It seems the new designation for cool is the “i” at the beginning of any moniker. At least that’s what some people would like us to think. In BMW’s case, I suggest they go back to the drawing board with their iDrive…but I digress.

It seems the new designation for cool is the “i” at the beginning of any moniker. At least that’s what some people would like us to think. In BMW’s case, I suggest they go back to the drawing board with their iDrive…but I digress.

So I awoke the other morning reading and watching news reports about the new iPhone, Apple’s latest high-tech gizmo. Where will the iMania stop? I know I’m going out on a limb here, but I’d like to see an iCar. Below is my wish list.

1) Find a progressive partner: I think it would be a natural for Apple to partner with Tesla Motors, the Bay Area-based carmaker that has brought us the sexy little electric roadster. I think, for our iCar, to be a fitting high-tech mobile showcase, it’s almost mandatory that it be electric. A Hydrogen Fuel-Cell powertrain with a Lithium Ion pack.

2) High Performance: You can’t expect to have any street cred if your car’s gutless & lackluster. A minimum 0-60 performance of 6 seconds flat should be the benchmark, along with a range of 300 miles on a full charge, and a full plug-in re-charge in 3 hours. Lofty goals? Perhaps, but if you’re intent on being the leader, you can’t get complacent. (Here’s looking at you, Detroit.)

3) Ultimate integration: Of course, the iCar should have built-in, wireless docking stations for every imaginable gizmo. But the big breakthroughs will come in software, not hardware. User-friendliness should be the goal. Perhaps a “digital concierge” that automatically makes appointments, reminds you to pick up your dry cleaning, alert you about that cell-talking HUMMER driver entering your lane, etc.

4) Practicality: Okay, nobody said that “toys” have to be practical. But Apple’s products have always had a certain user-friendliness that made them more than just eye candy or yuppie bling. Our iCar manufacturer should at least make a 4-door sedan or 5-door (gasp!) hatchback with at least four passenger capacity and enough cargo capacity to make it a viable everyday vehicle.

5) Style: Apple has made its mark with groundbreaking style. Thus, the iCar has to look classy, modern, but not weird. It has to have that elusive universal appeal that its computers and personal accessories have. Is this a challenging target? You betcha, but achievable nonetheless.

6) Attainability: Okay, this is a highly subjective and hazy definition. Apple’s products are not exactly known for being the cheapest in town. But neither are they outrageously above the reach of everyday consumers. While I’d like to say, “Make it $20,000,” if it’s truly going to showcase cutting-edge technologies and design, it’s going to carry a premium. $80,000-100,000 out-the-door actually seems reasonable to me for what would essentially be a drivable high-tech accessory. Granted, still out of my budget, but not for the Hollywood A-list and Silicon Valley Digerati.

So, Apple & Tesla, are we going to see this car, circa 2012? Maybe by then, I might be able to swing the payments (I wish).

–Edward A. Sanchez