VW Research Group has unveiled that they now have technology in place that will allow a vehicle to drive semi-automated on the highway up to as fast as 80mph. Referred to as Temporary Auto Pilot or TAP for short, it semi-controls tasks like braking, lane switching, and adaptive cruise control. We've seen the commercials about the vehicles that brake when you're about to hit an object and this takes it to the next level.

In the semi-automatic driving mode - referred to as Pilot Mode, for short - TAP maintains a safe distance to the vehicle ahead, drives at a speed selected by the driver, reduces this speed as necessary before a bend, and maintains the vehicle's central position with respect to lane markers. The system also observes overtaking rules and speed limits. Stop and start driving maneuvers in traffic jams are also automated.

However, according to Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold, Executive Director of the Group, the driver is always in control. "The driver always retains driving responsibility and is always in control," continues Leohold. "The driver can override or deactivate the system at any time and must continually monitor it."  The point of the automation is not to take over driving, but to correct issues created by inattentive or distracted drivers.

No details were released on what models will get the first incarnation of this technology, but at least you know that it's coming.  Want to know more? Check it out here: http://goo.gl/zEucg