Today's technologies range from Internet access to collision-detection systems to automated braking and steering capabilities. Some car manufacturers are even designing their cars to offer a personal touch by pulling up drivers' preferences based on fingerprint and other biometric technologies.

Here we detail some of the embedded in today's cars and what new vehicles are on tap from automotive giants in the near future. (For pictures of these cool auto technologies, view a version of this story) 

Volvo's version of safe driving

Volvo earlier this year in its XC60 model introduced a feature dubbed City Safety, which promises to reduce the number of low-speed collisions that occur in heavy traffic. The vehicles are equipped with laser sensor technology that works when the car is traveling less than 19 mph. The sensors detect vehicles moving slowly or at a standstill up to 10 meters in front of the car. If as the distance between the cars lessens and the vehicle operator does not react, the car applies the brakes automatically. Volvo says it can not only automate the braking system, but also control steering to direct cars away from a potential crash.

Beemers with brains