Text from Volkswagen of America. 2 million prize at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Grand Challenge in October, will be featured on NOVA’s “The Great Robot Race,” airing on PBS March 28 at 8 p.m. ET. Stanley defeated 22 other unmanned vehicles in a rigorous, 132-mile championship race over rough desert roads, mountain trails, dry lake beds and tunnels, using only onboard sensors and navigation equipment. The NOVA program will provide an in-depth look at the DARPA Grand Challenge and the technological innovations of the race contenders. The DARPA Grand Challenge is an annual competition and a field test intended to accelerate research and development in autonomous ground vehicles. Stanley performed flawlessly over the 132-mile Nevada course and achieved victory after six hours 35 minutes. Nearly 200 vehicles from around the world originally entered the competition. A series of semifinal competitions narrowed the final field to 23, including Stanley. Stanford University, with the technological support and innovations of the Volkswagen Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL), transformed the Touareg to drive itself without human assistance. Stanley is built from a stock, diesel-powered Volkswagen Touareg R5 modified with full-body skid plates and a reinforced front bumper. It is actuated by a drive-by-wire system developed by the ERL. All processing takes place in six Pentium M computers and measurements are incorporated from GPS, a 6DOF inertial measurement unit, and wheel speed for pose estimation. Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker.
Whether your destination is Sainsburys or the annual family skiing trip to Crans Montana, you'll feel better about doing it in an Audi Q5. In between, in contrast to larger, plusher and thirstier 4x4s, you won't get that nagging feeling of using a sledgehammer to crash a nut when it comes to meeting your real motoring needs. Nor, when you're alone on a twisty B road, should you need to wish you'd bought something sportier. Of course, this car faces tough competition, but the well considered package of changes made to this smarter, better equipped and higher-tech improved MK1 version did much to keep it ahead of the chasing pack. Certainly it's not cheap - but then neither is anything else in this segment and at least you'll get a decent part of your money back at resale time. True, it doesn't have the showiness of a Range Rover Evoque or the ultimate handling feedback of a BMW X3, but many will still find this Audi a perfect balance between these two extremes. Resolutely hi-tech and resolutely real world, the Q5 remains resolutely right.
All models come with a panoramic sun roof and daytime running lights as standard equipment. Seven people can jump in to this stylish MPV but the interior may be plain looking for some people. The three rows, depending on the usage, can be cramped or spacious. Control layout is a mixed bag, some are good while some are not and the bonus heads-up display is a help. With the local Peugeot distributor pushing with diesels, the 5008 has two oil burners throughout selling life. Lower models sold from 2013 to 2015 have a 1.6 diesel which gets 112hp at 3,600rpm and 285Nm at 1,700rpm paired to a semi-automatic transmission. Higher end models gain a 2.0 diesel utilizing 163hp at 3,750rpm and 340Nm at 2,000rpm that is matched to a conventional automatic. The semi-automatics could be a complicated combo but you would get used to it later on when you get the hang of it while the automatics are a fine partner. Both engines are fine but we suggest to get the lesser one since it will give you a slight advantage on fuel consumption. Another great feature is this model gets a unique diesel particulate filter which removes harmful particles for zero emissions and a start-stop system. If you want something that is fun to drive yet without sacrificing practicality, this is it. It steers with confidence, has less body roll, and offers an accurate steering. However, the suspension setup will give you a firm ride. It seemed the current Peugeot distributor got the right product when it was first made available and priced accordingly. Later models were messed up since the top end is retained with a jacked up price, but at second hand prices this is a steal already.
This is the same road on which I tested the Ford Shelby Mustang several weeks back. The Honda is much easier to drive fast under these conditions. Given the same driver, the Honda would beat the Mustang on this road. Braking power is good and I experienced no fade under our limited test conditions. Honda Civic sedans have always been fairly boxy in nature and it seems that Honda has always been satisfied to leave it to the aftermarket to improve this car’s looks. Not the case with this Civic sedan. The exterior design is smooth and flowing. And the Si package looks like it originated in the aftermarket. Nothing too crazy, but eye-catching none-the-less. I think they did a great job with the exterior design of this vehicle. It looks very modern and should age well. 22,085. If this vehicle is as reliable as other Civics have been through the years, it will be a great value. Well designed, sporting, good looks, and fairly practical.
