The Tesla model S autopilot-car-drive was launched by the US automaker last week. The highly anticipated innovation was introduced for its cars online.
The new autopilot feature is a suite of "driver-assist" technologies. It was introduced in the Model S Sedan where the car can drive itself under the right circumstances. Driver can happily experience hands-off-the-wheel driving for extended periods, said Business Insider.
The new Tesla Model S autopilot car drive feature was eagerly awaited by auto enthusiasts. They had anticipated it to be coming with Version 7.0 upgrade to Tesla's vehicle software. Various carmakers are also ready to introduce variants of this amped-up cruise control feature, said Business Insider.
The Test Drive
Tesla took a 20 minute test-drive last week with the Model S with the new operating system on Interstate 280 which is the curvy venture capital superhighway that connects San Francisco to San Jose.
The autosteer feature engages along with the lane-keeping technology by double-pulling on the cruise-control stalk. As the driver sets the ideal speed and distance to be maintained behind the car in front, a blue autosteer indicator appears on the instrument panel. The indicator switches off when the driver takes control of the steering wheel, said Detroit News.
The Auto Industry Reaction
Most industry experts and auto enthusiasts have stoked a discussion as to when this new autopilot function will be fully available on the road. As per the experts, Level 4 autopilot indicates when a car can navigate from point A to B without any driver input and can drive with no one in them.
Currently, Tesla's autonomy is classified as Level 2 but it can easily achieve Level 3 such that drivers can sit back and leave their vehicles to handle the traffic, said Business Insider.
