Some trucks and SUVs have huge blindspots. Here's a technology that overcomes them.
The single most noteworthy feature of the 2009 FX35, a highly refined, classy SUV, was its Around View Monitor. Small cameras mounted in the front and rear, and below each side mirror, supply the driver with an overhead perimeter view of the entire vehicle. The idea sounds intriguing, and ostensibly useful, but it's so much better than that in action.
The first night I drove the FX, I decided to test the system in the low light conditions of my driveway. I took several items from the interior (water bottles, soda cans, etc.), scattering them around the outside of the Infiniti to see what I could discern on the screen. A simple shift into reverse revealed...none of them. Hmmm. It was difficult to distinguish grass from asphalt from water bottle in this monochromatic nighttime scenario, even with back-up lights and headlights. The hype about the AVM feature lost some of its whiz-bang appeal.
Later than weekend, returning from a late-night grocery store run, I passed a small pile of electronic clutter near a stop sign, placed neatly beside the curb in Craigslist fashion. Never one to overlook possible electronic bargains, I decided to back up and rummage through the goods. Putting the FX in reverse, the screen in the center stack caught my eye. I watched it as the word STOP, in big white block letters, rolled out from under the front of the car as I backed up. Hey, that's cool! The letters appeared to move seamlessly from the side cameras to the front. After several forward and backward movements, I drove home. (A neighbor, watching this ballet, thought I couldn't decide whether I really wanted the stuff or not..."I want it! No! My wife would kill me. I want it! No! my wife would kill me!")
Infiniti's AVM suddenly became interesting again. I realize my initial driveway test was probably outside normal usage. I don't need to be able to read a water bottle label at night with AVM. The true test is whether it'll work for the purpose for which it's created--limiting blind spots and enabling easier parking maneuvers. To this, I shout a resounding YES! The Motor Trend/Truck Trend underground parking can test the best driver's parking skills. With only a few hours behind the wheel of brand-new vehicles, it's easier to make continuous adjustments in your approach than risk tagging another vehicle or concrete pillar. The AVM eliminated the drudgery of such back-and-forth parking. A clear view of each corner of the FX made it as easy as a greased weasel to slip into a tight spot. This new capability actually put a smile on my face, a rare occurrence.
It good to know there is still good stuff happening in design and engineering. It's great when technology is really useful, directly working for the driver, like Quadrasteer and now the Around View Monitor. I trust Infiniti will have a better time with its advancement than did GMC. I can even see this available on all vehicles at some future date. Pickup trucks would benefit greatly.
Cheers to our friend technology.