A sizable update is on the way for Ford’s BlueCruise Autonomous driving technology is Level 2 and it will deliver a long-awaited feature – hands-free lane change. The automaker announced the new software today in a press release, saying it will arrive first. 2023 Mustang Mach-E in the fall, before filling out the rest of the BlueCruise capable range.
To be fair, the system isn’t completely “hands-free” – you’ll have to tap the stub of the turn signal first to request a lane change, before the car does when it thinks it’s safe enough. This feature is just one aspect of version 1.2, which includes Lane Repositioning and Predictive Speed Assist. Here’s how they work each, courtesy of Ford Press Release:
Lane change assist can help drivers feel more confident when traveling on the highway when using BlueCruise. The system will perform a hands-free lane change when the driver touches the required light, and it can even suggest if changing lanes is beneficial when following slow-moving traffic.
Predictive Speed Assist adjusts the speed automatically and smoothly as the driver approaches a sharp turn and will help alert the driver before a speed change is imminent, so that they understand why the car is slowing down.
In-lane repositioning makes the hands-free highway driving experience feel more natural, keeping the vehicle in its lane while smoothly shifting its position away from vehicles in the neighboring lane. subtle – especially useful when around larger vehicles such as pickups.
General Motors allows for the first time automatic lane change in the Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving suite with 2021 modelso this is an important step for BlueCruise to catch up with similar name – competitor. Especially considering the most disliked service auspicious beginnings.
That shows GM still offers its software on significantly more vehicles. Currently, only the Mach-E, certain F-150 models, and the Lincoln Navigator can run BlueCruise. (HEY- ActiveGlide in Lincoln’s talk. I wish I had.) That’s compared to some six Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac models and counts as Super Cruise ready.
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Ford says that as of last month, some 75,000 drivers logged more than 16 million miles using BlueCruise and ActiveGlide. Ford also says it’s aiming for “human-like performance” for the system’s behavior, which is a point worth stressing.
The two lesser attention-grabbing features in release 1.2 — In-Lane Repositioning and Predictive Speed Assist — are really more about communicating the car’s actions to its occupants, and driving in a way that makes those occupants feel a little safer, even if it doesn’t actually make them safer. If we are going to Level 3Those improvements in quality of life and peace of mind will need to be made to bridge the gap between self-driving and moments where human intervention is required.
