2015 Volvo XC90 Comes Closer to Driving Itself
The next-generation Volvo XC90 will arrive at the end of 2014 as a 2015 model, and it will be packed full of the brand’s latest and greatest safety technology.
“We are introducing the first Volvos with autonomous steering to avoid accidents and make driving more comfortable,” said Volvo senior safety advisor Thomas Broberg.
The autonomous steering in the XC90 is made up of three separate technologies: pedestrian detection, road edge and barrier detection, and adaptive cruise control with steering assistance.
The pedestrian detection system uses senors and automatic braking to stop the car if a collision with a pedestrian, cyclist, or other vehicle is deemed imminent. The system has now been adapted to work in the dark as well.
SEE ALSO: Volvo Autonomous Parking Detailed
Road edge detection takes “lane-keep assist” further by detecting where the physical road ends rather than looking for painted lines. If headed for the edge of the road, the XC90 will autonomously apply steering torque to bring the vehicle back on track.
Volvo’s adaptive cruise control works differently than other automakers by automatically following the vehicle ahead and working to keep it centered through autonomous steering.
Collision mitigation specifically meant for animals is also coming to the XC90, but it won’t be introduced until some time after the vehicle launches in late 2014.
Moving closer to fully autonomous vehicles, Volvo is also investigating car-to-car communication and the brand is already testing a self-parking car that can find its way to a parking space using car-to-infrastructure communication.
GALLERY: Volvo Autonomous Steering Tech
Discuss this story at volvoforum.com
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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