Thursday, 7 January 2016

Most Drivers Want the Option of Control in Self-Driving Cars: Survey

Most Drivers Want the Option of Control in Self-Driving Cars: Survey

Most Drivers Want the Option of Control in Self-Driving Cars: Survey

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Even with the promise of worry free mobility thanks the self-driving cars, the majority of people still want the ability to take control of their vehicles at any moment.

A survey conducted by Volvo found that 92 percent of respondents believe that people should be able to take control of self-driving cars at any moment while 81 percent of the people agree that automakers, not car owners, should take responsibility if an accident occurs while a vehicle is driving autonomously.

In addition, 90 percent felt that autonomous cars should be able to pass a human driving test and 88 percent of the people think the technology should respect the love of driving. But most importantly, 78 percent of those surveyed believe that self-driving cars will make their time traveling more useful and worthwhile.

SEE ALSO: Volvo Concept 26 Previews Self-Driving Future

Like many other automakers worldwide, Volvo is focusing on developing self-driving cars and has found the survey useful as it works toward a future where drivers can get better use of the time spent in their vehicles during daily commutes, whether it's to relax, watch movies or enjoy the luxury of driving.

"People have told us that they need to feel in control and have the choice of when to delegate driving to the car. Today, that need is ultimately fulfilled with the presence of a steering wheel," said Anders Tylman-Mikiewicz General Manager of the Volvo Monitoring & Concept Center, "Therefore, a steering wheel is necessary until those needs change."

Discuss this story on our Volvo Forum

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Patent Hints Mazda is Working on a Laser-Ignition Engine

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A new patent filing from Mazda suggests that the company is working to replace the spark plugs in its engines with lasers.

The Japanese automaker has filed a patent with the World Intellectual Property Organization for a control device that works with a laser-ignition engine, confirming that Mazda is working with laser ignition and hinting that it may end up in its cars in the future.

SEE ALSO: Mazda Named Most Fuel-Efficient Automaker in US… Again

One of the issues with laser ignition of the fuel/air mixture in a cylinder is that the laser has the potential to get blocked by contaminates, lowering its potency once it reaches the mixture. This newly patented control device is able to detect contamination and then adjust a number of variables, including laser strength and fuel/air mixture levels to make sure the engine is running at a desired output.

Using laser ignition over spark plugs will lead to more efficient engines, as high compression ratios can be used in the cylinder without the need for increased voltage. This high voltage used in high compression engines also leads to spark plugs wearing out much faster, an issue that won't affect a laser setup.

Mazda's SkyActiv suite of fuel saving technologies includes high compression ratios in its small engines, which means they are good candidates for laser ignition.

Fricken laser beams!

Discuss this story at our Mazda Forum

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Renault-Nissan Plot 10 Vehicles with Self-Driving Tech by 2020

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The Renault-Nissan Alliance has announced that it will launch over 10 vehicles with autonomous drive technology in the next four years. 

The technology will be installed on mainstream, mass-market vehicles at affordable prices and will be available in the U.S., Europe, Japan and China markets through 2020.

The Alliance will also focus on launching a suite of new connectivity applications that will make it easier for people to stay connected to work, entertainment and social networks.

The two automakers also shared some statistics about how advanced safety technologies have been helping, with fatal and serious injuries in Nissan vehicles in Japan decreasing 61 percent in 20 years while Renault has experienced an 80-percent drop in 15 years. The companies expect autonomous drive to help further reduce driver error, which accounts for up to 90 percent of all fatalities.

SEE ALSO: Self-Driving Cars to Make Up 15% of Global Sales by 2030: Study

This year, vehicles will introduce "single-lane control," a feature that will allow cars to drive autonomously on highways, including in heavy, stop-and-go traffic. Two years later, Renault-Nissan will launch vehicles with "multiple-lane control," allowing them to self drive through hazards and change lanes autonomously during highway driving. By 2020, the automakers will launch "interaction autonomy" which will navigate city intersections and heavy urban traffic without driver intervention.

"Renault-Nissan Alliance is deeply committed to the twin goals of 'zero emissions and zero fatalities,'" Renault-Nissan Alliance chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn said at the Renault-Nissan Silicon Valley Research Center. "That's why we are developing autonomous driving and connectivity for mass-market, mainstream vehicles on three continents."

Discuss this story on our Nissan Forum

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Aston Martin DB11 Spied in Production Body

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The Aston Martin DB11 is taking shape and this is our best look yet at the production model.

Caught testing by spy photographers in the U.K., the latest prototype sheds layers of shapeless, rigid plastic to reveal key details of the DB11's styling.

It appears that the DB10 that appeared in Spectre didn't influence the design of the DB11 as much as expected, with the traditional Aston Martin grille remaining in use. There are newly-shaped headlights lighting the way while the front bumper sports a chin spoiler that extends quite a bit to match the curvature of the hood.

Perhaps most interesting is the air inlet that can be seen on the C-Pillar close to the rear window. Likely serving as an aerodynamic element, the air inlets will aid in providing additional downforce and high-speed stability.

SEE ALSO: Aston Martin DB11 Nameplate Confirmed

The rear of the Aston Martin DB11 looks quite aggressive with red LED tail light strips, thin overall tail light clusters and a subtle lip spoiler on the trunk. Peeking out from the rear valence are bold exhaust tips while it appears the British automaker won't shy away from sharper lines and angles to give the DB11 more style than the current DB9.

Discuss this story on our Aston Martin Forum

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2017 Ford Fusion Fully Revealed in Latest Spy Photos

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You won't have to wait until next week to see the updated 2017 Ford Fusion in its full glory.

Caught on camera by spy photographers ahead of its official reveal at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show, the redesigned Ford Fusion was heading to the American automaker's test track in Dearborn but got caught up at a stoplight, allowing the cameras to give us a good look at the updated sedan. Gone is the Aston Martin-inspired front grille, replaced by a new, angular-shaped piece. The headlights have also been changed, giving it a slightly more upscale appearance, thanks to some nice detailing inside.

The front bumper is also sportier and more aggressive compared to the outgoing model and features new LED fog lights, while the bottom grille gets a new mesh design.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

In the rear, the tail lights get a minor redesign, but it appears that the majority of the 2017 Ford Fusion's changes will be up front. We will get more details on whether Ford updated what lurks under the hood of the Fusion as well as interior changes when the car officially debuts next week in Detroit.

Discuss this story on our Ford Fusion Forum

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Chevrolet Says Bolt EV’s Price Is $37,500

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At yesterday's introduction of the production-ready Chevy Bolt, GM hedged the specific price but in launching its consumer webpage, the automaker says it will definitely sell for $37,500 including delivery, and before incentives.

This otherwise official info precedes any more formal announcement which may pin on a price of a few dollars less, but the disclosure confirms what had been strongly hinted until now.

A $37,500 price furthermore was the goal all along. For that, Chevrolet is offering an electric car with range to be over 200 miles, although its EPA ratings are among other critical numbers yet to announced.

As it is, 200-plus could double the best Nissan has to offer with regards to range per doller. The 2016 Leaf has been boosted this year with 107 miles range, and asking price is $35,050-and-up for the refreshed five-year-old car.

Thus far, more positive commentary than not has come forth for GM's first purpose built nationally marketed EV, and it's hoped to move the plug-in market into greater relevancy for numerous consumers who've held out for more.

SEE ALSO: Pre-Production 2017 Chevy Bolt Revealed
The Bolt is to be on sale by end of this year and with a full $7,500 federal credit will net for just under $30,000 although buyers will need to pay the whole selling price up front.

Just as relevant, in markets like California and others where state subsidies are available, even before dealer discounts the Bolt could net within the mid-high 20s scope people now pay for the world's best-selling green car, the Toyota Prius.

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