Subaru Rolls Out Smaller, Faster, Smarter Vision System

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.'s Subaru unit has introduced a next generation of its EyeSight driver assist system it says is faster, smaller and more accurate.

EyeSight monitors vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles and traffic lanes ahead. The technology is networked with the vehicle's adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning and electronic throttle systems. It can automatically apply the brakes if the driver fails to do so and is capable under some conditions of bringing the vehicle to a complete stop to avoid a collision.

The new version uses a pair of color forward-looking cameras mounted inside the vehicle near the top edge of the windshield. Subaru says the camera housings are 15% smaller than the previous design.

The system's range is 40% longer and wider and can now fully function at a closing speed differential of 30 mph compared with 19 mph for the first-generation technology, according to the company. It adds that EyeSight functions more smoothly and has faster reaction time.