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Volvo Car Group initiates world unique Swedish pilot project witWe are heading toward self-driving cars quicker than anyone could have imagined just a few years ago. While it will clearly be some time before our highways are packed with driverless cars making their way to work, home, and parts beyond, there are glimpses of the future driving alongside us now.

It may be the Honda Civic self-aligned in the fast lane beside you, or the Ford Fusion Energi in your rear view mirror that stopped without driver assistance as traffic ground to a halt, then automatically paced your car as your lane began moving again. Or maybe the driver of the nearby Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid who misjudged how quickly traffic would stop, but escaped incident because of on-board systems that sensed a collision and automatically initiated emergency braking. And what about that Tesla Model S ahead that signaled and changed lanes seemingly on its own as its driver focused on something else?

autopilotThese are real capabilities of vehicles on the road today. Not all models with autonomous technologies are ‘green’ cars, but assuredly many of them will be since there’s a natural convergence of autonomous driving technology and more efficient cars unfolding before us. This is only gathering momentum as a growing number of vehicles begin to feature systems like these.

Already, cars are increasingly equipped with an array of sensors, radar, and cameras to facilitate driver assistance systems that help deal with mundane chores like backing up safely and parallel parking. These same sensors and systems provide a foundation for even more sophisticated autonomous driving capabilities.

360° Surround viewSeveral automakers are striving mightily to lead the field. Tesla is one of these, not only with the ability for its Model S to autonomously stay in its lane and with traffic flow, but automatically and safely change lanes with the flick of a turn signal when Autosteer is engaged. Cadillac is another with its upcoming Super Cruise.

Volvo is also at the forefront of this race to an autonomous driving future, in part because autonomous cars are considered much safer ‘drivers’ than humans and this aligns well with Volvo’s ambitious goal to eliminate traffic fatalities in its vehicles by 2020. Its XC90 plug-in hybrid already features some of the most advanced autonomous systems out there including Sensus Connect, Intersection Auto Brake, and Pilot Assist. Volvo has also created its Concept 26 autonomous driving interior for the XC90, the first such autonomous-focused concept interior built on a vehicle platform sold today. Volvo is taking a lead role in the world’s first large-scale autonomous driving pilot project that will find 100 self-driving Volvos negotiating everyday driving tasks on 30 miles of public roads around Gothenburg, Sweden.

VOLVO CAR GROUP LANCE UN PROJET UNIQUE AU MONDE DE VOITURES A COThe specter of life with self-driving cars presents its challenges, not the least of which is consumer distrust of such systems and the concern we will lose the driving enjoyment and sense of freedom that automobiles have brought us since their invention. While we may be in a new era that finds technology impacting most facets of daily life – with this technology increasingly making its way to our cars – the love of driving remains a priority for many.

This is supported by a recent Volvo survey in which a vast majority of those asked said autonomous car technology should respect the love of driving and, in fact, autonomous cars should include a steering wheel even if they are capable of driving themselves. At the same time, most felt that technology in autonomous cars would make their travel time more productive. In other words, we want these worlds to coexist. There’s a lot to read into that …perhaps from the driver’s seat at 65 mph, no?

Concept 26

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While the electric LEAF is clearly Nissan’s highest-profile environmental statement worldwide, mainstream cars like this automaker’s Altima – which sells in hundreds of thousands of units annually – are the ones that carry the day. That may change in time as advanced and alternative powertrains seek to displace more conventional motivation, but this is today’s reality.

Our recent time with Nissan’s mid-size Altima 2.5 SV sedan proved this mainstream model a solid performer that not only delivers a pleasing driving experience at affordable cost, but pretty admirable fuel economy as well. Emerging two model years ago as an all-new iteration, the Altima remains a stylish choice with loads of functionality and new levels of connectivity and integration of on-board electronics.

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The Altima is pleasing to the eye with a dramatic front end and sculpted fenders, a long sloping roofline, curvaceous taillights that flow into the body, and a fluid silhouette that helps achieve an efficient 0.29 coefficient of drag. While featuring an eye-catching and distinctive chrome-rimmed grille and projector headlight design, it’s otherwise devoid of gimmicky angles and lines that would diminish its appeal to mainstream buyers. Our 2.5 SV rolled on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and Michelin 215/55R17 tires.

Inside is a comfortable and accommodating interior designed with pleasing materials, logical controls, and pushbutton start. Remote engine start is also possible with the vehicle’s Nissan Intelligent Key, plus the ability to precondition the interior to desired temps via the key’s Intelligent Climate Control function. Both driver and front passenger are treated to what Nissan describes as Zero Gravity front seats. These fatigue-reducing seats have been designed with long commutes and road trips in mind, providing support in as close as possible to the ‘neutral posture’ position that NASA research shows a human body takes in a weightless environment. Rear seat passengers are provided comfortable seating and adequate legroom for long trips. The Altima also carries more than its share of gear for those trips with a truly spacious trunk.

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Standard on all Altima models is Nissan’s customizable Advanced Drive-Assist display, which features a 4-inch color screen with 3D graphics located in the center of the instrument panel, flanked by a speedometer and tach. Here, key information can be selectively displayed including instant mpg, tire pressure readouts, audio system information, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions (in nav-equipped models).

Our Altima 2.5 SV included a Convenience Package as standard fare, adding in such niceties as a power sliding/tilt moonroof, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, and folding mirrors with integrated turn signals. The SV model’s Technology Package brings an additional array of desired features including a 7-inch color touch-screen display and NissanConnect with navigation, mobile apps, and available hands-free text messaging.

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Aimed at keeping driver and passengers connected while on the road, NissanConnect apps include Facebook, iHeart Radio, Google online search, and Pandora. The system is designed to allow introducing additional travel, social networking, and entertainment apps. In addition to connectivity, the Technology Package provides important safety technology including Blind Sport Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Moving Object Detection systems.

During our 700-plus mile drive through California's gold country, we found the Altima 2.5 SV to be sure-footed, responsive, and comfortable to drive. Its 182 horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder provides all the power needed on the road while delivering an impressive EPA-estimated 27 city and 38 highway mpg. An optionally available 3.5-liter V-6 provides 270 horsepower while achieving EPA-estimated 22 city and 32 highway fuel economy, a 1 mpg improvement over last year. Both versions move power to the road through an efficient Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

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Higher fuel efficiency is an imperative these days and Nissan clearly gets it, especially with its 2.5-liter engine. The Altima achieves its efficiencies in myriad ways including the integration of lightweighting techniques like a thermoplastic resin intake manifold, lower rolling resistance tires, 40 percent friction reduction in the transmission, and a regenerative alternator that operates only while coasting to reduce parasitic load on the engine.

Nissan’s Altima is one of the best selling cars in the country and this automaker’s top selling model, period. Staying ahead of the curve in the crowded mid-size market is no easy thing, with the competition continually raising the bar in efficiency, safety, value, and performance. The 2015 Nissan Altima keeps its winning personality and adds in the right mix of new features and advanced electronics to keep its stride in this hot market segment.