Mercedes-Benz has introduced a fully autonomous concept called F 015 Luxury in Motion at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that is currently taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The concept stretches 205 inches long, 79 inches wide and 59 inches tall, dimensions that make it about the same size as a long-wheelbase S-Class. Riding on massive 26-inch wheels, it eschews the traditional two- or three-box styling in favor of a monobox design that looks like it comes straight out of a science fiction flick. The otherworldly look is accented by an unusually long 142-inch wheelbase, tiny overhangs on both ends as well as futuristic design cues like a radiator grille made up of LEDs that replace the headlights, a second set of LEDs in the rear bumper and a QR code integrated into the rear bumper that replaces the license plate.

The discreet bulge located on the rear portion of the roof hides a variety of sensors and cameras that help the concept scope out the road ahead. The F 015 is nearly 40 percent lighter than a comparably-sized production vehicle thanks to the widespread use of lightweight materials like carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastics, aluminum and high-strength steel.

Inside, the F 015 offers space for four passengers in a luxurious living room-like atmosphere. All of the controls typically found on the center console are integrated into a touch screen that stretches the entire width of the dashboard and four additional screens are integrated into the door panels. When the car is driving itself, the steering wheel automatically retracts into the dashboard and the front seats can swivel 180 degrees. The wheel extends back to its normal position for manual driving.

The concept is powered by a 272-horsepower hydrogen-electric drivetrain derived from the one found in the F125! concept that debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. It propels the F 015 from zero to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds while returning the equivalent of 117 mpg in a mixed European cycle.

Although it is highly unlikely that the show car will reach production as-is, it serves as a preview of the autonomous technology that will be available on regular-production Mercedes cars in the next few years. Mercedes believes that fully autonomous cars similar to the F 015 will be a common sight in big cities by the year 2030.

Live images by Justin King.

BMW is already previewing its vision for future headlights, showcased for the first time on the M4 Iconic Lights concept at the Consumer Electronics Show.
The idea centers around the company’s innovative laser-headlight technology, which recently began volume production as an optional upgrade for the i8 hybrid, along with organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) for taillights.

Using several blue laser diodes and fluorescent phosphorous filters, the laser headlights are claimed to provide a focused high-beam that illuminates the road out to 650 yards.

Like many modern lighting systems, the Iconic Lights concept actively dims certain areas in the beam pattern to prevent the bright lights from dazzling oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead.

The next-generation system takes the active-headlight idea even further, working in conjunction with infrared cameras and other driving-assist systems. If the vehicle identifies a person or animal on or near the road, the headlights can illuminate the safety threat with a narrow beam of light to serve as an early warning.

When approaching a narrow gap, such as lane merge in a construction zone, the headlights can illuminate two strips of light on the road surface to show the vehicle’s estimated track ahead. If the system determines that the driver cannot shoot the gap, the driver will be warned via visual and audio alerts.

The OLED taillights are more of an evolutionary upgraded compared to traditional LED brake- and signal-lights. A large number of individual elements can be configured to present the red and amber lights in various patterns or arrangements.

The company has not yet detailed production plans for the next-generation lighting system. It is unclear if any of the features, particularly the bright-spot illumination for pedestrians and cyclists, will run into any regulatory hurdles for the US market.

According to Ford’s Chief Executive officer, the dawn of the autonomous car age is just five years away.
Speaking at an event leading up to the start of the Consumer Electronics Show, Ford CEO Mark Fields stated that he expects to see self-driving cars on our nation’s roads by the end of the decade. Fields didn’t say if Ford would be among the first to produce an autonomous vehicle.

“Fully autonomous vehicles are a real possibility,” Fields told Automotive News. “Probably, in the next five years, you’ll see somebody introduce autonomous vehicles.”

Fittingly, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its self-driving F 015 concept car on the opening day of CES. The company’s vision of a driverless future, the F 015 features a steering wheel that can be completed stowed within the dash.

Several other automakers have vowed to have autonomous vehicles on sale within the next few years, including General Motors’ Cadillac and Nissan.

Although a completely autonomous car is still at least half-a-decade away, a number of self-driving elements can be had today, such as adaptive cruise control, active lane departure assist and self parking.

Pioneer announced its second-generation Networked Entertainment eXperience (NEX) line of car audio hardware at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Tuesday, promising an expansion of in-car smartphone integration for consumers without connected vehicles.
The new NEX receivers will be among the first to integrate Android Auto into aftermarket car audio equipment, allowing users access to advanced features via a simple interface, reducing distraction and increasing functionality.

“Integrating Android Auto into our second generation NEX receivers provides compatible Android smartphone owners the ability to utilize the power and connectivity of their devices for navigation, communications, music and more,” said Pioneer Electronics (USA) Vice President Ted Cardenas in a statement. “Android Auto delivers a familiar and consistent user experience that is optimized specifically for the automotive environment with advanced speech technology for quick and easy voice control and a unique visual display of useful and relevant contextual information.”

The addition of Android Auto will augment existing smartphone connectivity provided by Apple CarPlay.

NEX units will also feature HDMI connectivity, wideband speech & A2DP Bluetooth connectivity, MirrorLink, HD Radio, iDataLink Maestro technology and dual zone audio/video playback for users who wish to incorporate rear-seat entertainment systems. The new hardware should be available to consumers in March, 2015.

Lexus has been teasing its latest F model for several weeks, but now we have some details to back up the hype.
The second in its current generation of “F” cars, the GS F will share a lot of tech with the smaller RC F coupe, including the boisterous V8 under the hood and Lexus’ new torque vectoring differential.

The 5.0L engine makes peak power at 7,100 RPM and 389 lb-ft of torque between 4,800 and 5,600 RPM. Lexus’ tried-and-true, eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard.

Despite the larger platform and copious interior room, the GS F is not much heavier than the RC F at 4,034lbs. It will also feature a stiffer unibody than the GS350 F Sport on which it is based.

On the outside, the GS F boasts the typical visuals for the F line, including a blacked-out grille, grey mesh wheels, quad exhaust tips and “F” fender badging.

The GS F is one of two new models Lexus is expected to reveal at the North American International Auto Show. Stay tuned to Leftlane for further details and a full gallery when they are fully unveiled in Detroit next week.