What can a BMW 7-Series vehicle offer you that other vehicles can’t?

The answer lies in one of the options the 7-Series Bimmer’s iDrive directory offers: the Gentleman function.

“Gentleman function” under the “Front seats” directory

Despite its dubious moniker, the “Gentleman function” is relatively harmless. The option merely allows the driver to control the passenger seat’s position. With the “Gentleman function” activated, the driver can move the seat forward and backward using a memory panel on the driver’s side door panel.

instructions under the “Gentleman function” option

BMW explains that the said option would help front-seat passengers get into the 7-Series vehicle’s cabin, and would make it easier for drivers or chauffeurs to adjust the passenger seat for backseat passengers who need more legroom.

Apparently, the option’s name makes more sense in German, from which the option’s name was directly translated. Perhaps BMW can do better than the could-be-misconstrued-as-sexist “Gentleman function”.

Source: Jalopnik, Edmunds

Having trouble keeping track of your car’s keys? Losing precious time looking all over the house for the keys that would let you get in your vehicle and start it up? Well, those problems may very well soon be dilemmas of a low-tech past.

Auto makers such as Rinspeed and Chrysler (through its division Global Electric Motors) have equipped their concept cars with iPhone sync-ing capabilities. The ignition systems of both the Rinspeed iChange and the Chrysler Global Electric Motorcars Peapod can be activated through the said handheld smartphone.

Chrysler Global Electric Motorcars Peapod

Rinspeed iChange

Both electric concept cars use a similar technology to enable keyless ignition: an infotainment system incorporates an iPhone dock and, once the iPhone is docked properly, the iPhone authenticates the driver and starts up the ignition system.

“Such concept cars are there to show what is possible,” Hans Roth,director of business development and marketing for Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH, said. But for production vehicles used by real drivers in traffic, “usability is more important than feasibility.” Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH provided the iPhone interface and infotainment system in the iChange concept car.

Some auto makers, however, are already planning to develop more smartphone functions into their driving technologies. Ford, for example, has developed its Sync technology to make many smartphone functions available to drivers. According to Joseph Berry, Sync’s chief architect, Ford is also planing more ways to integrate phone functions into cars.

The Ford 2010 Taurus even offers a “MyKey” peace of mind option. This option allows the parents to limit the car’s top speed, the ability to use the phone while driving, and even the stereo’s volume. How’s that for safe driving?

Source: msnbc.com, Jalopnik, Rinspeed