Latest trends in car technology

From bright-coloured neon to twin DVD systems, Dan Simmons toured dozens of pimped-up cars for useful kit and some serious techno-bling.

Here are some of the flashiest but also handiest devices he came across in Las Vegas.

Dynamic Wing

This dynamic wing helps cars turn corners tighter

AeroMotions has developed a Dynamic Wing to suit a range of driving conditions.

The split rear spoiler is controlled from an onboard computer that adjusts the angle of the individual wing sections for optimal downforce and cornering ability.

Gregory Mark, the head aerodynamicist at Aeromotions, said the $7,000 (£4,700) wing has the edge over conventional ones.

"The advantage of this wing over a static wing is that by splitting I'm allowed to put more downforce on the inside of the car which allows me to hug the corner tighter," he explained.

Fleet tracking

The new Ford F-150 has a series of optional onboard systems for busy people who want to work while on the road.

One of these systems can keep track of tools, sports gear and other items onboard the vehicle.

The driver can scan the contents of the truck and check that he has everything he needs.

In-car cinema

How about getting your own in-car cinema for $70,000 (£47,400)?

The modifications are made on an individual basis, and can include a built-in PlayStation and extra display screens in the doors.

The modcons are finished off with a camera in the number plate which offers passengers an unobstructed view of what is behind the car.

Thermal imaging

Thermal imaging cameras alert drivers to road hazards at night

For night-time drivers, a thermal imaging camera could help them detect potential hazards on the road.

The device, such as the one by Flir Systems, can be fitted in a car's number plate.

These cameras are becoming more affordable as their prices continue to come down.

Voice system

A clever voice-activated dash-mounted system can bring drivers maps, directions, traffic news and more using mobile phones.

Bluetooth is used to pair the Tell Me entertainment system to the handset.

"You speak to the system which goes and gets the information and provides information back to you as audio, so you don't have to look at a screen or tap anything," said Rocky Agrawal, a product manager at Tell Me.

This $400 (£271) optional extra can be purchased from this spring in the US and is planned to be widely available over the next three years.

USB device

How would you feel if your car decided you are a bad driver?

A software application called EcoDrive processes in detail all the information related to a person's driving characteristics.

Some Fiat drivers could soon be taking away advice on their vehicle on a USB device.

This can be plugged into a USB port in the car where it collects data that can be read on a computer at a later stage.

Drivers are also told how they can create less impact on the environment.