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Weekly Recap: Autonomous driving goes commercial in Nevada

Nevada granted Daimler Trucks North America the first license to run an autonomous commercial vehicle on public roads in the United States Tuesday, marking another milestone in the technology's rapid advancement. Gov. Brian Sandoval and Daimler truck chief Wolfgang Bernhard promptly used the license to lap Highway 15 near Las Vegas in a newly revealed Freightliner Inspiration Truck. It was a clear signal that autonomous driving is big-rig reality, though it's still a long way from widespread use. Nevada certified two of Daimler's Freightliner Inspiration Trucks, which use the company's Highway Pilot system with a stereo camera, radar, and lane-keeping collision-prevention features to regulate the brakes and steering. The radar component has a long-range sensor that can cover 820 feet at an 18-degree angle and a shorter-range unit that stretches 230 feet at a 130-degree angle. The Inspiration trucks are based on the existing Freightliner Cascadia Evolution model used on US roads. In addition to the autonomous technologies, it also has futuristic design cues, including blue lighting in the front and a new hood and grille. While there are only two Freightliner Inspiration trucks in existence, Daimler expects to bring the Highway Pilot system into mass-produced big rigs by 2025, in time to capitalize on the market's predicted growth. The German truckmaker predicts the global hauling market will triple by 2050, and the United States will be a key part of that growth. Trucks carry 69.1 percent the nation's domestic freight tonnage and hauled 9.7 billion tons of freight in 2013, according to the American Trucking Association. Daimler expects autonomous driving to augment this growth, and perhaps evolve the role of the truck driver. Still, the company points out autonomous tech is not meant to replace drivers, but to assist them and relieve fatigue and monotony on long hauls. The driver has to stay in control for passing, in city traffic, and when hooking up the trailer. The company said autonomous driving also offers the potential for improved fuel economy – tests showed a five-percent gain – and lower maintenance costs. Daimler also said the technology could reduce congestion on the road. Much of this is attributable to the constant flow of traffic, which is aided by autonomous driving. While the benefits are becoming increasingly apparent, autonomous technology is still met with skepticism.

Deadmau5 orders Nyanborghini Purracan to replace departed Purrari

EDM DJ and producer Deadmau5 is unusual among car collectors for a few reasons, like the fact that the Canadian native didn't get his driver's license until he was 32 - about two years ago and well into fame - so his first car was a Porsche 911 Carrera RS. Elsewise, his garage contains a BAC Mono, a McLaren P1 and 650S, a Range Rover, a "custom Jeep Rubicon with an SRT engine and big suspension," and a daily driver Bentley Continental GT Supersports. There is also that controversial and now-unwrapped Ferrari 458, the Nyancat Purrari with custom badging that so incensed Ferrari they sent him a cease-and-desist letter. After the kerfuffle, Nissan teased Deadmau5 with the idea of a Nyancat GT-R, but the musician has tweeted the the replacement is going to be a Lamborghini Huracan called, naturally, the Nyanborghini Purracan. Deadmau5 tweeted the delivery date is in May, so all you other Toronto-ites, you have until summer to prepare yourselves for this guy patrolling the streets. Oh, Canada... News Source: Deadmau5 via Twitter [1], [2], Jalopnik Celebrities Design/Style Lamborghini Coupe Luxury Performance Supercars

Lamborghini Huracan gets sharp new factory appearance kits

If you, typical Lamborghini Huracan owner, aren't satisfied enough with the stock appearance of your $240,000 Italian sports car - and you know you aren't - the company has a solution. Rather than getting a tasteless gold-finish wrap or a set of oversized and overwrought Forgiato wheels, stick with factory-backed products. Lamborghini now offers three "After Sales" kits that add stripes, wings, and new wheels, all without voiding the warranty. Not that we'd know for sure, but it must be hard owning a Lamborghini. Especially when friends in Ferraris call it an overpriced Audi R8 (don't listen to them). Ordering one of Lamborghini's new kits is a surefire way to both set yourself apart and show you only trust high-quality, lightweight composite factory pieces like the matte black front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and fixed rear wing. For you, Liberty Walk will not do. In addition to all of the aero bits, Lamborghini offers an appearance package that adds two body-length stripes to the car, all without harming your Verde Mantis paint. While stripes and aero are fine, if you really want to impress your friends, you must opt for the center-locking wheel kit that replaces the plebeian five-lug hub. This racing-inspired option comes with Super Trofeo inspired black wheels, and you won't even need a new set of tires. Price? Well, you know what they say about asking. Related Video: Featured Gallery Lamborghini Huracan After Sales Kit News Source: Lamborghini Design/Style Lamborghini Supercars