Fark linked up this summary article of the latest computer development for production cars... the inclusion of neural network systems in engine management. It seems "normal" management computers couldn't handle the speed at which Ford's super-fancy Aston Martin DB9 generated events with its high-rpm V12. However, neural networks take a completely different tack on the problem, analyzing the overall data stream for exceptional patterns, and dealing with those as they happen. While development costs were surely impressive (which is why it's premiering on a high-dollar car), production costs apparently are only about $5 per vehicle. Ford expects this tech to rapidly make its way down into "normal" production vehicles, making them all more efficient and longer-lasting.