2018 Mclaren 720s Performance Coupe 2d on 2040-cars

Auto blog

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.

Leno already piling on the miles in his McLaren P1

When you have a garage like Jay Leno's – and let's face it, few in the world do – it would take something truly special to get you to either travel far away from your prized collection, or drive any one car more than the 900 others you've got at your disposal. But the 2015 McLaren P1 is just such a car. Back in September, Jay became one of the first people in the world outside the company to drive the new hybrid hypercar. And he was also the first customer to take possession of a new P1 in the United States. That was a matter of mere weeks ago, and he's already put on over a thousand miles on the odometer – 880 of those within the first five days, according to the man himself. Which is really saying something, considering all the other cars he has to choose from – among them several other McLaren models, including a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, an MP4-12C and an original McLaren F1. Watch the video below to see Jay chat with McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt and see what the former talk show host has to say about one of the most capable performance machines he's ever owned – which is to say, one of the most capable performance machines ever made. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Related Gallery 2015 McLaren P1: First Drive View 39 Photos News Source: Jay Leno's Garage via YouTubeImage Credit: Gallery images copyright 2014 Matt Davis / AOLTip: Drizzy Celebrities McLaren Coupe Performance Videos Jay Lenos Garage mclaren p1 Mike Flewitt

McLaren F1 GTR Longtail sells at Gooding for $5.28 million

Last month we reported on a very rare McLaren being put up for auction under the auspices of Gooding & Company. One of only 106 examples of the McLaren F1 ever made, one of only 28 made in GTR competition spec, and one of just ten longtail versions, chassis number 021R won FIA GT Championship races in Germany and Finland, making it one of the most successful F1 GTRs ever campaigned and earning its place in the pantheon of McLaren lore. With original livery in immaculate condition, this rare McLaren F1 GTR Longtail sold this weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona, for $5.28 million. Which may seem like a lot of money – and by any account, it surely is – but comes in at the low end of the pre-sale estimates that placed its value at between $5 and $7 million. To put that into proper McLaren perspective, consider that the same amount could buy you a full grid of ten 12C Can-Ams, five examples of the new McLaren P1, or probably get McLaren to build you your own custom creation like the X1. Check out the live images from the scene in the gallery above. Featured Gallery 1997 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail View 28 Photos Image Credit: Copyright 2014 Drew Phillips / AOL McLaren Auctions Coupe Racing Vehicles mclaren f1 gtr