Is an intuitive throttle really a good idea?
Nissan has developed a new system that lets the accelerator pedal think.
The automaton pedal (in conjunction with a frontal radar system and the onboard computer) can detect when the car is getting too close to an object in front and will alert the driver. Should the driver agree with the car’s decision and lift his/her foot off the go-button, the car will then take over and apply the brakes to bring the car to a complete halt.
If the driver continues to press down on the pedal, though, the car (and occupants) will keep going. Possibly into a tree.
The system will be available in Japan this year and will move over to the states in 2008. There is no information as to whether it will be making its way over here.
This raises some questions: How close is too close? Does having a car that will immediately brake to a stop actually cause more of a risk to other road users? Could this system take the fun out of driving? Well, we’re waiting…