Autopia: The Future of Cars

by Jon Bentley

Cars are one of the most significant human creations. They changed our cities. They changed our lives. They changed everything. But in the next thirty years, this technology will itself change enormously. If Google get their way, are we all going to be ferried around in tiny electric bubble-cars? Or will we watch robots race a bionic Lewis Hamilton? And what about the future of classic cars?In Autopia, presenter of The Gadget Show and former executive producer of Top Gear Jon Bentley celebrates motoring's rich heritage and meets the engineers (and coders) who are transforming cars forever. From mobile hotel rooms to electric battery technology; from hydrogen-powered cars to jetpacks, Autopia is the essential guide to the future of our greatest invention. Fully designed with illustrations and photographs, this will be the perfect Christmas gift for car and technology enthusiasts everywhere.

Genres: Technology, Nonfiction, Cars

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2019

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 2019 book, so because this fast moving field, the book is dated. Given that I know little about it, this was OK with me. The author, Jon Bentley, is described as a “petrohead” on the cover blub.

There are lots of prototypes for driverless cars. The author describes several test runs. One in Arizona attracted a modern day Luddite who used his truck to taunt the vehicle with near crashes. These cars will have a high degree of safety leaving passengers to enjoy the ride like the luxury railroad cars of the past.

In Britain, Coventry University offers courses in customized designs for these future cars. There are descriptions of special designs for families with kids of different ages, travelers, business types, etc. Futurists expect that few of these cars will be “owned” by users. They will be scheduled like an Uber allowing choice of different environments. There is even a projection that non-ownership will be so widespread that parking garages will be converted to condos and the family garage will be an extra room.

The chapter on “Sparking Innovation” covers the progress, the benefits and the obstacles to the use of batteries, diesel, hydrogen and synthetic fuels. There is discussion of how fueling stations could be organized. There some reference to of government policies and environmental concerns. The popularity of the hybrids is quantified. The author expects a diversity of fuels in the future and oil will be one of them (note, he was called a “petrohead”). Fuels will compete with each other and efficiency and cleanliness will improve.

Automobile manufacturing is now aided by 3-D printing, meaning a potential manufacturer will need a computer code rather customized, tooled, and installed equipment. This will help Africa, the only continent now without auto manufacturing industry.

The size of China's car industry and markets are briefly covered in several sections.

I skimmed the later parts of this since I have little interest in cars that go over 270 mph, the racing industry (maybe I have some interest in solar powered racing vehicles that rated a section), car collectors and prestige auto ownership.

The book, if it ever is updated, could be a lot tighter. I got the idea that the writer, knows a lot about this and wrote it quickly.

[Morgan North · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, such an interesting read. If you are somebody with a moderate interest in alternative energy, cars, car racing, or speculation of our future, this book is no doubt a hit. Jon Bentley, a producer to the British car talk show, Top Gear, hosts a discussion of endless statistical analysis and breakdown of the current vehicle market. Bentley goes over the big question of the best way for vehicles to be powered, weighing the new norm in electrification to some more out-of-the-box ideas like nuclear-powered vehicles. Additionally, Bentley addresses the huge prospect of autonomy in vehicles, be it in consumer goods, recreational, or commercial applications. He addresses in perfect detail for an imaginative teenager especially, the past, current, and future of automobiles. Bentley holds your hand through a plethora of information and statistics with thought-provoking outcomes.

What I personally loved most about the book was the deep thought it was able to entrance me in. After setting down the book I couldn't help but continue my personal thought on the topics I read on. Much of this read further inspired my love for the automobile sector and helped guide me to the path of engineering I will be pursuing next year.

Read this book if you're interested in automobiles!

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A moderately interesting survey of all things car and technology related by a British TV journalist (I don't know him not being in the UK). Written in that off-the-top-of-my-head English style that can feel a little lazy and thereby insulting to me sometimes. Especially as this was the audio version read by the author and sounded like it was performed for children. The best bits for me was the stuff about the future of autonomous vehicles although I think he is too pessimistic, also the new generation of car designers at the Royal College of Art (a premiere school or car design, who new) and their mad schemes which largely embrace automomous vehicles.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book, learnt some stuff, wish it had included references.

[John Jennings · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-written summation of cars and car related topics. Chapters are topical so I skimmed some chapters and read others more in depth.

[Ellison · Rating 3 out of 5]

British author shares ideas about the future of autos witch at times seems to be finding a solution for a problem that that does not exits. Proto motors work! Access, ease, expense, but there are efforts afoot to get rid of this EASY method for a much more expensive and difficult ideas. Self-driving cars, electric, hydrogen, NUKE?, safety, security, vintage vehicles? B/W pix. mentions future movies vehicles.

[HD · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was published in 2019, so it's not surprising that some information and analyses feel outdated. However, there are still parts that remain relevant. I do wish the book had been more ambitious in its predictions, especially given that the word "autopia" is featured in its title.

[Richard Hurst]

Great book. What I particularly liked was the the management of expectation in how we might get to full autonomy and the co-existence of the the current car market.

[Dimas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a car enthusiast? Design student? Automotive designer? You have to read this book. Bentley made this book more than i expected. Pretty Love it and i'll remember page by page!

[Mohammad Tufael Chowdhury · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye-opening read, which gave me a good background on automotive applications of technology to add my otherwise more generic appreciation of such technologies. Having read this book I can feel slightly more informed about subjects such as EV.