The Toyota Research Institute has published a video demonstrating its advances in self-driving technology. A specially designed Supra was put on track with a supervisor in the driver’s seat, and he simply let the car do all the work.
The trial run took place on a restricted test circuit for safety reasons. The driver was present for the same reason, but you can see him releasing the wheel once on the track. The car then proceeds to enter a controlled drift at every corner and burns rubber like any pro would. Looking at it, you will be hard pressed to believe no steering was done on the driver’s part.
Everything in the autonomous Supra racer, from handling and coupling to throttle valves and shifting gears, is being handled exclusively by computer hardware. The company points out that its ultimate goal is full autonomy, but admits that some time will have to pass before it can become a reality.