Most autonomous automotive technologies offer convenience and safety, but none really have what it takes to provide a heady dose of adrenaline. Porsche->ke1 is looking to change that with an adaptive cruise control system that can corner with lateral acceleration forces of up to 0.7 g, and surprisingly, it’s all in the name of greater efficiency.

It’s called the InnoDrive system, and Car And Driver says it’ll reach consumers within the next five years. Porsche is currently developing it on twisty two-lanes in Germany, and it uses data on the road elevation gradient and corner radius (stored in the car’s navigation system) to accurately execute throttle and brake input for Stig-perfect turns. While the computer takes care of the stop and go, all the driver has to do is steer. Passengers can select three different lateral limits, up to a top setting of 0.7 g.

How does hard cornering translate into greater efficiency? Carrying more speed in a turn not only equates to less time on the road, but less time braking and accelerating as well. What’s more, the system is able to keep the engine running at just the right rpm for max bang for your buck when it comes to fuel economy. All told, Porsche says InnoDrive can decrease fuel consumption by 10 percent, while decreasing drive time by two percent.

Higher speeds and more money saved at the pump? Yes please.

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Why it matters

This should come as bright news indeed for anyone out there that fears the impending machine takeover when it comes to road and highway transportation. Imagine your favorite curve-laden back road on a cool, sunny day. Now, take out all those RVs and blissfully ignorant tourists that seem inexorably drawn to you when you go out for a drive and replace them with autonomous cars set at max. Suddenly, things aren’t looking too bad for the automotive enthusiast.

It’s technologies like this that’ll keep the way of life we enjoy alive and kicking as internal combustion goes away and everything in the car world becomes automatic. Unfortunately though, it might also throw a curve ball into the current track day hierarchy. Not only will the more affluent circuit racers get to buy speed, they’ll probably get to buy talent too.

One final word – I don’t envy the intern they strapped into the driver’s seat to beta test this system.

Porsche Panamera

The second-generation Panamera->ke1840 made its worldwide debut in 2013 at the Shanghai Auto Show,->ke2470 and saw the addition of several new models, including the S E-Hybrid and two new Executive editions. Helpful autonomous features include an optimized adaptive cruise control system that automatically brakes when it detects an impending frontal collision. There’s also a camera-based traffic sign recognition system and lane departure warning. To help it turn, there’s adaptive air suspension, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active anti-roll bars, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), all of which make it substantially easier to drive with haste. However, the driver must still keep his feet on the pedals.

Read our full review here.