes from a revolutionary, 480-horsepower, twin turbocharged, 3.6-liter boxer engine featuring Porsche’s first application of variable turbine geometry (VTG). It also features an all-new upgraded brake system.

The 2007 911 Turbo features a brake system even more efficient than on the former model. The brake concept on the front wheels has been carried over from the Carrera® GT, with six-piston brake calipers in conjunction with 350mm (13.78″) brake discs ensuring impressive stopping power. The new brake configuration also feeds more brake power to the rear wheels, where four-piston brake calipers again interact with brake discs measuring 350mm in diameter. Two other features are pre-loading of the brake system and Brake Assistant, both serving to shorten stopping distances even further when applying the brakes suddenly. The new 911 Turbo is also available as an option with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB® ) for truly outstanding braking qualities ensured by ceramic brake discs, and further developed in even larger dimensions than before.

For the first time, the power unit of the new Porsche 911 Turbo features an exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG). VTG provides for efficient control of the exhaust gas flow throughout the entire range of engine speed, guiding the flow of air in exactly the right direction and at the right angle to the turbine blades. The result is yet another increase in engine output, despite engine capacity remaining unchanged at 3.6 liters, up from 420 horsepower to 480 horsepower. Maximum torque, in turn, is up from 415 lb.-ft. to 460 lb.-ft., and meaningful twist is on tap beginning at a low 1950 rpm.

Equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, the new 911 Turbo accelerates to 60 mph in only 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h, 3.9 sec.). Equipped with the optional Tiptronic S, the car completes the same sprint in only 3.4 seconds (0-100 km/h, 3.7 sec.). This makes the new 911 Turbo the first sports car from Porsche with quicker acceleration with the automatic transmission than with the manual. This is the result of the interaction of the turbochargers with their variable turbine geometry, the Porsche Traction Management, and the new Tiptronic S set-up.

For the first time the optional Sports Chrono Package Turbo provides a brief Overboost of power. With the Sport button engaged, and under full throttle during mid-range engine speeds, turbocharger boost pressure is temporarily increased, boosting torque by 45 lb-ft (60 Nm) to a staggering 505 lb-ft (680 Nm). This Overboost is an advantage in short, interim acceleration and overtaking maneuvers.

It is said that the DBS is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin’s engineering and technical ability. It offers pure performance without compromise. The DBS delivers the complete driving experience and bridges the gap between our road and track cars – the DB9 and DBR9.

The Aston Martin DBS is a 6.0-litre V12 powered, race-bred, two-seater shaped by the aerodynamic demands of high performance, with an exquisite interior made of hand-finished materials with the very latest in performance technology.

The braking system found on the Aston Martin DBS is as sophisticated as the powerplant. Standard brakes are massive Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) discs, with 6-piston calipers (4-piston in the rear) and anti-lock control. Carbon brakes are lighter than conventional iron brakes, reducing unsprung weight and rotational mass, further enhancing handling.

On the other hand, front and rear suspension is of an independent double-wishbone design with coil springs, monotube adaptive dampers and sway bars to complete the hardware. All suspension geometry has been optimized to prevent lift, dive or squat under various driving conditions, while offering a driving experience without compromise.

A combination of elegant design, innovative manufacturing processes, race-derived materials and components and Aston Martin’s unrivalled hand-build expertise makes the DBS a luxury sports car without equal. Every line, crease and curve conveys the enormous potential of the DBS, a seductive blend of refinement and raw power, provided by the hand-built V12 producing 380kW (510bhp/517PS), a top speed of 191mph (302km/h) and a 0-62mph (0-100km/h) time of 4.3 seconds.

Other exciting features include a 700 watt Dolby Pro Logic II sound system, hard drive-based navigaion, Bluetooth integration, MP3 connectivity and the interesting-sounding ignition ECU (Emotion Control Unit), which is fancy talk for the DBS’ bejeweled keyfob. The slot for it is in the Engine Start button itself, and when inserted, the button glows red. The driver simply presses the ECU flush to fire the engine, which, incidentally, we desperately want to hear in person.

Honda (UK) has launched an all new Civic Hybrid equipped with a high-spec, voice controlled Sat Nav and intelligent brake technology. These new features are a first to be installed in a Hybrid as standard equipment.

The intelligent brake technology is employed in a new regenerative braking system. A brake pedal sensor detects the driver’s braking force and reaction time and then calculates the correct amount of hydraulic braking and regenerative braking required to slow or stop the vehicle. The regenerative braking comes from the electric motor/generator, which helps slow the car down. This assistance cuts down the workload for the hydraulic brakes, thus extending the life of the brakes and their components. At the same time, the Hybrid’s electric motor recovers the energy used during deceleration, and uses it to charge the car’s high voltage battery.

The Civic Hybrid EX is a combination of a petrol engine with an electric motor and also features leather upholstery and Honda’s Hands Free Telephone (HFT) equipment, which uses Bluetooth technology to allow mobile phone calls to be made safely on the move.

It’s the first time a Hybrid has featured factory-fitted Sat Nav as standard equipment, meeting a growing demand in the sector, particularly from corporate customers wanting high-spec, low emission cars.

Controls for the HFT kit are mounted on the steering wheel, while the DVD Navigation unit in the Civic Hybrid EX replaces the existing 6 CD changer, mounted in the dashboard above the air-conditioning controls.

As well as offering maps of the UK and Western Europe, it can monitor traffic congestion and advise the user on alternative routes.

In addition, the Honda Sat Nav system can be controlled by voice recognition. Just hold the correct button, say the word ‘Restaurant’ and the system will locate the nearest places to eat, and then direct you to them.

According to Honda, customers are demanding a higher level of equipment.

“In the fleet market in particular, many drivers demand kit like Sat Nav, because they use the car for business on a daily basis. The new EX will allow us to meet those needs, and therefore we should appeal to an even wider range of businesses and user chooser drivers,” explains Harvey Hughes, Manager — Corporate Operations adds Hughes.