Billy Joel, rejoice – Cadillac claims there’s a crash-proof car just around the corner. If so, drivers like the Piano Man – who famously mangled three cars in just two years – just might be able to keep it between the ditches…without even trying!

Cadillac announced last week that coming technologies could include in-vehicle Doppler radar, which will let you avoid traffic jams and roadblocks. Even further down the road, the company is predicting self-driving vehicles that can actually communicate with each other, traffic signals and buildings. (Now, if only they could put some of that communication technology into men!!)

Some of the early forms of these technologies are already in place in Cadillac’s 2010 DTS Platinum, which starts at around $46,280. So if you can’t wait for the future, here are some of the features you’ll find on the Platinum:

- A lane departure warning, which relies upon a camera mounted near the inside mirror to identify traffic lane markings. If you cross the line, it instantly alerts you. (I am sure the camera’s warning is MUCH less annoying than when your mother-in-law does it…)

- Blind spot alert, which uses twin radar beacons to detect an object in a vehicle’s blind zone. It then offers a visual warning in the outside side mirror.

- Adaptive cruise control, in which sensors detect objects in a vehicle’s path and slow the vehicle down to avoid a collision.

Add these new features from Cadillac with components like Lexus’ self-parking system, Mercedes-Benz’s radar sensor controls that allow automated emergency braking, and today’s intelligent distance-keeping cruise control systems, and it adds up to cars that are kind of like teenagers: They don’t need us for anything more than money to keep the gas tank full.

When you absolutely, positively have to get there in style, a limo is usually the best way to go. But how do you stand out from all the other stretches in the crowd?

Becker Automotive Designs, Inc. has answered that question by teaming up with auto customizer STRUT to create the special-edition Cadillac Escalade ESV. And this one definitely goes all out to prove that it’s not where you’re going that’s important; it’s how you get there.

The amenities inside are pretty impressive, even by Cadillac standards. Completely customized from floor to ceiling, this lush leather interior is definitely made to ensure that you enjoy the ride. Spacious captain’s chairs let you lean back and put your feet up in rich, comfortable style.

The iPod-ready audio/video system offers satellite HDTV, DVD and digital surround sound that will likely remind you it’s time to upgrade your home theater system. And all things electronic are under your control with a custom Crestron touchscreen that Becker designed using its proprietary software.

If you’re one of those all work, no play types, you’re in luck, too – it’s just as ready for work as you are. The onboard computer system has a broadband Internet connection and full printer/scanner functions. Let’s just say it beats the heck out of lugging a laptop along.

Outside, the Escalade ESV is every bit as elegant as one would expect, with STRUT’s custom jewelry collection providing accents that include a woven diamond-mesh front grille and side vents, along with the STRUT shield and Icon Wheels.

If you want to add one to your fleet, that can be done for $125,000-$225,000. Talk about business class!

Although women are buying about 60 percent of the cars out there today – and influencing the decision in 85 percent of all new car purchases, luxury auto manufacturers are still falling short when it comes to marketing.

“In terms of the luxury auto market, they could do much better at reaching women,” says Milton Pedraza, CEO of The Luxury Institute. “When you look at the ultra-luxury automakers, like Rolls-Royce, Ferrari and Maserati, they really have a long way to go.”

Pedraza says that a male-dominated industry has led to male-oriented marketing – even though the marketing firms behind the campaigns oftentimes are led by successful women.

“It’s an industry dominated by men, so they haven’t gotten the message that wealthy women are a force in their own right,” Pedraza points out. “You see it in every aspect, from the way the cars are marketed to the way women are treated in dealerships. A lot of them are not sensitive to the needs of a female driver and the buttons they need to press. Women are equally interested in [a car's] performance, but also are drawn to the idea of achievement and rewarding yourself. This is what they luxury car manufacturers should be looking at.”

Those who do start paying attention to the fairer sex could find big rewards. With more and more women earning six and seven-figure incomes, they have the purchasing power that luxe auto manufacturers crave. Pedraza says that appealing to women’s more emotional side – as opposed to touting horsepower and speed – will be the key to success.

For proof of that, he points to Cadillac, which has found success in branding among women, thanks to some ads that show successful, attractive women enjoying their cars – and leaving male drivers in their dust.

“They’re showing women who are strong, powerful and functional,” says Pedraza. “But the one thing Cadillac still struggles with is identifying their market brand. On the one hand, they give us these great commercials with powerful, successful women, but then they also give us commercials featuring rappers, where women are used as a showpiece. In order to do better, they have to quit sending confusing signals.”

When brands like Aston Martin, Bentley and Ferrari refocus their campaigns, they could find a new following with a powerful, brand-loyal female marketplace.

“There’s a segment of women out there that like powerful cars, great styling and who love the driving experience,” Pedraza notes. “Luxury car brands need to understand that and speak to them as women. They need to be clear, distinct and respectful. But luxury car firms just haven’t gotten that yet.”

Apparently, Tom Cruise was right on the money when he uttered those much-quoted words: “Porsche. There is no substitute.” (Risky Business, 1983.)

According to a survey released earlier this month by New York City-based Luxury Institute, wealthy U.S. consumers still see Porsche as the world’s most prestigious luxury automotive brand. The poll was part of the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index survey, and asked the opinions of 1,642 Americans with an average net worth of $3.7 million.

Porsche might have led the pack, but was followed closely by Lexus and Mercedes. Surprisingly, no Italian brands made the survey’s top 12. Other brands that did make the cut with consumers were (listed alphabetically) Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln and Volvo.

If you don’t have a Porsche of your own, and this has given you the need for speed, go visit my friend Ron at DFW Elite Auto Rental.com and he’ll hook you up with a Porsche for the day.