Comments on: Mercedes-Benz Pre-Scan: a ride on the magic carpet

By: DeansterTJ

DeansterTJ — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:54:21 +0000

What we need is a Bluetooth-enabled thing that allows you to talk to the occupants of any car around you. You know, scream at the old hag to “get out the way” or let someone know their dress is hanging out the passenger doorjamb

By: JohnnyBlazE

JohnnyBlazE — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:41:36 +0000

Read about this the other day… the specs MB give are at 20mph 80% of the effect of speed bumps (sleeping policemen) we have in the UK would be removed. They say upto 93mph the system would work, albeit with less effectiveness.

They also suggested they may have to set something up to control the system so that speed bump abuse would be limited if a production model was created. This would avoid people tearing through built up residential areas and abusing the system. Time will tell.

By: Veda

Veda — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:30:51 +0000

I’ve had this idea of an active radar based suspension for the longest time. Glad MB actually brought it to reality.

By: jayjc08

jayjc08 — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:39:30 +0000

Magic Carpet Ride by Steppenwolf…

By: maxcar

maxcar — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 06:43:29 +0000

good technology wrapped in fugly sheetmetal.

By: NoNameDenton1

NoNameDenton1 — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 22:35:27 +0000

Magic Carpet Ride sounds like a hippie song.

By: Rafa LL

Rafa LL — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:02:52 +0000

I do know the F700 look is… bizarre or weird, but I like it. Have to say that this kind of tech is the kinda technology we need today, just have to think on what’s wrong and find a way to solve it, that’s how good ideas are born, and honestly, this is a good idea.

By: johnnycanuck

johnnycanuck — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:25:05 +0000

xyunya: that’s only a danger when you attempt relief into the empty can during a long road trip.

By: brassmonkey

brassmonkey — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:17:48 +0000

Can the F700 be any uglier? The RX8 style fenders mixed with a Cadillac Sixteen grille and Lexus SC butt, and the plunging front door windows a la Ford F250. Why can’t they put the laser scanners in the grille, or put the star in the middle of the grille and use the negative space around the star for the sensors. Then, you could use a less ugly headlight configuration.
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If this gets combined with GM’s driverless software, then I will once again bring my frosty mug with me as I drive. Thank you for the idea, Johnny.

By: bmwmpower

bmwmpower — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:56:03 +0000

Funny I actually had this same exact theory/fantasy in my head as a kid for Benz. In my mind, I called it “Road Sensing Suspension” where lasers would scan the road and prepare the suspension. This was 10-12 years ago when I had these thoughts. Wow.

By: xyunya

xyunya — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:55:50 +0000

^^^ or you can be accidentally circumsized if you take driving less seriously then other aspects of life

By: johnnycanuck

johnnycanuck — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:16:24 +0000

Now this is my kind of technology. It can be most upsetting when you happen upon an unexpected road imperfection and spill some of your beer.

By: mayer_ray_nagin

mayer_ray_nagin — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:59:03 +0000

Is there any way I can aim these lasers a bit further ahead, increase their intensity, and phaser into oblivion anyone that gets in my way?