or they could start paving roads with iron...then we put a giant magnent under our cars, and they'd float. Then, they could change the polarity in the road in a ripple effect, which would propel the cars at the same time. Who needs motors? The entire car could be made with electromagnetism.
Saw an article on HowStuffWorks that was talking about that...I gotta find it now. The gist of it was that a computer senses the bumps right before it hits them or right as it hits them and automatically adjusts the ride so the inside of the car feels basically NO movement at all over bumps.
Bose® Suspension Front Module
How does it work? The Bose system uses a linear electromagnetic motor (LEM) at each wheel in lieu of a conventional shock-and-spring setup. Amplifiers provide electricity to the motors in such a way that their power is regenerated with each compression of the system. The main benefit of the motors is that they are not limited by the inertia inherent in conventional fluid-based dampers. As a result, an LEM can extend and compress at a much greater speed, virtually eliminating all vibrations in the passenger cabin. The wheel's motion can be so finely controlled that the body of the car remains level regardless of what's happening at the wheel. The LEM can also counteract the body motion of the car while accelerating, braking and cornering, giving the driver a greater sense of control.
Unfortunately, this paradigm-shifting suspension won't be available until 2009, when it will be offered on one or more high-end luxury cars. Until then, drivers will have to rely on the tried-and-true suspension methods that have smoothed out bumpy rides for centuries.
sounds good on paper, but i think there are too many bugs to be worked out, as many have brought up. Toyota really has the right idea with their Hybrid cars. the brakes on those things really are amazing (as far as the design, not so much performance), and only need some further modification to be the next standard in braking. how they work is the hybrid uses the electric motor to actually slow the inertia of the vehicle. its like those toy RC cars we had as kids. when you take your finger off the accelerator, the car stops instantly. same idea, using the electric motor to slow down. im not sure exactly how it works b/c im not Hybrid certified yet, but it is a very cutting edge design. there are rumors that Toyota wants to use this same system in their new Supra. they even hint at a possible hybrid sports car in the future. very exciting