Automotive

Innoviz Showcases New LiDAR Technology In Las Vegas

Innoviz Showcases New LiDAR Technology In Las Vegas
Innoviz Technologies recently launched a new stand-alone, solid-state, MEMS-based LiDAR solution for automated driving. The Israeli-based company says InnovizPro meets the automotive industry’s criteria for LiDAR systems, particularity in the areas of performance, reliability, cost, size, and maturity. Along with automotive, InnovizPro may provide the company traction in other markets, including industrial automation, security, and logistics.
Challenging Endeavors
At AutoSens Detroit last May, we met Omer Keilaf, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Innoviz Technologies. Keilaf explained the challenges in developing an all-inclusive LiDAR system, meaning one that is lightweight, cost effective, and functional. Automakers today benchmark their product lines, subtracting weight and cost at every turn to enhance financial and vehicle performance. We came to understand that creating a LiDAR product to fit this mold was difficult, although Keilaf and his team seemed ahead of the curve.
“Innoviz has delivered the industry’s first high-performance LiDAR solution that perfectly meets all of the requirements necessary to take fully autonomous vehicles mainstream,” Nicolas Autret, Partner at 360 Capital Partners said last year. “Based on the impressive adoption Innoviz has generated to date and the extremely talented team they’ve put together, it’s evident that the market has made its decision on who is going to win the LiDAR race and unlock the market’s vast potential.”
Innoviz Technologies demonstrating their LiDAR solution at AutoSens Detroit, May 2017. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Military Experience
The company’s unique and diverse technological roots may explain why InnovizPro meets the industry’s high standards. Innoviz was started by former members of the elite technological unit of the Israeli Defense Forces. The founders are experts in electro-optics, computer vision, MEMS design, and signal processing. In the military, Keilaf’s team was tasked with complex projects and tight deadlines. Assignments included building and implementing new technologies, from the ground up, in about eight to ten months. Not surprisingly, they needed to be reliable and cost effective. In our conversation with Keilaf, this aspect of Innoviz stood out more than any other.
“I come from a small unit but we were developing very unique hardware and technology – it’s like if MIT had an army,” he told us in a September feature. “You had to manage sometimes hundreds of people working on a certain project, and all of them needed to see something at the end that works perfectly.”
Photo: Innoviz Technologies.
Eye In The Sky
InnovizPro allows the company’s partners to test and develop the next generation of autonomous driving programs. Key features include an exceptionally high frame rate, higher angular resolution, and wider field of view. This means InnovizPro generates a dense 3D point cloud with greater accuracy while providing a detection range of nearly 500 feet.
“We are addressing a major need for high-resolution scanning technology at lower costs, with no minimum order required,” Keilaf said. “While we continue to work towards automotive-grade LiDAR with InnovizOne, our partners can order InnovizPro now in order to gain access to the most advanced LiDAR currently available.”
Autonomous cars require, in no uncertain terms, a set of eyes. This is, in no uncertain terms, so they can see where they are going. Much like a human, machines need eyes to navigate. Cameras, sensors, and now LiDAR all serve that purpose. The point of InnovizPro is to deliver superior accuracy – or superior sight – when driving proves especially difficult: during bad or unpredictable weather, at night, on a busy freeway, or when bright sunlight obstructs the view. In general, LiDAR’s range, detection, and accuracy make it necessary for autonomy – it can spot things cameras and sensors cannot, and its presence makes for a well-rounded autonomous car. InnovizPro just goes a little farther.
“It provides immediate accessibility to our advanced LiDAR technology and marks a giant leap forward for the entire autonomous vehicle market,” Keilaf added.
In Person
Live demonstrations of InnovizPro and samples of InnovizOne will be provided at the Consumer Electronics Show, January 9th through the 12th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Innoviz is booth 2101 inside the Smart Cities Hall, Tech East, Westgate. Innoviz will also demo InnovizPro at Automotive World Japan in Tokyo, beginning January 17th.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Source: Innoviz Technologies.

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Leno’s Garage Releases New Detailing Aid To Combat Swirl Marks & Towel Scratches

Leno’s Garage Releases New Detailing Aid To Combat Swirl Marks & Towel Scratches You know Jay Leno, right? Funny guy, big chin, even bigger car collection? Yeah, that guy. It seems he’s getting into the car detailing business these days with an entire line of professional-grade products for both detailers and DIYers. The latest is unimaginatively called “Evaporate” but it’s designed to prevent scratches, remove streaks, and create a high-gloss finish without water spots. That’s a good thing, I suppose.
Waxing Poetics
One time, long ago, I was at the vintage races in Seattle with the local Miata club. When I got there, two of the more anal retentive members were talking about, and I’m not making this up, the direction to wipe water off their cars. I walked by, sauntered through the paddock for a brief survey of who was already there, wandered back to my car about 20 minutes later, and these two guys were still talking about the best direction of the drying motion to be used. People like that worry me.
This is a level of car detailing and cleanliness that usually bothers me. Look, I appreciate a clean car as much as the next gearhead, but there has to be some limits. And I’m not even really applying this to Leno. The guy has a fantastic car collection replete with very rare and impressive stuff like Auburns and Cords and Duesenbergs and steam cars from more than a century ago. Those are cars you are obligated, both mechanically and morally, to Take Very Good Care Of. Just think of the time and hassle and money that goes into repainting a V-12 Packard? You don’t want to scrimp on the wax.
Jay Leno and his team worked with in-house chemists and product engineers for the Advanced Vehicle Care line, which includes Evaporate. Photo: Leno’s Garage.
Two Towel Approach
Enter Evaporate. And, as the name implies, it is a “drying aid.” What Evaporate aims to do is help prevent swirl marks and towel scratches by lubricating the vehicle’s surface during the towel-drying process of a car wash. Laudable goals, to be sure. Nobody likes swirl marks and scratches. It also helps prevent water spots and leaves behind a high-gloss finish. Evaporate was created by a team of chemists and Jay’s professional detailers (and how would you like that job?).
Applying Evaporate is easy. It’s a spray-on product that you squirt over a wet area of the vehicle before you dry it. First you spray on the Evaporate, wipe it down with a damp towel, then buff to a glossy finish with a second, dry towel. Leno, or at least Leno’s press release, says the “easy-to-follow steps create a vastly improved finish over conventional methods with little extra work,” and I have a tendency to agree. Effectively, all this does is add one intermediate step with little hassle.
American Made
Evaporate is the latest in a line of stuff called Jay Leno’s Garage Advanced Vehicle Care. And, like all of his Advanced Vehicle Care products, Evaporate is made and bottled in the United States, natch, since Jay is nicely patriotic in that way. They say the entire line was designed by Jay and his team to clean and protect even the most delicate finishes with professional-grade formulations. I’m not going to argue with that, given the cars Jay has to maintain. I’ve seen more than one on the lawn at Pebble Beach myself.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format.
Source: Leno’s Garage.

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Toyota Research Institute Showcases New Autonomous Platform

Toyota Research Institute Showcases New Autonomous Platform
The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) will present Platform 3.0 at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Platform 3.0, built on the Lexus LS 600hL, is Toyota’s latest autonomous research vehicle, one noted as both technologically advanced and stylish.
“Our team has once again rapidly advanced our automated vehicle research capabilities,” said Dr. Gill Pratt, TRI CEO and Toyota Motor Corporation Fellow. “To elevate our test platform to a new level, we tapped Toyota’s design and engineering expertise to create an all-new test platform that has the potential to be a benchmark in function and style.”
Threefold Approach
TRI approached Platform 3.0 with three fundamental principles: Elevate perception capabilities and be an industry leader in automated vehicles; blend the sensing equipment into the vehicle’s design with a distinct appearance that is sleek and elegant; and package the automated technology in a manner that is easy to reproduce for building an entire fleet at scale.
“Experimentation has transitioned to narrowing in on a technology package with a more defined sensor configuration and level of performance that helps catapult proficiency in understanding the world around the car,” reads a statement from TRI.
Photo: Toyota Motor North America.
Perception Technology
Vehicle perception technology can best be described as eyes for the car. Much like we humans have senses for sight, sound, touch and so on, an automated vehicle needs the same “sensory” attributes. This is where cameras, sensors, and LiDAR come into play – these components are essentially the car’s ability to see and understand what is taking place around it. Platform 3.0 has a 360-degree Luminar LiDAR system with a range in excess of 650 feet. The system utilizes four high-resolution LiDAR “scanning heads,” which detect objects around the car, including notoriously difficult-to-see dark objects.
Shorter-range LiDAR sensors are also positioned low and on all four sides of the vehicle – one in each front quarter panel and one on the front and rear bumpers. These can detect low-level and smaller objects like children playing or unexpected debris. A good analogy on how LiDAR works is to think of bats. The flying creatures use a similar process with sound waves to navigate, often called echolocation by scientists.
Photo: Toyota Motor North America.
Styling & Design
Not only does Platform 3.0 need to function, but it needs to look the part. CALTY Design Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan and engineers at Toyota Motor North America Research and Development (TMNA R&D) were tasked with this responsibility. By creating a new weather and temperature proof rooftop panel, they cut overall height. CALTY used motorcycle helmets to inspire the design of the panel, later deemed as “intelligent minimalism.” The end goal was a crisp, fluid, and aerodynamic look.
The team further worked to conceal the sensors and cameras, and eliminate the “bolt-on” look many autonomous test vehicles sport today. The computational architecture for operating the automated components once took up the entire trunk, but not now. The electronics infrastructure and wiring was condensed into a small box. It’s autographed accordingly with an LED-lit TRI logo.

Production & In Person
The Prototype Development Center at TMNA R&D in York Township, Michigan specializes in low volume production. Starting this spring, the facility will produce Platform 3.0 cars from stock Lexus LS models. In the meantime, Platform 3.0 will be on display at CES in Las Vegas, starting next week (January 9th) through the 12th.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor North America.

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The New Mercedes-Benz G-Class Versus The Schöckl

The New Mercedes-Benz G-Class Versus The Schöckl I know what you’re thinking: “Oh great, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Another SUV for the Carmela Sopranos of this world.” And nine out of ten times you’d be right to think that, given most SUVs are as likely to see a logging road as a rabbi will a Bacon-Egg-Croissanwich. In this case, however, you would be wrong. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which is a civilian version of a literal troop carrier, is built from the get-go to travel off-road and soak up the abuse like a sponge.
I Am Legend
Mercedes-Benz has their own off-road test track with the delightfully Teutonic name of the Schöckl, inspired by the actual mountain. As a matter of fact, their latest press release is even titled: “The legend on the Schöckl” and it starts out very ominously: “Every G-Class has to conquer the Schöckl.” The only thing that could make this more Wagnerian is if there were Nordic women in brass breast plates screeching about the imminent Götterdämmerung while handing you a beer in a mug the size of a Crock-Pot.
Oh, and while I’m at it, now’s as good a time as any to announce that Schöckl is the name of Automoblog’s in-house heavy metal band. At the moment we’re just a power trio, but we’re looking for more members. So if you’ve got a cool name, like Udo or Baldur or Hasso, we’d love to talk with you. Musical ability is nice but not required.
Back to the G-Class and what happens to it on the Schöckl . . .
The new G-Class undergoing testing on the Schöckl, a 1,445 meter high mountain near the Austrian city of Graz. Photo: MBUSA.
Off-Road Prowess
The test track is located near the Austrian city of Graz and uses a 1,445 meter (4,740 feet) high mountain as its playground. The test route runs for 5.6 kilometers, or around three-and-a-half miles and includes gradients of up to 60 percent(!) and lateral inclinations of up to 40 percent(!!). Your run of the mill Merc G-Class has to endure over 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) on the Schöckl and, unsurprisingly, the latest iteration handles it with noticeably more control and comfort.
Mercedes-Benz says the number one goal was to make the G-Class even more effective off-road. Not add cup holders, not a better stereo, but to literally make it “more effective off-road.” Sorry Carmella.
More pointers the G is built to really do this stuff can be seen in the standard ladder-type frame, the three differential locks that can full-on 100 percent lock to put the power down, and a low range off-road ratio to kick the whole gearbox down a notch for serious torque, traction, grip, and forward momentum no matter what. The suspension is also off-road focused with an independent double-wishbone front axle in combo with a rigid rear axle. Ground clearance has been maximized with the raised axle and independent suspension contributing to the off-road prowess.
Mercedes-Benz even threw in a new control program to handle those more unpredictable off-road circumstances. “G-Mode” works independently of the chosen drive program as soon as one of the three diff locks has been activated or low range has been engaged. G-Mode tweaks the adjustable damping of the chassis, along with the steering and accelerator characteristics while avoiding unnecessary gearshifts for maximum off-road capability.
The new G-Class has a suspension designed for off-road use. The components of the double-wishbone front axle are fixed directly to the ladder-type frame without a suspension subframe. The new, more rigid rear axle is guided with four longitudinal control arms on each side and a Panhard rod. Photo: MBUSA.
Facts & Figures
The off-roading figures are impressive. The ground clearance between the axles: 241 millimeters, a gain of six. Max fording depth is 70 centimeters (more than two feet) an increase of 10 centimeters from the previous G-Class. Driving stability is listed as 35° (a 7° gain) which, if I’m understanding this right, means you can traverse a section of the planet with the G-Class tipped over at 35° and it will still keep on truckin’. Departure angle is 30° and the approach angle is 31°. Suspension travel is listed as 85/100 millimeters for the front axle spring/rebound and 82/142 millimeters for the rear spring/rebound.
Transmission & Perception Tech
The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission/torque converter combo was specifically adapted to meet off-road demands. The shift and response times of the 9-speed are quicker, and the wide ratios make driving quieter and more comfortable while reducing fuel consumption. The new transfer case is flange-mounted directly to the 9G-TRONIC; 40 percent of the drive torque reaches the front axle and 60 percent reaches the rear. The new G-Class utilizes a permanent all-wheel drive system.
In addition to monkeying around with the normal off-road stuff for better performance, the latest G-Class features other modern niceties like a bird’s-eye view camera, a reverse camera, plus three additional ones. This means obstacles located below your line of sight or in front of the vehicle, like a hill’s crest or your kid’s tricycle, can now be easily seen before disaster strikes. All these camera views show up on a full HD multimedia system display.
Final Verdict
So yes, the G-Class is pretty close to being the ne plus ultra of SUVs. It’s expensive and loaded with tech this and comfort that, but unlike seemingly 99 percent of SUVs out there, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class can really be used off-road. In a very serious manner.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format.
Mercedes-Benz G-Glass Gallery

Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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Hyundai & Aurora Eye 2021 For Bringing Level 4 Automation To Market

Hyundai & Aurora Eye 2021 For Bringing Level 4 Automation To Market
Hyundai Motor Company has announced a strategic partnership with Aurora to bring self-driving vehicles to the market by 2021. Hyundai says the partnership with Aurora is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to make fully autonomous driving a reality. Hyundai was granted a licence in Nevada in 2015 to test automated vehicles on the state’s public roads. Last year at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Hyundai publicly demonstrated their autonomous technology.
Level 4 Leadership
Hyundai will incorporate Aurora’s automated and machine learning innovations into specially-developed models for test programs in pilot cities. At the onset, the partnership will concentrate on hardware and software development as they move toward the technological requirements needed for Level 4 automation. Level 4 automation, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers, means a vehicle can operate without human input under certain conditions. Hyundai and Aurora note the end goal is to successfully and safely commercialize autonomous cars globally
“We know the future of transportation is autonomous, and autonomous driving technology needs to be proven in the real-world to accelerate deployment in a safe and scalable manner,” said Dr. Woong Chul Yang, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor. “Combining our advanced vehicle technology that embeds the latest safety features with Aurora’s leading suite of Level 4 autonomous technology will advance this revolution in mobility with Hyundai in a leadership position.”
Global Vision
Hyundai and Aurora underscored their common vision for improving safety and mobility, believing together they have the skills and experience necessary to accomplish this end. In general, autonomous driving proponents say increased safety is one of the key benefits, pointing to studies by the National Safety Council that found 2016 was the deadliest year on U.S. roads since 2007. There were 40,000 vehicle deaths in 2016 marking a six percent increase from 2015. Although safety remains the biggest concern, recent studies show the public is warming up to the idea of a car that drives itself.
“Aurora is excited to partner with Hyundai Motor to make the social benefits of self-driving available globally,” said Dr. Chris Urmson, Chief Executive Officer, Aurora. “This partnership combines Hyundai’s strengths in vehicle design, safety, and manufacturing with Aurora’s expertise in self-driving technologies to make a positive difference in the world.”
Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.
In Person
Hyundai’s newest fuel-cell vehicle will make its global debut at CES next week, and will be the first to undergo the aforementioned testing process later this year. Hyundai says the vehicle is the ideal platform for the autonomous technologies which require a substantial amount of energy. The hydrogen-powered Hyundai can provide stable electric power for data communication and sensor operation without infringing on driving range.
CES runs January 9th through the 12th at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor Company.

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2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE Review

2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE Review
Urban dwellers looking for a sporty compact hatch have a number of options, but none are as quick and agile as the Volkswagen Golf GTI. It’s a commuter for those who like to have fun on the drive to and from work. We think it fills a need for performance enthusiasts who don’t want to spend $40,000 to $50,000 on a high performance model. For around $30,000 you get a hot hatch that’s high on the fun-to-drive meter.
What’s New For 2018
The Golf GTI remains unchanged for 2018 except for the packaging and available equipment for each model. It does get new LED tail lamps and a different infotainment system is available.
Features & Options
The 2018 Golf GTI ($31,165 as tested) comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-reclining front seats, leatherette upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ambient cabin lighting. Our GTI SE tester had LED headlights, an eight-inch infotainment screen, blind spot monitor, and automatic emergency braking.

Interior Highlights
The Golf GTI SE interior is simple and well laid out. The controls are easy to use and the touchscreen nicely controls the navigation and Fender premium audio system. The cabin is high quality and there’s enough soft touch materials throughout to make it comfortable. We would describe it as distinctly European, comfortable, and the SE trim is especially sporty.
The seats provide ample support and comfort for longer trips in the hatchback. There’s a handy bin ahead of the shifter, perfect for a cell phone. The power-reclining front seats offer up the perfect driving position for a compact hatch. The rear seats offer plenty of room for average-sized adults and are also comfy for longer trips. There’s ample head and shoulder room too, thanks to the higher hatch roof. There’s also a convenient folding rear armrest/cupholder with a pass-through to the back. Behind the rear seats, it comes with 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, easily accessible through the rear hatch. With the seats folded flat, it offers up a class-leading 52.7 cubic feet of space.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The front-wheel drive 2018 VW Golf GTI SE is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to the optional dual-clutch direct shift automatic gearbox (DSG). EPA fuel economy estimates are 24/32 city/highway and 27 combined with the automatic gearbox.
Driving Dynamics
Our tester came with the dual-clutch DSG automatic and it made us forget about wanting the 6-speed manual rower. The DSG comes with steering wheel shifters for crisper gear changes simply by touching the paddles. VW’s DSG is sweet and one of the best automatics on the planet. They call it an automatic, but mechanically and internally, it works like a manual gearbox; in a practical sense, it’s a super-sharp automatic.
The GTI trim is fun to drive in the city and we could easily get around slower traffic. We chucked it around the tight corners on our commute from the mountains west of Denver where the GTI feels right at home. The GTI’s steering was responsive and the upgraded brakes made it far more capable and enjoyable in the curves. We pushed the GTI hard and it accelerates quickly when the turbo spools up to utilize every bit of the available 220 horsepower. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine makes this hatch one of the quickest compacts in its class.
Conclusion
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a fun hatch that’s also practical with plenty of utility. It absolutely dials up driver engagement, and we like the DSG automatic better than the 6-speed manual. There’s a lot to like and we would recommend it for those wanting a sporty commuter and a fun drive to and from work. Overall, the Volkswagen Golf GTI lives up to its hot hatch heritage and instills plenty of driver confidence.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Gallery

Volkswagen Golf GTI Official Site.
Photos: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Israeli Company Utilizes Military Background For Autonomous Cars

Israeli Company Utilizes Military Background For Autonomous Cars

Some time ago, I started describing different vehicle features as “eyes.” It was the most fitting and understandable analogy for the customers I was serving at the dealership. Admittedly, I knew little about cars when I began selling them now almost a decade ago, so these quick analogies were as much for me as they were for my customers. Adaptive Cruise Control, reverse cameras, and backup sensors were just coming online at the time. “Think of them like an extra set of eyes helping you drive,” I would say to customers.
Fusion Factor
Generally speaking, what qualifies as innovative technology today becomes more advanced tomorrow. Autonomous driving represents the current pinnacle of innovation in the automotive industry, and to some, it’s as abstract as Adaptive Cruise Control was just less than a decade ago. While I am open to new ways to present the modern automobile, my “eyes” analogy remains my go-to, especially as driverless vehicles are becoming more of a reality.
In the autonomous realm, “sensor fusion” is a common term. Wikipedia offers an excellent description: “the combining of sensory data or data derived from disparate sources such that the resulting information has less uncertainty than would be possible when these sources were used individually.” In other words, the more “eyes” a given application has – in this case an autonomous car – the more effective. And the more we consider sensor fusion and the successful implementation of automated driving, the more LiDAR enters the conversation.
“The LiDAR with the camera makes the whole autonomous car system much more reliable,” explained Omer Keilaf, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Innoviz Technologies. “This is where the fusion between different sensors is very important.”
Eye In The Sky
Innoviz Technologies wants to facilitate autonomous vehicle production through solid-state LiDAR solutions. LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method used to examine a surrounding environment, which with regard to autonomous vehicles, means our everyday roads. LiDAR determines the distance to a particular point by illuminating it with a pulsed laser light; the reflected pulses are then measured to determine how far away said point is. From there, 3D representations of the point and surrounding area can be made. The uses for LiDAR are numerous: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration uses LiDAR to study the Earth’s surface while the Agricultural Research Service utilizes it to help farmers map their land.
Bats actually use a similar process with sound waves to navigate.
Photo: Innoviz Technologies.
Four-Fold Foundation
Innoviz Technologies is designing what they say is a continuously evolving LiDAR solution to better address the challenges of autonomous driving. The company’s LiDAR products, InnovizOne and InnovizPro, use a patent-pending technology with a focus in four main areas: Region of Interest, meaning enabling longer range sensing at a region or point of interest while capturing the entire field of view at full frame rate; Multi-Frame Mode, meaning a high frame rate and resolution is maintained for long range sensing while extra long range objects and obstacles at a lower frame rate are still accounted for; Object Detection and Classification, meaning the use of advanced computer vision for accurate detection and classification of different types of objects, and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping – sometimes called “SLAM” – meaning high resolution 3D mapping.
In other words, LiDAR is a tremendous set of eyes; a set of eyes Innoviz Technologies wants to mass produce for the forthcoming autonomous era in a small, efficient package.
“By challenging the conventions of LiDAR design, we were able to develop a LiDAR solution that delivers superior performance at a reasonable price and in a much smaller footprint – three factors that are required to help autonomous driving achieve mass commercialization,” Keilaf said. “We’ve spent many months exploring the right way to solve these problems.”
Cost Conscious
Innoviz designs their LiDAR units with a particular emphasis on cost. Even in the autonomous world, automakers will have financial targets to meet with regard to production. There is the end consumer who has cost in mind when purchasing a new vehicle too. Given the importance of cost when it comes to manufacturing, automakers are likely to reject an overly expensive LiDAR unit.
“We started the company with a very clear understanding and declaration of that problem,” Keilaf added. “There are some technologies that are not relevant for mass production because they are too expensive, so it’s very important that our technology can eventually go really low cost.”
Photo: Innoviz Technologies.

Disciplined & Directed
Innoviz also leverages a unique background, one not every entity in the autonomous driving space can claim. The company was founded by former members of the elite technological unit of the Israeli Defense Forces. Collectively, the founders have expertise in electro-optics, computer vision, MEMS design, and signal processing. Keilaf believes the technical, yet diverse backgrounds of his team members are among the strongest aspects of Innoviz.
“I come from a small unit but we’re developing very unique hardware and technology – it’s like if MIT had an army,” he said.
Keilaf and his partners are accustomed to tight deadlines, a hallmark of the automotive industry. In the military, his team would often get assigned difficult projects with very narrow, non-negotiable deadlines. A particular technology would need to be developed from scratch, in about eight to ten months, be incredibly reliable, and need to work effectively for many years thereafter. It’s an experience the Innoviz team is bringing to the table in their vision for not only LiDAR, but automated driving as a whole.
“You had to manage risk all the time because in the end there is a date you can’t miss; you had to manage sometimes hundreds of people working on a certain project, and all of them needed to see something at the end that works perfectly,” Keilaf explained. “I think this is the way we work in Innoviz. Although we have so many moving parts and many people working with different technologies, every one of us is synchronized and integrated into a very disciplined and reliable system.”
Photo: Innoviz Technologies.
Bright Future
Recently, Innoviz raised $65 million in Series B funding with strategic partners Delphi Automotive PLC and Magna International participating in the round. The latest investors included 360 Capital Partners, Glory Ventures, Naver, and others. All Series A investors, including Zohar Zisapel, Vertex Venture Capital, Magma Venture Partners, Amiti Ventures, and Delek Motors participated as well. A second closing of this round is expected soon with additional investors.
“Innoviz has delivered the industry’s first high-performance LiDAR solution that perfectly meets all of the requirements necessary to take fully autonomous vehicles mainstream,” said Nicolas Autret, Partner at 360 Capital Partners. “Based on the impressive adoption Innoviz has generated to date and the extremely talented team they’ve put together, it’s evident that the market has made its decision on who is going to win the LiDAR race and unlock the market’s vast potential.”
The company’s trajectory is significant and its direction both purposeful and promising. In December 2016, Innoviz announced its first partnership with leading automotive supplier, Magna International Inc., enabling them to collaborate on various OEM programs. In May 2017, Innoviz announced a partnership with manufacturing company Jabil Optics to mass produce InnovizPro. In August 2017, Innoviz signed a commercial partnership agreement with Delphi, a leader in autonomous driving software and sensors, to integrate its LiDAR into Delphi’s systems and create an industry standard for LiDAR integration into autonomous cars.
And now the most recent news of $65 million in Series B funding.
“While other LiDAR companies remain in the research and development stage, Innoviz is moving into mass production with LiDAR technology that delivers superior performance and affordability in a compact and reliable design,” said Zohar Zisapel, Investor, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board at Innoviz.

Innoviz Technologies demonstrating their LiDAR solution at AutoSens Detroit, May 2017. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.

Homeward Bound

I first met Keilaf at AutoSens Detroit back in May. I took a liking to him and Innoviz right away. It’s the type of company – the type of people – you want to see be successful. In my work in the automotive industry, I travel quite often and I am fortunate enough to meet many interesting people, Keilaf among them. He travels often too and that warm May day in Michigan, he was away from his family as he presented Innoviz at AutoSens.
“They are very supportive,” he said. “It’s a lot of effort and sweat but it’s fun and they understand.”
When I am describing ADAS features to a consumer, I still use my “eyes” analogy. Yet, after seeing what Innoviz can do, I have a new appreciation for my trusty description. I remain confident, before long, I will be presenting an autonomous car to a consumer equipped with an Innoviz system. I will likely smile and remember Keilaf and his team when I first met them.
“Israel is a very unique place and you should come visit,” he told me in Detroit. “In just five days you will be able to discover many things.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

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2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Review

2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Review

Mazda’s ad slogan “Driving Matters” is meant to define what their cars are about, and it fits the newly-redesigned CX-5 crossover. The CX-5 is a driver-focused vehicle meant to deliver a different experience than your average small SUV. We think it offers a more satisfying experience than its chief rivals, the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
And if looks have anything to do with it, we think it wins in exterior styling too.
What’s New For 2017
The Mazda CX-5 crossover has been completely redesigned for 2017, with a quieter, better looking cabin, and a more stylish exterior. Though it hasn’t grown in size, it offers a smoother, quieter ride. If you want a manual gearbox, you will be disappointed, as that was dropped in favor of a six-speed automatic. Mazda says the 2.5-liter engine has been tweaked and retuned for 2017.
Features & Options
The 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD ($30,695) comes with acoustic front windows, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a better six-speaker sound system, rear USB ports, and blind-spot monitors. It also features keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The vehicle also receives additional driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams.
Grand Touring models add leather and 19-inch wheels to the above. The Premium Package ($1,830) adds a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a heads-up display, power front passenger seat, and windshield wiper de-icer. Total MSRP including destination: $34,380.

Interior Highlights
This CX-5 Grand Touring interior takes a step forward and the changes are evident with the leather seating and stitching on the dash, console, and door panels. The quality of materials is excellent for this price point. The cabin is driver-focused with a new steering wheel, while the shift lever is moved back two inches, making for a more natural position for the driver’s hand.
The 7-inch touchscreen resolution is sharper in 2017. It sits high atop the stylish dash, but it’s a bit too far away for our liking. There’s also an infotainment controller in the center console with a radio volume control knob that’s easy to find without taking your eyes off the road. The seats are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustments and support for long-distance driving. The steering wheel also offers a nice range of tilt-and-telescoping positions.
This week we took a couple of six-foot gentlemen to lunch, and they commented on how there seems to be more shoulder room in the rear, likely due to the CX-5’s slightly wider track. The rear doors open wide, so they had no trouble entering and exiting the crossover. And thanks to scalloping in the back of the front seats, there was plenty of legroom for our riders.
If you need to carry cargo, the 40/20/40-split folding backseat reclines, another new feature for 2017. Behind the rear seat, there’s 31 cubic feet of cargo storage, and 60 with the rear folded flat. It’s a bit less than competitors, including the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The revised 2.5-liter engine is tweaked a bit and produces 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. Our tester came with Mazda’s all-wheel drive system for all-weather capability. EPA fuel mileage estimates are 23/29 city/highway and 26 combined with all-wheel drive.
Driving Dynamics
We think the CX-5 is higher on the fun-to-drive meter than any other crossover out there. We drove this week in the mountains west of Denver where this journalist lives, and the CX-5 delivered a most satisfying experience. We tossed the CX-5 around the tight curves and it responded like a sports sedan.
The steering is precise, and the suspension is tuned for sporty driving over comfort. Be aware, the CX-5 is not going to win any races. The crossover has enough power for most driving situations, but was fairly tame when we pushed it hard up I-70. The naturally aspirated engine could use a turbo for those traveling up into the high country or hauling extra cargo over a high mountain pass. For normal commuting, you won’t have an issue.
One big difference we noticed for 2017 is the new-found quiet in the cabin when we got underway. It’s not as quiet as a Lexus, but it’s much improved when we pushed the pedal, especially at highway speeds. Overall, it’s the most fun we’ve ever had in a compact crossover, having tested the competition. If you live where there’s lots of twisty roads, this is the vehicle for you.
Conclusion
The redesigned 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD nails it in driving dynamics, a comfortable, driver-focused interior, and exterior styling. The cabin is quieter than the outgoing model, which was the biggest complaint with the CX-5. If you like to drive, this crossover delivers a different, more pleasurable experience than your average small SUV.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Mazda CX-5 Gallery

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2017 Mazda CX-5 Official Site.
Photos: Mazda North American Operations.

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Mercedes-Benz Shows Glimpse of Future Sprinter

Mercedes-Benz Shows Glimpse of Future Sprinter

During the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta, Georgia this week, Mercedes-Benz released a design sketch showing the dimensions, proportions, and overall styling of the new Sprinter. The automaker says the new Sprinter “once again shifts the boundaries of its segment” and that it represents the “acclaimed design language of Mercedes-Benz.”
Perhaps the new Sprinter’s most notable features are found right up front? The hood and grille look smoother and more sculpted when compared to current Sprinter models.
Tech Focused
The new Sprinter will have an array of driver assistance packages and connectivity features. A new Telematics system promises a number of benefits for fleet managers. Mercedes-Benz also notes the “considerably extended range of variants” will be better poised to meet the needs and demands of the van market.
“We want to offer the most suitable mobility solution for every sector and for every transport assignment,” explained Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. “And that is precisely our focus with the upcoming Sprinter generation as an overall system solution.”
Budding Market
The United States is now the second-largest market for Sprinters just behind Germany. To meet rising demand in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is building a new Sprinter plant in North Charleston, South Carolina and says the facility will reduce delivery times for North American customers. Mercedes-Benz will also assemble the next-generation Sprinter in Dusseldorf and Ludwigsfelde in Germany.
The Sprinter was born in 1995 and is now one of the most commercially successful vans. To date, there have been more than 3.3 million units delivered to over 130 countries. During the first half of 2017, Sprinter set a new record in total sales, increasing to about 96,200 units versus 95,100 for the same period a year ago. The new Sprinter will arrive in Europe during the first half of 2018 with other markets to follow.
“It also goes without saying that the new edition of our iconic van possesses the classical attributes of reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness,” Mornhinweg said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Sketch & Source: MBUSA.

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