The “Stop-Start” Car:
This is where the engine shuts off at the traffic lights and stop signs and “imperceptibly” starts it when you are ready to go. Also called “auto stop,” the stop-start car is designed to reduce fuel consumption drastically. Folks might get a little nervous if they can discern their engine cycling on and off — or worse, the vehicle doesn’t crank back up or move when the driver expects it to. Mazda is in on the lead in this jarring concept, with the Mazda 3 already offering the system and officials said it will show up on more models in 2012.
