ProPILOT with Navi-link, Traffic Jam Hands-Off Mode and Lane Change Support

ProPILOT is a driver assistance system that supports accelerator, brake and steering operations during single-lane highway driving, reducing the driver's workload. Its Navi-link function adjusts vehicle speed to match speed limits and slows the vehicle in advance of upcoming curves based on the radius of the curves. Hands-off driving is available during traffic congestion situations, making long journeys more reassuring and comfortable. During a lane change, a flick of the turn signal prompts ProPILOT to check the surrounding area and assist with the steering input. ProPILOT helps make a maneuver that might otherwise feel stressful, feel more confident and controlled.

On highways^*1, once the driver switches ProPILOT on, the system holds a pre-set speed as the upper limit, maintains a steady distance from the vehicle ahead and helps keep the car centered in its lane.

Working with the navigation system, ProPILOT slows the vehicle's speed in advance for upcoming curves according to their size and adjusts the speed setting to match speed limits detected by the traffic sign recognition system. When route guidance is active, ProPILOT factors route information into its control even in areas where roads run close together, such as forks and exits.

In congestion and other situations at speeds of roughly 50 kph or below, hands-off driving becomes available as long as the driver watches the road and remains ready to take manual control over the steering wheel when the road, traffic and vehicle conditions require^*2.

At speeds of 60 kph or above, when a lane change is possible after the adjacent lane and nearby vehicles have been checked, the driver's turn-signal input prompts ProPILOT to assist with the lane change by making the steering input.

A front camera and front radar detect lane markings and the vehicle ahead. Using this input, ProPILOT controls the accelerator, brake and steering to maintain a steady distance from the vehicle ahead and to keep the car centered in its lane.

Navi-link utilizes road data from the navigation system. When the speed limit changes, ProPILOT adjusts the set speed based on both speed-sign information read by the front camera and road data. It also uses road data to assess the radius of approaching curves and slows the car accordingly.

When the navigation system determines the car is on a highway section and the driver monitor confirms the driver is watching the road ahead, hands-off driving at speeds of up to about 50 kph is enabled.

Using lane data from the navigation system together with the camera and side radar information, ProPILOT monitors the adjacent lane for vehicles traveling in it. Based on this information, the system judges whether a lane change can be made and, when prompted by the driver's turn-signal input, assists the change through steering control.

Graphics in the instrument display show in real time the state of the current and adjacent lanes and the system's control status, so the driver can intermittently observe what ProPILOT is doing.