Smart starts

You could call it the original multi-tool. Not only did your sturdy car key start the car, it also served to open letters, tighten the odd loose screw and scratch off lottery tickets.

You might want to keep one of those old keys around for nostalgia's sake, or the occasional odd job around the house, especially if you buy a new car. Key and key fob technology has advanced in recent years. And creative engineers have come up with even more high-tech ways to integrate keys and key fobs into your car's operating system.

Even entry-level cars have remote lock and unlock features on key fobs. But that's just the beginning.

Luxury carmaker Aston Martin made it possible for its buyers to release their inner James Bond when they team the DBS with a timepiece from Jaeger-LeCoultre. The high-end Swiss watchmaker created the AMVOX2 Transponder watch, which is programmed to read and communicate with the Aston Martin DBS by controlling the locking mechanism from the watch face. (Base price for the DBS, around $270,000. The watch, available to DBS buyers only, is an additional $37,900.)

And there's even an app for your new car. In October, Directed Electronics announced the Viper SmartStart, which allows users to start their car remotely from an iPhone or iPod Touch. Users download the free application from the Apple Store, have the Viper SmartStart remote start program installed on their car (about $500) and then activate their account. The first year of service is included Advertisement in the installation price. After that, a subscription costs $29.99 a year.

The Jaguar XK Smart Key System allows the driver to activate locking and starting systems with a keyless fob. When the owner approaches and touches the car, antennas pick up a signal and validate the key's code and the doors unlock. Inside, still more antennas validate the fob's presence. When the driver touches the brake and presses a start/stop button, the car starts no key.

Remote start systems that allow drivers to start their cars with a key fob are showing up on a wider variety of models. Buyers of Ford's 2011 Ford Super Duty pickup will be able to choose a remote start system this spring. The feature eventually will be offered across the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup.

Cadillac offers buyers three types of keys and fobs: a conventional key, a fob with a remote start and remote keyless entry and a more sophisticated, programmable fob that can store information on seating positions and thermostat temperature along with remote start features.

Making the key fob both visually appealing and functional is important, says David Caldwell, spokesman for Cadillac. When you look at the important consumer trends over the last 20 years, you see that often, the best-looking technology is the one that takes hold. The technology that is easiest to use and most fun to play with not confounding or intimidating is the technology consumers choose.

CTW Features