Daily Archives: May 31, 2018
Jaguar Land Rover Is Developing An All-Terrain Self-Driving Tech
Jaguar Land Rover is now developing a self-driving technology that can handle any type of terrain and weather conditions. The system will be able to identify various surface conditions and adjust the vehicle’s settings without any intervention from the driver.
The company, which is known for its off-road SUVs, first announced this system two years ago. But last week, Jaguar Land Rover revealed that it partnered with various groups, including the University of Birmingham to form the group known as CORTEX.
For the system to work, various cameras, ultrasonic, radar and LiDAR units will be used. These sensors would tell the car about the conditions of the road it is driving on. They will scan the surroundings constantly, up to 16 feet ahead at the most. But the sensors won’t only detect road situations. It would also be able to determine weather conditions—dirt, rain, ice, snow, and fog.
The data will then be analyzed and artificial intelligence will predict the potential impacts and effects of the surrounding conditions on the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle will automatically adjust its speed, steering, and even suspension.
The sensors would also be able to measure the space above and on the sides of the vehicle, a feature that would be helpful in warning the vehicle if there is insufficient clearance to maneuver. This is the same technology used in parking assistance systems.
Another type of technology that Jaguar Land Rover is developing is a kind of “platoon” system, wherein a fleet or convoy of vehicles would be able to communicate in such a way that the first vehicle on the line would send a message if it encounters a ditch or a slippery boulder.
The company has yet to announce when this technology will become available. What Jaguar Land Rover is making clear is the fact that it does not intend to take away the fun in off-road driving. The driver can take control of the vehicle anytime he/she wants. This technology is merely an aid that could guide the driver on the conditions ahead.
3 Things To Know About The 2018 Subaru Viziv Tourer Concept
It has been years since we last saw Subaru come up with a new model as it has been busy showcasing new design features under the Viziv name. After introducing the first concept in 2013, Subaru has launched a new one every year since then. This latest concept is called the Subaru Viziv Tourer and it was introduced during the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.
1. Exterior
Just like its predecessor, the Viziv Tourer will use the company’s new Dynamic X Solid design language, though this one is a bit more aggressive than past concepts. In front, there’s the same hexagonal grille but the headlamps are sharper and the fender vents have muscular surrounds. There’s an aggressive splitter on the lower bumper that’s made from carbon fiber, as well as the wheel arch inserts and the side skirts.
There are no door handles and the side mirrors have been replaced by cameras. The overall profile is that of a sporty hatchback with a sloping roofline and quarter windows.
2. Interior
We don’t know anything yet about the interior of this new concept from Subaru, though we heard that it has a four-seat layout for maximum comfort. This configuration, of course, will remain with the concept as this could not be carried over to a production model. We all know that wagons and hatchbacks must provide seating for five passengers, at the very least.
Tech features include the EyeSight system, a new radar system, and a new GPS and navigation system. All of these would work to give the car semi-autonomous driving assistance and eliminate accidents.
3. Drivetrain
The Tourer will be a gasoline-only vehicle. It will be powered by a boxer engine, but that’s as far as we’re able to know. The Japanese automaker has yet to reveal output details of that said engine. Interestingly enough, Subaru chose to keep hybrids and electric engines out of this concept. Some Viziv concepts were hybrids, but the Tourer will only be running on gasoline.
