| A Nissan model sold in Japan has
an advanced cruise control system that works from 0km/h across the full-speed
range and slows down for bends in the road. Several European OEMs are
working on systems with similar capabilities, but none are production-ready.
The advanced cruise control uses a radar unit in the front bumper to maintain
a safe gap between the car in front during city, suburban and freeway
driving. Taking data from the navigation system, it also slows down for
corners.
Available so far only on the Fuga luxury sedan, the cruise control can
also alter the vehicle’s speed in anticipation of the next bend
in the road. Approaching a curve, it gradually decelerates and speeds
back up once it clears the corner.
The car cruises at the driver’s preset speed, unless it detects
there’s a car in front. If the car gets too close to the car ahead
and the accelerator is not engaged, the system activates the brake smoothly.
If the driver’s foot is on the gas, an actuator pushes back the
pedal to get him to ease off. If he needs to brake, alerts will sound.
© Automotive Engineer, 2008
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