normal human beings.

At the same instant, a deer jumps in front of the car ahead of you and the driver slams on the brakes. Ordinarily, you would crash into the rear of the other vehicle, but in this case, your car automatically applies the brakes for you and averts a catastrophe.

Sound far-fetched? Crash- avoidance technology is already being developed simultaneously in Europe and Japan, and will likely be available within the next ten years. Under the umbrella of Prometheus (Program for Euro- pean Traffic with Highest Effi- ciency and Unprecedented Safety), European car manufacturers, suppliers, the electronics industry, and research institutes are devel- oping advanced technologies to improve safety and traffic flow, and reduce fuel-consumption and air pollution flow in Europe’s most congested cities.

Jaguar, which heads up the U.K. group of companies, recently displayed three XJ-6 sedans equipped with collision-avoidance technologies. The first sedan featured a _vision-enhancement system which helps drivers to see more clearly in fog, poor weather conditions, and at night. Using a GEC ‘‘Far-Infra-Red’’ located on the inside at the top of the windshield, pictures are displayed on a small monitor in the dash. The infra-red system can spot pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles which may not be visible under normal! lighting conditions.

The second Jaguar sedan featured a computerized vision systemi which provides an early warning system for drivers. A

FOR °434°

PER MONTH

(FOR 26 MONTHS)

You GET:

‘ Arad mer Deel go

camera -

“the “last resort’’

Jaguar developing crash-avoidance tech

IMAGINE THAT you’re cruising down the freeway at 100 km/h, keeping a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you. Distracted by your squabbling children in the rear seat, you turn around to tell them to stop poking each other with their McDonald’s spoons and behave like

Greg Wiison

AUTOMOTION

video camera converts the road ahead into a computerized map which identifies road edges, white lines, and other vehicles and ob- jects. Using audible and visual warnings, the collision avoidance system warns drivers if they are following too closely or if the vehicle drifts out of its lane. This system helps prevent daydreaming or nodding off at the wheel, two common causes of freeway acci- deits.

The third system, Automatic Distance Control, could be called system. A radar system continually measures the distance and closing velocity of the vehicle in front. If required, the system can maintain a safe following distance by automatic operation of brakes and throttle. But its main purpose is to apply the brakes when the car in front deccelerates rapidly and the driver

FOR *266°

PER MONTH

(FOR 36 PONTHS)

YOU GET:

SHoor with 22D package, incheding izcight © Driver's side airbag © Automatic trasmission © Air conditioning and tinted glass © &speaker stereo system © Sold Key bemper-to-barsper coverage ‘See below)

Photo submitted

JAGUAR, head of a U.K. consortium invoived with Prometheus, recently displayed three XJ-6 sedans equipped with collision-avoidance technologies.

of the following car does not res- pond in time. The same system can be used to slow a vehicle when it approaches a curve too quickly.

Sometimes called ‘‘intelligent cruise control,’’ Automatic Distance Centrol promises to reduce driver stress and provide a smoother traffic flow, particularly on congested roads. in theory, it would feave a driver free to con- centrate on _Steering. However, Jaguar’s system, as with other systems under development, is designed primarily as a backup

with 22E package, ixcladieg freight

FOR *346°

(HO DOWMPAYMENT)°°

PER MONTH

(FOR 36 MNTHS)

* fie conditioning and tiated sass © Anlfm stereo cassette with 4 speakers

© Titt steering asd crise contre!

* Ged Key bamper-to-beneper coverage (See below)

$750 CASH BACK or 8.9% FINANCING OAC

* Monthly rate set out is for a 36-month term with no downpayment anc is based on MSAP of vehicle with opticns described and special bumper-to-bumper contract coverage. Subject to approval by Clirystee Credit Canada ttd. In effect trom November 4,199, until such time as terminated. Security ceposits required as foliows: Catavan/Voyager $450; Sundance/Shadow $275; Dynasty $425: Sprrit/Acclaim $350; Jeep Cherokee $525. Leases are for nerscnat use. Commercial vehicles are exciuded. Offer may not be combines with other offer currently available

trom Chrysler Canada.

** Downpayment may be required and would reduce monthly payments. This is a closed end tease with no buyback requirement. Monthly payments exctude licence, insurance, registration, taxes. Delivery must be taken {rom dealer inventory. Dealer may tease for less.

iLessee is responsible for charges like parking fines, abnormal wear and tear, as we! as mileage in excess of 75,000 km at the rate of $.06/cilomeatre

IN STOCK NOW!!

system taking control away from the driver only as a last resort.

A natural extension of these systems is being developed by Volkswagen. Called the ‘tread trair,’’ a number of vehicles con- trolled by radio waves follow each

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other closely at the same speed. Most driver-related functions in- cluding steering, braking and ac- celerating are centrally-controlled. Cornputer-controlied traffic lights

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