New cruise control also controls distance
Published: May/Jun 2001
Cars are getting smarter.
A new accessory system called Adaptive Cruise control has been developed that will help cars maintain a certain distance from other cars. The driver simply engages the system and sets the distance between his or her car and the vehicle in front, it will automatically back off the throttle or apply the braking system to maintain that setting. The system is being phased in as an option on some model Mercedes vehicles (S-Class and the CL sport coupe) and the Lexus LS 430.
The system works through the use of a sensor, located behind the grille. Two types of sensors are used: radar on the Mercedes and a laser on the Lexus.
