While both automakers as well as suppliers are
working hard on developing completely autonomous vehicles, the prototypes
they're putting out on the road still have traditional controls. Not this one,
though. What we have here is the first image of GM's new Cruise AV, a
self-driving prototype with no steering wheel, pedals, shifter, or manual
controls of any kind.
GM isn't saying much else about it, but it's quite
obvious that we're looking at the inside of a modified Bolt EV, missing all of
its usual controls and fitted instead with a symmetrical dashboard. Also, out
the windshield you can see the skyline of San Francisco, where GM's Cruise
division is based.
The automaker says the vehicle is “production-ready”
and has formally asked the US Department of Transportation for permission to
start testing it on public roadways beginning next year.
