The promise of autonomous cars is a bit of a strange one. Who assumes liability in a crash that occurs while a vehicle is operating autonomously? How is autonomous driving handed-off to human drivers? Are people going to shag in robotaxis? Okay, we probably have an answer to that last one already, but still, loads to consider.
Earlier today, Jason wrote a piece titled “PSA: There Is No Such Thing As ‘Level 2++’ Autonomy So Don’t Trust Carmakers Who Say That Crap” because Mercedes-Benz just said that crap. “Level 2++” is a meaningless label, there are no plus signs on the official SAE chart concerning levels of automation, and anything done to muddy the waters could be seen by some as a wilful act of deception. Unsurprisingly, readers saw right through Mercedes-Benz, including Ash78 with a classic reference.
“Why do you just make 2 even more autonomous?”
“But….but these go to 2++“
Speaking of driving, let’s go off the beaten path for a second. Mini had lobbed a set of all-terrain tires on its Countryman crossover, a move that will probably be enough for light dirt road use, and more than enough for most Countryman owners. However, in a debate about real-world off-road capability, there’s one big factor everyone should consider. Kudos to Shop-Teacher for voicing an absolute truth of off-roading.
The most important factor in how good something is off road, is how much you care
ifwhen you break it.
Trail stripes from bushes? Slipping sideways and bashing a door on a rock? Potentially putting the shiny side down? All of these things could happen, and mitigating risk plays a huge role in how far off-road a given vehicle and driver will go. The average new G-Class owner probably won’t want to mark up their rig. Someone in a $500 Geo Tracker on $1,000 worth of tires? Well, they’re probably going to have a ton of fun. Or a really big hospital bill.
With the discontinuation of the Chevrolet BrightDrop comes the discontinuation of the RVEX, an electric motorhome based on the BrightDrop. It looked pretty neat, which is part of the reason I’m sad to see it go. Mercedes reported on the life and death of this nifty RV, and it turns out Username Loading… has some personal experience with the regular BrightDrop.
I drove a Brightdrop for a bit. I don’t remember too much about the experience besides a feeling of overwhelming blinding rage towards the Rivian Amazon delivery vans and the people who drive them. It’s the same feeling I imagine Camaro drivers feel about Mustangs, or what Mustang drivers feel about crowds.
Yeah, tribalism’s been a car culture thing since, well, forever. Camaro vs. Mustang, 911 vs. Corvette, Silverado vs. F-150, Falcon vs. Commodore, Corsa owners vs. Jeremy Kyle. You know the drill. Glad we can joke about it though, because the world would be much less fun if we couldn’t.
Anyway, that’s all from me tonight. Have a great evening, everyone.
Top graphic image: Mercedes-Benz
Easy, just call it Level 10 (but counting in binary…)
I mean, that’s how the computer sees it. You’re not wrong. (Side note. I think that’s a good indication of the AI turning point: when we’re forced to think in their language)
There are only 10 kinds of people. Those who understand binary and 01110100 01101000 01101111 01110011 01100101 00100000 01110111 01101000 01101111 00100000 01100100 01101111 01101110 11100010 10000000 10011001 01110100 00101110
2++ is a reference to C++?
“Corsa owners vs. Jeremy Kyle”
I will be amazed if any non-Brits get that reference without Googling
Yeah, I’m completely in the dark on that one…
Jeremy Kyle is/was a bit like a low-rent, British version of Jerry Springer, and the Vauxhall Corsa is stereotypically the sort of car his guests would drive.(and Corsa owners seem to like his show)
It’s an extremely deep British cut for Thomas to be bringing up 🙂
Oh wow, been a while since I won a COTD. Thanks!
“Someone in a $500 Geo Tracker on $1,000 worth of tires? Well, they’re probably going to have a ton of fun”
Sadly, I think the day of the $500 Geo Tracker is now well in the past, at least here in rust country 🙁
Yeah, it’s about $1500-2500(CAD) to get into an “off road only” CAMI unit from what my searches have found.
I will pull a Trump/Machado and hand over my (typo’d) COTD to the entire thread, which was awesome.
Also also RIP, Rob Reiner. I get sadder with each passing day, which I didn’t expect.
COTD are are non-transferable and may not be redeemed for cash or credit
Void where prohibited.
Side effects may include: dry mouth, oily hands, increased appetite for shower spaghetti, sudden onset taillight fetishes, spontaneous combustion, death, and empty wallet. Consult a doctor before commenting on Autopian articles. COTD patent pending.
While supplies last. Please wrench and comment responsibly.
If you receive 4 COTDs, see a doctor.
Well in that case, I can’t rule out the use of military force to share the award.
TAKE IT!
Just an aside, there’s an incredible irony in threatening military force over a Nobel peace prize. Not that anyone would ever do that…
NO FIGHTING in the war room!
Dang! You beat me to the DJT prize grab quip. I’m glad I read all the comments (thus far) before I just popped off and asked for Shop-Teacher’s.