According to a press release from the Petersen Automotive Museum, their innovative museum in Los Angeles, California, is on-track to re-open in December 2015 to the public. Built upon a $125 million capital campaign, the museum is set to boast technology and galleries that will make it the American epicenter of automotive culture.

The new technology will include panoramic video walls, augmented reality, driving simulators, and “show control” sound and light systems.

“Working with our creative and tech partners, we created new ways to share car stories, sights and sounds in a totally new 21^st century automotive experience,” Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges said.

The augmented reality will feature a revolutionary educational program that features characters from the Disney movie Cars, including Lightning McQueen, Mater, and many more. The characters will serve as teachers through a notable new exhibition: The Cars Mechanical Institute.

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Guests will see all this through a “CARSpad” mobile device, the Cars characters will appear on screen, offering education regarding automotive design and engineering. The cool thing is that the characters will talk about things based on what the tablet sees, making for a highly interactive experience with the guest who is holding the mobile device.

Co-developed by Pixar Animation Studios and Petersen Automotive Museum, the CARSpad tablet experience is aimed to help children of all ages to learn about automotive history in a fun and engaging manner.

“We are thrilled to announce this new program with the Petersen Automotive Museum, and hope that the Cars Mechanical Institute will entertain, educate and inspire many generations of children,” said Jay Ward, the Cars Creative Director at Pixar Animation Studios.

Preserving automotive history for future generations gives insight and cause for perspective as to the reasons why a particular style or engineering concept is ideal at that point in time. Technology has evolved over the years, and with engineering becoming more complex each day, we are left with a few questions.

Will automotive and industrial designers revert? Or will the future continue to avoid the bubbly curves and screaming engines from the past?

Over the past decade, we’ve seen the resurgence of old school car design in the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger, spruced with a modern twist. Borrowing from the past isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it more so proves a design’s timeless aesthetics.

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As engines become quieter and more efficient each year, car enthusiasts continue to hold onto their automotive relics in dedication to memories, honor, and aspirations. Each classic car or kustom has a story to tell, and that’s what keeps enthusiasts around. Sharing a story of triumph, hard work, or relentless dedication is like telling a childhood story to your grandchildren.

The “CARSpad” experience at the Petersen Automotive Museum hopes to channel automotive history, but also to provide an interactive exhibit that has universal appeal and desire for anyone, car enthusiast or not, to visit. What are your thoughts on the direction technology is taking automobiles?

Will you integrate to modern times or will you keep it old school? Let us know in the comments below. To learn more about the Petersen Automotive Museum, check out their website here. With cars from every generation and from all over the globe, there is something for everyone to see.