What is this?

[eR1c]

Okay, this has been killing me for the last year. I see these circular shaped protrusions on the back of newer cars ...mainly SUV's like Escalades and such. Yet I came across this photo of the ugly circular protrusions on the back of a Porsche! -what are these hideous things that are ruining the beautiful lines of cars??? -the only think I can guess is that they are somehow related to some safety sensor or something? ...maybe something that trips the airbag before impact? Maybe it's just me, but these things really annoy me and I just focus on them more than any part of the car.

[DW SD]

I think some on the SUVs are video cameras.

[Vincent 911]

Those are short range radar. It beeps when you back up close to other objects. It helps you to park your car (especially in Europe) but is ugly.

[richemj]

They are anti-collision/proximity sensors. Guess people have a hard time seeing out the back when in reverse and tend to run into things

[eR1c]

so, these ugly (in my opinion) things are to prevent people from backing into things? Seems like a huge compromise in design just to avoid hitting something. ...they mise well put some metal curb feelers on the car as well.

http://www.wbhs1957.com/curbfeelers.jpg

[equality72521]

It's sad really. You spend all that money on a sports car and can't even back it up without running into something. Just imagine the way someone like that actually drives.

[eR1c]

agreed!

oh, man your avatar is killing me!

[ZAMIRZ]

They do serve a purpose, and if you live in the city and need to parallel often, they're worth their weight in gold. I've never seen the sensors that big though, they're probably aftermarket. The factory parts are usually very small and do not protrude. Other than that particular picture, I don't think it compromises the design much at all.

[DaddyGlenn]

Please add expensive electronics to my already expensive sports car because I'm such a poor driver that I can't even back up without hitting something.

What ever happened to personal responsibility. Pretty soon there will be a lawsuit when the gadget fails and some idiot backs into a tree. "The car should have warned me!"

[HelmetHead]

Those systems are also good for spotting small children and animals which may walk behind the car below your line of sight. At least once a month in Houston somebody backs over their kid with mostly tragic results.

Helmethead

[targa todd]

I tend to agree with Amir. Those look worse than most parking sensors - probably aftermarket. They are bigger than usual and not entirely painted the body color. They are damn ugly!