GreenCarReports: An electric car that takes autonomous drive into a new era: that's the vision behind the new Renault Next Two concept.
The French carmaker has just revealed the prototype - which is based on a Renault ZOE - that offers an automated valet parking function permitting the car to park itself completely autonomously; and allowing the driver to delegate driving functions in congested traffic on main roads.
According to Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn, the vehicle will be affordable too as it has been based on technologies that are already developed well enough to be built into production models over the medium-term.
"With Next Two, we wanted to combine the worlds of delegated driving and connectivity," he said.
"Not only will autonomous driving enhance safety but it will also free up time for drivers. Being connected will enable them to make the most of this extra time by providing them with access to new in-car services such as video-conferences, on-line shopping, travel information and more."
At the heart of the technology is ADAS hardware based on two main detection systems: which are used to analyse the environment.
There will be a front facing sensor that looks at the vehicle ahead, making calculations about how far away it is and the speed it is driving; while a camera will detect lateral markings on the ground to position the vehicle correctly. When the car takes over, the head-up display becomes blue and when driving of the vehicle has been delegated, the head-up display and dashboard display will allow a logical dialogue to occur between the car and the driver.
In addition, the Renault Next Two concept boasts separate advanced driver assistance systems including lane keeping assist and automotive cruise control.
The French carmaker has just revealed the prototype - which is based on a Renault ZOE - that offers an automated valet parking function permitting the car to park itself completely autonomously; and allowing the driver to delegate driving functions in congested traffic on main roads.
According to Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn, the vehicle will be affordable too as it has been based on technologies that are already developed well enough to be built into production models over the medium-term.
"With Next Two, we wanted to combine the worlds of delegated driving and connectivity," he said.
"Not only will autonomous driving enhance safety but it will also free up time for drivers. Being connected will enable them to make the most of this extra time by providing them with access to new in-car services such as video-conferences, on-line shopping, travel information and more."
At the heart of the technology is ADAS hardware based on two main detection systems: which are used to analyse the environment.
There will be a front facing sensor that looks at the vehicle ahead, making calculations about how far away it is and the speed it is driving; while a camera will detect lateral markings on the ground to position the vehicle correctly. When the car takes over, the head-up display becomes blue and when driving of the vehicle has been delegated, the head-up display and dashboard display will allow a logical dialogue to occur between the car and the driver.
In addition, the Renault Next Two concept boasts separate advanced driver assistance systems including lane keeping assist and automotive cruise control.
