Nissan to build Nanny Cars

[RMFNSKY]

Nissan cars to push back when drivers floor it

From Associated Press

August 04, 2008 11:15 PM EDT


TOKYO - Nissan Motor Co. will soon sell cars that push back when drivers try to put the pedal to the metal. It has also developed a test model packed with additional sensor technology to make vehicles crash-free.

The features unveiled this week by Nissan Motor Co. are the latest among recent efforts by the world's automakers to vamp up their images.

Nissan's collision-free prototype has sensors at its back and side that turn on alarms and brakes to help avoid collisions. The system also helps the vehicle maintain a safe distance with the car in front, as well as preventing it from veering off its lane, Nissan said Tuesday.

Nissan has said it hopes to halve the number of traffic accidents or serious injuries involving Nissan vehicles in Japan by 2015 compared to 1995 levels.

Nissan's "ECO Pedal" system - promoted as being both green and safe - makes the gas pedal press upward when it senses motorists are speeding up too quickly.

Nissan said in a news release Monday the system, which will be available next year, can help drivers improve fuel efficiency 5 to 10 percent.

The system calculates the most efficient rate of acceleration in a vehicle based on how fast fuel is being burned and other factors and causes the gas pedal to push back to alert overzealous drivers. A special meter on the dashboard flashes and changes colors to help drive the message home.

Nissan says the system is designed to help drivers become more fuel efficient behind the wheel. Part of the company's strategy for reducing carbon dioxide emissions is modifying driving behavior.

Drivers can also opt to switch the system off.

Soaring gas prices and worries about global warming are pressuring automakers to introduce ecological products. Automakers are also trying to add value to their offerings by beefing up safety features.

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Suppose you accelerate to avoid a accident, but the worst thing I buy a car and I should be able to drive like I stoled it

[Bogie]

The lawyers are going to have a fun time with this one.

The head on collision that occurs because the driver could not complete the pass due to the car "pushing back".

The rear end collision the occurs because the driver is unable to accelerate into traffic, because the car was "pushing back".

Every day I see improper merging (too slow). This will just exacerbate the problem.

[RedHeaded RedLine]

Originally Posted by Bogie

The lawyers are going to have a fun time with this one.
The head on collision that occurs because the driver could not complete the pass due to the car "pushing back".
The rear end collision the occurs because the driver is unable to accelerate into traffic, because the car was "pushing back".
Every day I see improper merging (too slow). This will just exacerbate the problem.

C-A-R-B-U-R-E-T-O-R
The next car to come into this house is going to be a '70s muscle. He wants a 850 Holley attatched to his right foot, mechanically. At least I will get to use the Volvo somemore... J

[centric]

Nissan is apparently already building nanny-cars. The G37 goes into a reduced-power mode if you, say, try to run it near full power for a while.

Track Day with my 08 G37 Coupe at Pacific Raceways - The Something Awful Forums

I'd be extremely pissed if this wasn't disclosed prior to sale.

[RedHeaded RedLine]

Originally Posted by centric

Nissan is apparently already building nanny-cars. The G37 goes into a reduced-power mode if you, say, try to run it near full power for a while.
Track Day with my 08 G37 Coupe at Pacific Raceways - The Something Awful Forums
I'd be extremely pissed if this wasn't disclosed prior to sale.

If it is just a function of oil temperature, than it is protective and might not be that bad. And a supplemental cooler wouldn’t be a bad idea. If it is a combination of inputs; such as speed, TPS, rate of change in steering angle, yaw, ABS activation time, water/oil temp, then it is still protective, but not as urgent. I would hope if it is the latter there would be a way around it. Most track sessions are usually only 20 minutes or so. Even at 20 minutes, that is a very long time to be ‘beating’ on you ride. I would think 99.9% of people would never: One, track their car, two, get on it 10/10th to elicit this function. We are of the few people here who campaign their SKY, and we don't do it for more than a minute at a time. But, yes, if they have this ‘feature’ they should disclose it at time of purchase. -J