Google's Trillion-Dollar Driverless Car -- Part 3: Sooner Than You Think

Forbes ^ | 1/30/2012 | Chunka Mui

[Vince Ferrer]

In 2008, a state-of-the-art driverless car could go two blocks on its own on a closed course at 25mph. By 2012, the driverless car could operate in real-world conditions at 75mph.

Such rapid progress offers great hope that the tremendous benefits in safety and savings I laid out in Part 1 of this series are attainable. The pace of progress also means that the disruptive ripple effects discussed in Part 2 might soon have strategic relevance for companies participating in the multi-trillion-dollar part of the economy that relates to cars. But we’re left with two crucial questions: How soon could the driverless car become a reality? When should incumbents, venture capitals and entrepreneurs start paying serious attention?

[Nuc 1.1]

I hear that. I once drove a 3200# Hays pressure plate on the street. The car was a legal B MP machine. Even a strong kid like me had a twitching leg at a long light. The neutral gate was always inviting. I have become a fan of the dual disc clutch setup. Especially for a dual purpose machine. I drive what I build. Haven't had the money to do otherwise. You know you can transplant SBCs and LS motors into the Z cars pretty easily. Properly setup it is a very Cobraesq ride from accounts I have read. Having once been lucky enough to have had a chance to drive a Cobra SC Roadster (a real one with the owner riding along), I can tell you that would be a hoot.

[MikeSteelBe]

“You know you can transplant SBCs and LS motors into the Z cars pretty easily.”

They make kits to put the LS engines into Mazda Miatas as well. Also, there is a place that does all the work for you in NE Dallas.

[TexasFreeper2009]

driverless cars could eliminate traffic on the freeways by seemlessly merging entering and exiting traffic at high speeds.

[Vince Ferrer]

Google Cars Drive Themselves

[JRandomFreeper]

I'll keep the original engine and the air and fuel eating carbs that are in it.

I once raced my 2nd ex wife in her 'stang. The way home had a twisty, windy road. I had lunch almost complete by the time she showed up in her muscle car. ;)

/johnny

[Nuc 1.1]

:D)