If Nissan has its way, before long you'll be able to climb into your car, push the start button, and kick back with a good book while it drives you to work. At least, it seems that way.
Autoblog reports, "The new Nissan Fuga (known here as the Infiniti M), debuting this fall at the Tokyo Motor Show, will feature fresh technology including new driver assistance systems." The company "has integrated the GPS navigation system with the M's electronic stability control." The stability control will continue to brake each wheel individually and vary engine torque to correct for imperfect driver inputs, as well as understeer and oversteer. But the GPS integration "allows the system to detect where the road is going ahead and further manipulate the car, while alerting the driver to slow down by pushing the throttle back against his or her foot."
Popular Science explains, "When the nav system indicates a curve is looming, the accelerator pedal physically moves upward. Then the system activates the brakes. The point is to reduce a driver's workload on winding roads."
That's right - the car will communicate with satellites to understand where the road ahead will take you, and warn you to slow down in anticipation of turns you haven't yet reached.
Don't think it will allow you to fall asleep while the car drives yet, however. Washington D.C.'s Examiner reports on another Nissan safety system, this one designed to keep drivers alert - through the use of scents. The ‘Forest AC' air conditioning system "is based on a joint study with the Tokyo University of Science on the effects of aroma on human mental activity." The system "is designed to recreate the ‘refreshing climate, fragrance and natural breezes of relaxing forest settings,'"
Autoblog explains, "Researchers found that when humans were exposed to certain aromas (e.g., fragrant wood and leaves) combined with ventilation simulating natural breezes, they were alert and focused yet free from unnecessary tension."
If you're in the market for a new car, check out the U.S. News rankings of this year's best cars as well as this month's best car deals.
