Apple Self-Driving Lexus Spotted (Pictures)

1. Test Permit

It is no secret Apple is one of the most high-tech companies in the world, and building computers for your home or office are not nearly the extent of their business. Apple has been working on Project Titan for numerous years, which is their pursuits dedicated to developing a software for self-driving vehicles. There were talks about Apple making their own cars, but it seems like this has taken a turn. Now, they are collaborating with Lexus to test some of their latest software since they received a permit to test self-driving cars.

>>Join the conversation about the Apple Self-Driving Lexus right here in the ClubLexus forum.

2. Lexus RX450h

The spy shots that captured Apple's testing showed a 2015 Lexus RX 450h, and while some are wondering why they are using this particular car. The answer is simple, hybrid vehicles are highly reliant on computers, from interior features to the motor, battery, and most other components on it. It seems like the collaboration is some kind of deal between Lexus and Apple; however, the technology they are testing is a software, which means it won't matter what logo is on the car. The tech that is being used can eventually expand across the entire automotive industry to help out consumers around the world. 

>>Join the conversation about the Apple Self-Driving Lexus right here in the ClubLexus forum.

3. Testing Equipment

Based on the spy photographs, it seems like Apple is still testing basic technologies, which means they may not be too close to announcing any big news. The Lexus RX450h was caught leaving Apple's facility and was covered in sensors and cameras. According to Bloomberg News, the Lexus had a Velodyne Lidar top-of-the-range 64 channel lidar, two radars, and numerous cameras around the body.

>>Join the conversation about the Apple Self-Driving Lexus right here in the ClubLexus forum.

4. Project Titan

Many car enthusiasts were under the impression that Apple has been working hard on their own self-driving cars, which was true. However, Project Titan had hit various obstacles, which resulted in Apple bringing in an extremely reputable engineer named Bob Mansfield to help set new goals and drive the project forward. With the new obstacles and road bumps, Apple switched its focus to work solely on the software technology rather than an entire self-driving vehicle. This avenue could be just as profitable when sold to all automotive manufacturers down the line. 

>>Join the conversation about the Apple Self-Driving Lexus right here in the ClubLexus forum.

5. The Competition

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has reported that they gave permits to over 29 companies to test self-driving vehicles in the state. Apple has announced that they should make some updates regarding project Titan by the end of this year, but at this point have no end date in sight. Some of the companies that received a permit to test self-driving cars in California in addition to Apple include; Tesla, Google, Ford, GM, and Uber. However, the list keeps going, which leaves us all with the obvious questions: who will create the best technology for self-driving cars and who will be first?

>>Join the conversation about the Apple Self-Driving Lexus right here in the ClubLexus forum.

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