Apple car might be a disaster

CS Monitor ^ | 09/23/2015 | By Richard Read

[SeekAndFind]

Yesterday morning, we reported that Apple had discussed requirements for testing autonomous cars on California's public roads with the state's Department of Motor Vehicles. At the end of that article, we made some predictions about Apple's automotive plans, and we guessed that, based on Apple's track record with making sleek, desirable consumer goods, it was probably planning to make cars, too. (Unlike Google, which may be just about the software.)

Within moments, our hunches were confirmed. Citing everyone's favorite sources -- "people familiar with the matter" -- the Wall Street Journal reported that that Apple plans to complete its first vehicle in 2019.

When consumers will be able to drive away in those vehicles remains unclear. If the report is accurate, however, it does share a couple of interesting details about Apple's first car:

1. The car won't be fully autonomous -- at least, not at first. Like Tesla, Apple is focused on electrification, with autonomous features to roll out over time, until vehicles are fully self-driving.

2. "Project Titan" is about to become a major line-item in Apple's budget. Sources suggest that Apple plans to triple the size of its as-yet-unconfirmed car division from 600 employees to around 1,800.

Of course, when there's car news like this, the media wants to talk to someone who knows a bit about the automotive business. That's why CNBC rang up industry legend Bob Lutz and asked him about Apple's plans.

Not surprisingly, the notoriously gruff Lutz was pretty dismissive, suggesting that Apple was standing on the brink of a "gigantic money pit". His rationale?

[itsahoot]

Want a real Car try this one. Terrafugia Flying Car

Nice video of actual flight at above link. No Pilot necessary.

[SunkenCiv]

So, I guess now's not a good time to point out that the new Apple HQ, besides looking like a sphicter, it will look a lot like a tire on its side. ;")Thanks Swordmaker.