The reefers themselves are fascinating pieces of technology, basic containers outfitted to be advanced climate controlled, computer monitored micro-environments.
The car's climate-control computer then calculates how to blend different air temperatures through its 25 ducts so that the resulting mix provides each of the four passengers with what they want.
The idea is that when the sensor finds a concentration of bad gas, it will send a command to the climate-control computer telling it to shut down the car's fresh air intake.
The combination of sensors and climate-control computers allowed car companies to introduce the first practical systems that permitted individual front seat passengers to set their own temperatures.
The test car was more typically equipped, with a $1,000 cold-weather package (heated front seats, folding rear seats and headlamp washers); $3,500 premium package (cruise control, moonroof, power seats, climate control, trip computer and wood trim); $1,450 leather seats; $260 foglamps; and $200 CD player.
But now minivans and other vehicles are being invaded by a flood of appliances and living-room fixtures, from dual climate controls to computer game systems, crammed in by carmakers in response to the demands of Americans who find themselves spending more of their lives on wheels.
And the digital readouts for the radio, climate control and onboard computer glow with all the subtlety of a $5.99 alarm clock from RadioShack.
The screen, which was also used in the two-seat Buick Reatta, consolidated controls for the stereo and climate control, along with a trip computer.
The steering wheel contains controls for the audio system, climate controls and trip computer.
Features gained over the AT-X comprised 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, six CD stacker, a trip computer, dual zone climate control air-conditioning and a leather steering wheel and selection lever.
