Lexus LF-LC Blue concept: Lexus tweaks its hybrid concept for the Sydney Motor Show

Lexus promised a concept based on the LF-LC hybrid coupe, so its showed the same car in Sydney, only in blue.

Back in August, Lexus teased a hybrid concept car that it planned to unveil at the 2012 Sydney Motor Show. Toyota’s upscale brand said the new concept would be based on the LF-LC coupe that debuted earlier this year in Detroit. No one thought Lexus would be this literal: except for its eponymous color, the LF-LC Blue concept is nearly identical to the original LF-LC.

Specifically, the color is Opal Blue, inspired by the opal mined in the Australian Outback. The LF-LC’s styling, virtually unchanged from the red Detroit concept, looks just as good in this Aussie hue. The “spindle” grille is Lexus’ new corporate trademark, and it looks as good as ever on this coupe.

The high tech interior from the original LF-LC also remains. Highlights include two 12.3-inch LCD touch screens that control vehicle functions, along with a third pop-up screen for good measure. Window switches were axed in favor of touch screens on the doors.

However, there are a few changes under the skin. Lexus’ Australian division says the LF-LC Blue is much lighter than the original concept, because it is made of carbon fiber and aluminum.

Lexus also felt inclined to explain the LF-LC Blue’s powertrain, but only a little. The company is now saying that the LF-LC is propelled by its Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive, the same setup it uses in its production hybrids. The LF-LC Blue has an Atkinson-cycle engine and a smaller battery pack than any production Lexus, though.

Total system output is 498 horsepower which, combined with that lightweight chassis, should make the LF-LC decently quick.

Why did Lexus show the same car in a different color at Sydney? Perhaps the company wanted to bring a concept car to the show, but Sydney’s low status on the auto show totem pole didn’t warrant a brand new design.

On the other hand, Lexus may be inching closer to a production version of the LF-LC, or something like it. The fact that Lexus rebuilt the LF-LC with lighter materials, and decided to quote engine output, shows that it is thinking about this car in practical terms.

A production LF-LC would make an excellent “halo car,” attracting attention to the Lexus brand and showcasing its technology. It definitely prove that Lexus is a true luxury brand, and not just a purveyor of overpriced Toyotas.

Still, a production LF-LC is a long shot. As far as Lexus is concerned, this is just a concept car. The brand’s last major departure from the norm, the LFA, took years to build and ended up costing more than a Ferrari 599. Given that experience, one can see why Lexus isn’t jumping into another limited-production performance car project just yet.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

2013 Lexus LS 460 first drive

Lexus unveils the latest version of its flagship sedan, featuring a dramatic styling overhaul and a robust list of tech features throughout its cabin.

Up until recently, Lexus had been swimming in dangerous waters. The Japanese luxury brand had become stagnant with its design philosophy, offering up little aesthetic excitement in comparison to some of its rivals, most notably BMW, Audi, and Mercedes. To draw a sports analogy, it seemed Lexus was merely content with becoming the automotive world’s equivalent of former Utah Jazz point guard and NBA Hall of Famer John Stockton: an industrious, hardworking, and unassuming player who was big on performing, but offered little flair or excitement to his approach to the game. While Stockton is regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time, he was never exactly lighting up the highlight reels.

The same could be said for Lexus, although thankfully things are looking much brighter — and more exciting — at camp Lexus these days. It all starts with the company’s new “spindle grille,” which has finally made its way to the flagship LS sedan after having graced the new GS and ES models. But unlike the recent GS and ES models, the new LS lineup, which includes the LS 460, the all-new LS 460 F Sport, and the Earth-friendly hybrid LS 600h L, is more of a refresh of its 2012 predecessors than an entirely new offering. Thankfully, though, this update provides more than enough substance.

We recently had the opportunity to drive the 2013 LS 460 F Sport through the streets of sunny San Diego, California. Here is what we walked, or rather, drove away with.

More powerful than polite

The old maxim states that you should put your best foot forward; in this instance, however, Lexus has opted to put its best face forward, and it all centers on the company’s new grille. Gone is the sterile and sleepy trapezoidal front end adorning previous model years. Instead, Lexus has wisely opted to bring in a degree of uniformity to its models – and it works. BMW has the iconic kidneys, Audi has its dazzling LEDs, and now Lexus has provided itself with an aggressive aesthetic: a bolder, wider front end with a gaping maw that commands attention. The same look has been implemented across the line.

For the 2013 LS, Lexus also tweaked the front LED headlamps. Gone are the numerous sequential LEDs, replaced by a three-lamp configuration that provides a solid, continuous glow during both day and nighttime driving. It’s a small change, but one that provides just enough significance and visual cadence to Lexus’ flagship sedan.

Even so, while the majority of 2013 LS’ touch ups are more readily witnessed up front, the tail of the car has received some love and attention from Lexus’ engineers. In keeping with the wider, more aggressive theme, the rear of the vehicle compliments the front’s athletic stance with sleeker LED taillamps and more sharply blended pillars.

It’s the little things

As you can imagine from a premium nameplate like Lexus, the LS 460 doesn’t skimp on luxury. For the 2013 model year, the LS 460 demonstrates its quality with a host of features and appointments that seamlessly blend Japanese craftsmanship with 21st century design. According to Lexus, a great deal of effort went into creating a cabin that was both spacious and luxurious. With our time in the LS 460 we see that this is very much the case. Of course, it’s the little things that add up, like genuine spun aluminum used throughout the cabin, and the gorgeous Shimamoku wood trim found on the steering wheel. Simply put, those looking for well-appointed, full-size luxury sedan would do well to cross shop against a comparable Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz.

The technology of luxury

While we could drone on about bolstered seats and a host of other comfort details, what really had us most excited is the available cabin and safety tech integrated into the 2013 LS. We’ll start with the convenience aspect, though.

New for 2013 is a 12.3-inch LCD screen located centrally along the dashboard. In addition to displaying the navigation system, the LCD screen displays both phone and stereo interfaces. Its generous real-estate can be partitioned into three separate displays allowing for simultaneous viewing. For example, if you’re in the midst of using the navigation system, you can also see what track is playing on the stereo, or place a phone calls without having to close out one function over the other. This allows for a greater degree of utility and functionality. While bigger isn’t always better, it’s nice to see Lexus make use of the larger screen size in a smarter way.

Similar to the interface we encountered in our 2013 Lexus GS 350 review, the 2013 LS utilizes the same mouse-like knob for controlling and navigating the vivid LCD screen, which itself is located on the center console. While touchscreens may be more intuitive, we’re proponents of a more tactile like this, and BMW’s iDrive controller. The responsiveness and ease of dial system over the current crop of touchscreens cannot be ignored.

Also available in the 2013 Lexus LS is an HDD navigation system with 80GB hard drive. In addition to downloading, updating, and transferring map data via a DVD or USB thumb drive, a few new features have made their way into the system. Automatic zooming, true 3D map viewing with city model and landmark graphics, as well as relayed speed limit information are all new for 2013. Lexus also tells us that the voice guidance system has been beefed up for the new model year, including active rerouting guidance as well as dynamic traffic guidance on roads without sufficient information.

Integrating into the navigation system is Lexus’ Enform telematics suite. Here, drivers have the ability to download the corresponding Enform smartphone app and gain access to supported apps via voice commands and Bluetooth. Currently, Enform supports various functions such as internet searches via its Bing app, as well as other applications such as iHeartRadio, Pandora, and OpenTable, among others. We weren’t able to test these functions during our brief drive, but we’ll have a more comprehensive rundown once we fully review the vehicle.

But much more than simply offering superfluous tech features, the 2013 Lexus LS packs three impressive safety technologies drivers are sure to appreciate. First up is Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM). While driving, this tech will alert you tif a vehicle is operating within your blind spot zone. It uses two radars, which are located at both the left and right rear quarters of the vehicle. If you try to shift lanes when they detect a vehicle present, it will will illuminate a mirror indicator to notify you of the potential hazard. If you happen to not being paying attention to the initial warning, BSM takes it a step further by emitting a flashing indicator on the side mirror when engaging your turn signal while a car is drifting in your blind spot.

The 2013 LS also features what Lexus calls its Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). While the LS is equipped with a rear backup camera that allows you to see what is directly behind you, RCTA makes use of small microwaves to detect approaching vehicles to either side of you while parked.

Finally, perhaps the most impressive safety tech implementation, and one we are more than happy to have but hope to never have to use, is Lexus’ Advanced Pre-Collision System (A-PCS). Working in conjunction with millimeter-wave radar, front-facing near infrared projectors, and a front-mounted stereo camera, the A-PCS is designed to detect both vehicles and pedestrians and, you guessed it, avoid colliding into them. A-PCS works in conjunction with the vehicle’s advanced obstacle detection system and provides an innovative way of avoiding low-speed collisions, the key word here being low-speed. At speeds of less than 24 miles per hour, and in the event of a potential collision, A-PCS will assess the probability of a collision. If the system anticipates that a collision is indeed imminent, it will seek to warn the driver by emitting both a visual and audible warning. At the same time, A-PCS will automatically engage a number of safety measures, including emergency steering assist, giving the steering a greater response to the driver’s input; stiffening up the air suspension system for greater evasion controls. Last but not least, the A-PCS will apply a Pre-Collision Brake Assist system (PBA) to aid in emergency breaking force.

If all else fails, you fail to take the appropriate counter measures, and if you are traveling 24 mph or less, the A-PCS will automatically engage its breaking system, providing approximately 1G of stopping power. Lexus tells us the system will still kick into effect even when traveling at greater speeds, in order to mitigate potential harm and damage.

Rounding out the safety tech in the 2013 Lexus LS is a Dynamic Radar Cruse Control system, as well as an active lane departure system.

Powertrain: Same, but different

Powertrain options across the 2013 LS remain relatively simple as not much has changed from last year’s models. That means we see the same 4.6-liter V8 — only this year, Lexus has manage to squeeze out six more horsepower, bringing the total to 386 hp and sending 367 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via an eight speed automatic transmission. We see those numbers dip in the all-wheel-drive model due to a different exhaust setup, where the 2013 LS produces 359 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque.

For drivers just as concerned with style and luxury as they are with helping the environment, Lexus continues to offer its LS 600h L for 2013 model year. Its hybrid drivetrain features a 5.0-liter V8, two electric motors, and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack.

As far as engine efficiency is concerned, the 2WD LS should net 16 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined, while the AWD LS is estimate to achieve 16/23/19. (Both figures based on using premium fuel.) This is by no means stellar, but not the worst fuel economy numbers we have seen in this class.

When it comes to performance, Lexus is looking to kick the LS into high gear. Lexus claims the 2013 LS can dash from 0-60 mph in just 5.4 second with an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. While we were unable to generate a proper 0-60 time during our ride and drive, it’s clear the latest LS lineup possesses added energy under the hood.

Of course, for those looking for an even livelier experience, Lexus has included the LS F Sport to its 2013 LS lineup. Much like the GS F Sport, this go-fast version of the LS is gifted a veritable amount of tweaks and enhancements such as a Torsen limited-slip differential, Brembo front-brake calipers, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a 10 millimeter lowered adjustable air suspension, among others.

Overall, we really enjoyed our time with the AWD version of the F sport. The tightened air suspension felt comfortable and poised throughout our drive, and the added handling dynamics the F Sport package provides delivered some truly solid road manners. Even though the LS features several driving settings to choose from (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+) we never felt much of a difference outside of Eco and Comfort. That’s not to say the LS wasn’t fast or fun, but it never felt as confident or enthralling as we hoped. Still, if you prefer poise over power, the LS delivers without any fuss.

With the LS 460 starting at $71,990, and our LS F Sport north of that figure at $89,310, Lexus’ flagship lineup isn’t exactly cheap. But when compared to full-size luxury sedans from rivals BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, which can easily run upwards of $100,000, it almost seems a bargain… almost.

The pursuit of perfection continues

If you haven’t already gathered, there is a lot to like about the 2013 LS. The 2013 LS F Sport package we spent time in promising evidence that Lexus is capable of doing away with – if even just partially — its stiff persona and injecting a little more life and personality into its vehicles. We would still like to see Lexus approach the LS in a more radical way, but from a design perspective, the new spindle grill is a fine start. Likewise, techies as well as gearheads will appreciate the robust amount of advanced technology this lux sedan is carrying.

We’d still like to see a little more dynamism under the hood, but for now we’re willing to settle for what the LS has to offer: a buttery smooth ride with a competent, if not a tiny bit underwhelming drivetrain.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

2013 Lexus GS 350 review

It’s been a while since Lexus turned many heads. But the new design language from the luxury Japanese automaker is nothing short of spectacular and has allowed the sleepy “L” to leap back into the same league as the  many breath-taking designs coming out Germany.

Of course, dominating any market is never an easy endeavor, yet Lexus managed to do so for years. What’s more, they did it with seeming effortlessness that one can only imagine irritated its clear-cut rivals. But like its parent company, Toyota, Lexus has suffered as of late. In 2011, we saw the brand suffer and slip down the pecking order, with many of the German luxury brands, such as BMW and Audi, compelling customers to jump ship.

After having taken a break in the U.S. market for the 2012 model year, the Lexus GS 350 is back for 2013. Has the Japanese luxury marquee finally decided to show up to the dance and appeal to the more visceral sensibilities of its customers — or will it continue to play it safe and forgo what has driven customers to its rivals?

Building bold and stylish momentum

People don’t often like to admit it, but looks matter — especially with an automobile. Even if they can go fast, handle like a dream, and sport some insane sound system that reverberates throughout every inch of your body, that “dream car” needs to be easy on the eyes, or nobody is going to think twice when something prettier comes along. We’re superficial creatures in a lot of ways – and that’s OK.

For the 2013 GS 350, it seems like Lexus is finally hip to this harsh truth; the GS 350 is a beautiful creature, one that immediately grabs your attention and refuses to let go. A lot of that credit has to go toward what Lexus is calling its new spindle grille.

Like BMW’s iconic double kidney, Audi’s interlocking rings, and Mercedes three-pointed star, the new up-front design element Lexus has added instills a flair and character we assumed was long forgotten at the company — though we have seen glimpses of life over at Lexus recently, in the form of the LFA supercar and IS sport sedan.

For the better part of a decade, however, Lexus has been operating on cruise control. Lexus has always built quality, reliable cars. But for the price, people want more than just that. They want fun. They want passion. And they want something that’s going to turn heads. Honestly, when was the last time you were truly impressed by how great a Lexus looks…that far back, huh? Yeah, that’s what we thought. Thankfully, the invigorated style of the GS has breathed new life into a brand that seemed content to wallow in exceptional mediocrity.

In addition to its mean mug, the GS 350 features a host of styling refinements that we truly appreciate. Our undying love for smartly lined LED lights has not gone unanswered, with the GS 350 featuring an integrated strip just below the headlamps. The dimensions up front have been widened by a couple of inches, which helps give the car a more aggressive look head-on, while to the side and rear designs offer more subdued styling. Some might argue that the design isn’t bold enough, but we disagree. Come off too harsh and Lexus would miss its mark. And, like it or not, that spindle-grille has been described by the company as “the new face of Lexus,” so expect to see it on many more upcoming models.

In the end, the exterior design of the 2013 GS 350 manages to be a lot of things: aggressive, elegant, athletic, and subdued. There really is something here to satiate a wide array of tastes. But more than anything else, it’s fun and fierce — and those are two adjectives we haven’t used to describe a Lexus in way too long.

The momentum continues…

We’ve grown accustomed to compromise while reviewing cars. As with most things, there are aspects we enjoy and others we don’t. This is typically dealt with a modicum of civility on our part because, after all, nobody is perfect. This unfortunate reality is often most prevalent when examining the exterior and interior of a vehicle. Thankfully, this isn’t an issue in the 2013 Lexus GS 350.

The styling momentum carries over from the exterior into the cabin of the GS 350. Lexus has long been known for its quality cabins. And while traditional styling sensibilities can be witnessed throughout, there is a far greater degree of modernity as well. Whether it’s the soft and contemporary hue of the ambient LED lighting throughout the cabin, the electro-luminescent gauge cluster, or the 8-inch LCD control display with touchpad interface (more on than in a bit), the cabin is as smartly dressed as it is comfortable.

Adjustable 10-way power seats come standard on the 2013 Lexus GS 350, but our loaner upped the ante to 18 courtesy of its Luxury Package ($6,530). And while that might seem like overkill, the GS 350’s firm seats up front manage to cradle both driver and passenger making it the most comfortable cabins we’ve sat in to date, with the BMW 335i coming in at a close second and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque awarded the bronze.

Altogether, there is cabin space aplenty, both up front and in the rear. For the 2013 model year, rear passengers have been afforded nearly three more inches of hip room, and leg room is hardly an issue, measuring at 36.8-inches. While cargo space has been an issue in past iterations, Lexus has managed to address that thanks to the new redesign, which now allows for 14.3 cubic feet that should fit a set of golf clubs or a decent amount of luggage.

We wouldn’t expect a Lexus cabin to look cheap, and this one doesn’t. The mix of leather and real wood enhances the cabin a great deal, and breaks up the endless sea of leather found on the seats and wrapped around almost the entirety of the dash.

The price is wrong… for navigation

There isn’t exactly a tech drought when it comes to mid-size luxury sedans. And considering our review car hovers north of $60,000, we assumed our loaner would naturally fall into that category. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case here. While our review unit features some bedazzling tech of its own, curiously absent was the optional navigation system, upgraded 12.3-inch wide LCD display, and Lexus’s Enform system, which is similar to BMW’s iDrive.

This, more than anything, has us rather miffed. The 2013 GS is a strong showing from Lexus. But overlooking one of the most quintessential technology features found in even the most pedestrian of vehicles nowadays is unacceptable. Apparently 60 grand will get you a lot, but it won’t get you a navigation system. Rubbish, Lexus, simply rubbish.

That gigantic misstep aside, the GS 350 does manager to muster an impressive showing in the tech department. While Lexus Enform offers its own apps suite with Pandora, Yelp, and a host of other integrated apps, moderately savvy owners can work around this by utilizing the vehicles simple Bluetooth connectivity feature to connect a smartphone or tablet.

On top of effortless voice commands to make hands-free phone calls, you can also stream music apps like Pandora and Spotify with ease. The GS 350 features a USB port housed in the middle console, so charging your smart device is easy. But be warned: operating apps like Spotify, or even connecting your iPod in order to listen to your library of music, doesn’t always work as smoothly as it should. Lexus’s system has a hard time keeping pace with track changes, and will often display the wrong track altogether. Often we were told to wait while the system accessed our iPod’s library. It’s annoying. This type of problem isn’t just confined to Lexus vehicles. However, given the vehicle’s price, it’s much less easy to overlook or forgive.

The GS 350 also features Lexus’s handy Remote Touch interface. This square-shaped controller sits in front of an elevated wrist pad, and makes navigating the vehicle’s menus a breeze. While it’s not quite as accurate as a mouse, which is the closest comparison we can think of, it does offer an unprecedented level of control and accuracy for an in-car computer system. There is a corresponding icon that shows up on the display, and selecting various functions is as simple as clicking down on the button. This is, by far, the best system we have had the pleasure of operating, and we hope more automakers follow suit.

Soft-spoken performer

The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Transmission options are limited to a six-speed automatic with manual shift paddle controls, but customers can opt for either a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive system. EPA rating for the rear-wheel-drive version is 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. Our all-wheel drive review unit earns a little less at 19 mpg in the city, 26 on the highway, and 21 combined. For comparison, the BMW 535i xDrive with 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder and the Audi A6 with Quattro all-wheel drive and a 3.0-liter V6 earn comparable returns with 21/30/24 and 19/28/22, respectively.

We were pleased to discover that the GS 350 isn’t hindered by the ghost of its subdued forbearers. The engine is exquisitely vocal, and the rumble and growl crept ever so blissfully into our aural canals at every push of the ignition or spool of torque being blasted through. However, it never manages to match the sound sensation emanating from some of its German rivals — namely, BMW’s 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder — but is a raucous step in the right direction for Lexus.

A refined road warrior

The 2013 Lexus GS 350 features some truly impressive driving dynamics, and in many ways keeps pace with the German performance-based luxury sedans. Its uncanny ability to grip the road, even when power is being sent viciously to the wheels, is admirable and offers a truly engaging ride for those that seek it out. When not stopping the accelerator, the GS 350 provides a supple and composed ride. And although we expected as much, the ability to weave in and out of each driving scenario was a feat, and sensation, that instilled in us even more confidence that Lexus has the potential to rival the best of what Germany has to offer.

That said, we still have a minor qualm: The GS 350 has a tendency to release its revs too early in the powerband, even when in manual shifting mode. This becomes more of a nuisance for enthusiasts that want to push their vehicle harder than most are likely to do — but it’s something Lexus should better tune for upcoming variations.

Speaking of upcoming variations, while we thoroughly enjoyed Lexus’s finely-tuned 3.5-liter V6, the fact that it is only available as a six-speed automatic reeks of a rush job. So many of its competitors are swapping in seven- and eight-speed transmissions, and the GS 350 should be no different.

Finish Line

At the risk of sounding cheesy, the 2013 GS 350 is not just a new model — it’s a statement. As with its remarkable LFA concept, Lexus is looking to show the world what it can do. We might be able to accuse the luxury automaker of many things, but it finally seems we can no longer criticize it for resting on its laurels and being smacked around by rivals it managed to best with relative ease for so many years.

In the 2013 GS 350, we have a real contender in the mid-size luxury segment. It features bold styling, a finely-crafted interior, and a satisfying mill that has left us incredibly impressed — even if it does need some further refinement to truly content with those pesky Germans and their proverbial symphony on wheels.

And yet, for all its quality, the GS 305 can do more. Mileage and powertrain efficiency needs to be ironed out. And while we are smitten with its design, we can’t help but think Lexus has a greater degree of room with which to explore.

Suffice to say, Lexus has our attention once again and rightfully so — now that it does it must hold onto it. That may prove easier said than done. But if the GS 350 is anything to go off of, that goal appears well within Lexus’s reach. For those seeking out a solid performer across the board, we recommend the 2013 Lexus GS 350. For those of us seeking out an edgier, more raw experience, however, it might serve us well to hold off on emigrating from the Rhineland for a while longer.

Highs

• Style — yes, a modern Lexus with style and flair!

• Solid performer across the board

• Excellent interface controls

• Comfortable and stylish cabin

• Exceptional road manners

Lows

• Lack of navigation system despite luxury package add-on

• Somewhat recycled powertrain

• Unimpressive fuel economy

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Google adds Lexus RX450h to ongoing self-driving car project

Google is adding another hybrid, in the form of the Lexus RX450h, to its self-driving car project.

“Roads…? Where we’re going we don’t need roads!” Okay, so we still need roads, perhaps what Doc Brown should have said was “where we’re going we don’t need drivers,” because that is rapidly becoming the case thanks to modern technology. You see, in the future cars will drive themselves. And one of the companies paving the way for that very future is Google and its self-driving car project; a project which we might add has proven without a doubt that autonomous vehicles are no longer an object of science fiction.

How so? Well, the Internet search giant has clocked in over 300,000 miles testing its self-driving Toyota Prius, sweeping across city-scapes and suburbs alike. Now, it looks to add another hybrid to the mix, the Lexus RX450h, as it turns its attention to more treacherous and tricky road conditions.

“To provide the best experience we can, we’ll need to master snow-covered roadways, interpret temporary construction signals and handle other tricky situations that many drivers encounter,” Chris Urmson, Engineering Lead of the Self-driving program wrote on Google’s official blog.

With the RX450h’s electric all-wheel-drive system Google should have little difficulty traversing the tricky terrain it has planned.

In addition to incorporating the RX450h into its fleet of autonomous test vehicles, Google will soon begin to alter the way its self-driving teams go about their research. Right now, two person teams are employed for test drives at all times, but that number will drop down to one as team members begin to utilize the vehicles for their daily commutes and other conventional tasks.

With the reduction of one driver, we have to ask: When will we see a Google car without any human overseers? The answer: Probably not anytime soon. Despite the fact that Google’s self-driving car has gone more than 300,000 without incident, Google says it will keep a watchful pair of eyes in the car in case something does go awry. Furthermore, in order for Google to operate its self-driving cars in California, a licensed driver must be behind the wheel at all times.

Of course, questions arise as to why Google has chosen to delve into the autonomous driving technology market in the first place. For a company that so handily dominates the search engine business, and has other lucrative arms, it doesn’t add up entirely. But perhaps this question is answered in Urmon’s blog entry when he writes, “Technology is at its best when it makes people’s lives better, and that’s precisely what we’re going for with our self-driving car project. We’re using advanced computer science to try and make driving safer and more enjoyable.”

That may be, but should Google’s motives prove less altruistic the reality is it doesn’t really matter, short of some maniacal plot to overthrow the world powers and install its own Google government. Although, with the way the company is run we can’t say we’d mind all that much.

Nevertheless, the realization of our nerd-fueled childhood fantasies is slowly taking shape, and we couldn’t be happier.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com