I remember reading a review of the RX-8 prototype in which they mentioned the Credit Card like Keys. The concept being the owner posses a master key that unlocks all of the cars potential, and other blank keys that can be programmed to operate only desired functions. For example, one could make a 'valet' key that would only operate the doors (not the trunk) and also prevent the car from exceeding 10MPH!

Imagine how useful this would be. You could making a 'special' speed limiting key for that new driver in your family, a feature limited key for your mechanic and valet, and a VERY limited key for your brother-in-law:p

I thought this was the coolest inovation in automotive keys since I heard of the his & her memory keys offered by Mercedes.

No doubt that this feature will NOT make it into the RX-8. I'm sure this was just a way of leaking out a little information on what Mazda is researching.

Any thoughts on this technology?

 

It's cool to think that it would make it to production ... but I also doubt it.

 

As far as I know, the current version has a normal key, but one with a rotor shaped top end. Pretty cool, though not nearly as cool as that card system

 

I remember seeing that on the prototypes of the RX-Evolve...

It was said that the card would also record and "learn" your driving style, and there were ways where it would limit the car's hp according to your "skill" of driving or something like that.

kinda a pain, but neat at the same time. I like the idea where they said it could store medical data for the driver, so if you're ever in an accident, it would automatically send that info to the proper authorities.

 

kinda scary.. the limitless possibilites of technology. seems like the more and more advanced technology becomes. . the more and more we let our lives be "controlled" by it. well.. not so much as to be controlled, but that we are living according to technology not technology according to us.
i dont see how it will stop with just our medical data... will it go so far as to have our entire background stored on a little plastic card?
but i do see how it will be very useful to have the medical data.

hmm. does that make sense? long day at work. dont pay attention to me.. im just babbling

 

I think a credit card key with a push start button would be cool for show, but I it's not gonna be good for much else. Besides, it would kinda suck to have to take the card out of your wallet every time you wanna drive.

I personally would perfer it if Mazda didn't put it in and dropped the price.

 

renault and nissan have cards for keys in europe for a while now, not a big deal and not in expensive cars either

 

Well I guess in that case I wouldn't mind it.

However, I've also heard that the ECU is supposed to tune to a specific card depending on how you drive...so you and your wife would have diffent setting for example. That's cool, but I can imagine that level of sophistication would drive up the cost more than a simple card key.

 

dunno What Laguana II has or new Nissan Primera - not sure if they adjust your seat automatically, but even @ their top levels, these cars are less expensive than new RX-8 so it really isnt a big deal even if it has something like that

 

Another thing you've gotta think of though is that if this is the only car in America to have such a feature, you'd better bet Mazda will charge a premium for it. If there were a bunch of cars like there are in Europe it would be a different story.