GM announced it will offer a self-driving system on the 2008 Opel Vectra. The system will use a camera, laser beams, heavy-duty computer algorithms and a small, green Martian named Kazoo (holla Flinstones!) to pilot the car at up to 60 mph in rush-hour traffic, while the driver reads a copy of Der Spiegel and munches on a fresh Krueller.
Of course, liability would prohibit GM from implying the system is safe enough for such leisure, but it will be able to modulate acceleration engine, steering and braking in response to input gleaned from road signs, curves, other vehicles, misplaced jump ramps, beer cans, deer, beer trucks and lane markings. Liability issues may also limit the system's rollout in the US, though GM plans to include it on its next-generation Epsilon-platform cars, including Saab 9-3, Cadillac BLS and Saturn Aura.
A Car That (Really) Drives Itself: The 2008 Opel Vectra [Edmunds]
Related:
New Audi Driver Assist System May Heighten Drivers Vision ; New Mercedes S-Class Will Have Radar; New VW Passat to Get Adaptive Cruise ControlBMW 7-Series to get Infrared-Detection System [internal]