Mercedes created an awesome Active Lane Assist system for the new S-Class, probably the most advanced in the world. It can probably drive the car all by itself, but Mercedes doesn't want that quite yet because it's not safe. So the lane assist currently requires you to keep one hand on the steering wheel at all times, otherwise it just cuts out.
One ingenious guy has figured out he can get around this by using a can of fizzy drink (looks like orange soda) and some duct tape. That's right, he just taped it onto the wheel and fooled the car into thinking it's a human had.
After that, the intelligent cruise control system takes care of accelerating and braking, affectively eliminating the need for driving input. This is, of course, a very dangerous thing to try. But it's not as bad as taking your hands and feet off the wheel and pedals in a normal car, which we think every young driver has tried at least once.
So here's your easy three-step guide to having an autonomous car today:
Step 1: Get rich
Step 2: Buy an S-Class
Step 3: Stick a can of orange juice to the steering wheel… it's easy, really
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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