New EyeSight announced

9340 Views 35 Replies 16 Participants Last post by Pointy_End, Mar 23, 2014

Snow Leopard

Discussion Starter · Jan 24, 2014

Subaru just announced the new and improved EyeSight system for 2015 model years. I wonder if this includes the 2015 Forester.
http://media.subaru.com/newsrelease...-debuts-next-generation-eyesight-system&mid=1

1 - 20 of 36 Posts

GeoJosh

· #2 · Jan 24, 2014

I wonder how much the price will go up.

They added rear radars for blindspot warning, lane change assist, and rear cross traffic alert. I wonder if that is packaged with EyeSight or if you can get them separately.

The new system now features color stereo cameras that deliver an approximately 40 percent longer and wider detection range, brake light detection and can now fully function when the speed differential between the Eyesight equipped car and another vehicle is up to 30 mph, up from 19 mph.

The system is also 15% smaller in physical size inside the vehicle.

tonywho

· #3 · Jan 24, 2014

Snow Leopard - thank you so much for the link - just took me off the fence on pulling the trigger on this years model or wait for the 2015 Forester - will wait and hope these features are offered on the Forester a la carte (I am most interested in the blind spot notification)

Rainman76

· #4 · Jan 24, 2014

:woohoo: Thanks for the info. Here's more:

Subaru Confirms Updated EyeSight Debuting In U.S. For 2015 Model Year

medic459

· #5 · Jan 26, 2014

Sigh...and I just bought (this week) my 2014 Forester 2.5i Touring (specifically for the EyeSight).

I know there's always something new and improved coming down the pipe but now I have this sour taste in my mouth over not waiting just a few months to get a better overall system (19mph -> 30mph for coliision, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert).

Meh.

/me tries to convince self that I still have a brand new car with decent features...

treeman

· #6 · Jan 26, 2014

medic459 said:
Sigh...and I just bought (this week) my 2014 Forester 2.5i Touring (specifically for the EyeSight).

I know there's always something new and improved coming down the pipe but now I have this sour taste in my mouth over not waiting just a few months to get a better overall system (19mph -> 30mph for coliision, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert).

Meh.

/me tries to convince self that I still have a brand new car with decent features...

I wouldn't beat myself up too much. You're right, "you have a brand new car with decent features".

I've been contemplating a new 2.5i Touring for the last two years, but plan on ordering as soon as the 2015's are available. I do intend on getting the EyeSight option, and it may be improved, but probably not that much. I'm sure the 2016 will be improved over my 2015.:icon_eek:

Rocket J Squirrel

· #7 · Jan 26, 2014

medic459 said:
Sigh...and I just bought (this week) my 2014 Forester 2.5i Touring (specifically for the EyeSight).

I know there's always something new and improved coming down the pipe but now I have this sour taste in my mouth over not waiting just a few months to get a better overall system (19mph -> 30mph for coliision, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert).

Meh.

/me tries to convince self that I still have a brand new car with decent features...

Yeah, meh too. I got mine in November. But while the 2014 EyeSight is pretty cool, I get at least as many false alarms as real warnings. So the 2015 version will probably have even more false alarms, and they'll get it right in 2016. Or so. :icon_rolleyes:

sinbad

· #8 · Jan 26, 2014

It would be nice to be able to get this newer Eyesight without being forced to take leather seats, automatic climate control, and a nav system less capable than my I-phone Waze. Not likely at this point, however I just might rethink an XT-P vs an XT-T. (Tacky) sheepskin covers for summer and winter maybe?

medic459

· #9 · Jan 27, 2014

I only got the touring trim BECAUSE of the eyesight. I would have much rather gotten the 2.5i Premium + eyesight and saved a few thousand.

I'm going to be super duper upset if the newer eyesight is available on lower trims.

I wonder if there will be updates to 2014 eyesight systems. Some of the upgrade has to be in software, that can be done.....right?

Rainman76

· #10 · Jan 27, 2014

Rainman76 said:
:woohoo: Thanks for the info. Here's more:

Subaru Confirms Updated EyeSight Debuting In U.S. For 2015 Model Year

"EyeSight is currently available on the 2014 Subaru Forester, Legacy, and Outback. A Subaru representative told us the new version of EyeSight will be available on new 2015 models of those cars as they launch throughout this calendar year. EyeSight will not be offered, however, on the 2015 Subaru WRX or WRX STI."

GeoJosh

· #11 · Jan 27, 2014

medic459 said:
I wonder if there will be updates to 2014 eyesight systems. Some of the upgrade has to be in software, that can be done.....right?

My understanding is that the majority of the forward facing improvements come from newer, smaller, color cameras. Current ES uses larger black and white cameras.

I highly doubt any of the improvements will be available from Subaru as an update to the current gen ES.

stephenC

· #12 · Jan 27, 2014

GeoJosh said:
My understanding is that the majority of the forward facing improvements come from newer, smaller, color cameras. Current ES uses larger black and white cameras.

I highly doubt any of the improvements will be available from Subaru as an update to the current gen ES.

I agree with you about the potential lack of an upgrade path from SOA. But, it may be possible for us to buy the parts (color cameras, radar sensors, etc.) and install them. The color cameras are smaller than the existing b/w ones, so it should be possible to upgrade the cameras into the existing housings. The software would have to be updated. I wonder if the EyeSight software is in its own module, maybe a simple swap? I would really like the ability to download the camera recordings and use the ES cameras as a dashcam system. With stereo cameras it may be possible to have 3D.

I really think a safety system should have an upgrade path. I don't believe that an auto manufacturer should try to build in obsolescence to safety just to sell new cars.

GeoJosh

· #13 · Jan 27, 2014

stephenC said:
But, it may be possible for us to buy the parts (color cameras, radar sensors, etc.) and install them.

Technically, anything will be possible.

Might have to get all the parts off a wrecked 2015 or something. Everything I can think of that would need changed would be: Cameras, rear sensors, side mirrors for blindspot lights, dash gauge cluster for warning lights, software, and possibly an enable/disable button for new features.

It would take quite a bit of time and effort, but anything is possible. The cost and effort might outweigh the benefits, at least for some people (myself included), but to each their own.

stephenC

· #14 · Jan 27, 2014

GeoJosh said:
Technically, anything will be possible.

Might have to get all the parts off a wrecked 2015 or something. Everything I can think of that would need changed would be: Cameras, rear sensors, side mirrors for blindspot lights, dash gauge cluster for warning lights, software, and possibly an enable/disable button for new features.

It would take quite a bit of time and effort, but anything is possible. The cost and effort might outweigh the benefits, at least for some people (myself included), but to each their own.

That sounds like a challenge to the forum members. :icon_wink:

medic459

· #15 · Jan 27, 2014

stephenC said:
I really think a safety system should have an upgrade path. I don't believe that an auto manufacturer should try to build in obsolescence to safety just to sell new cars.

You have a great point. When it comes to something purely physical (let's say like ABS or AWD, I can understand not being able to 'upgrade'. In the case of ES - it's a HW -> SW interface. Update the SW and plug in the new HW (cameras) and in theory, it should be doable. That being said - there's no way a company would accept the liability of that. I'd say there's only a minute possibility for a real upgrade path. Maybe, just maybe, they'll be some minor sw updates to optimize current capabilities...

stephenC

· #16 · Jan 27, 2014 (Edited)

medic459 said:
You have a great point. When it comes to something purely physical (let's say like ABS or AWD, I can understand not being able to 'upgrade'. In the case of ES - it's a HW -> SW interface. Update the SW and plug in the new HW (cameras) and in theory, it should be doable. That being said - there's no way a company would accept the liability of that. I'd say there's only a minute possibility for a real upgrade path. Maybe, just maybe, they'll be some minor sw updates to optimize current capabilities...

I am not sure I understand your liability statement. Please tell me more.

lcrazyaznl

· #17 · Jan 27, 2014

Black cars were not allowed to get eyesight. I don't want it but it would have been nice to have those extra options.

stephenC

· #18 · Jan 27, 2014

lcrazyaznl said:
Black cars were not allowed to get eyesight. I don't want it but it would have been nice to have those extra options.

It will be interesting if the black paint is not an issue with the new ES system.

toysbyus

· #19 · Jan 27, 2014

As the move to digital devices is applied to most mechanical/electronic consumer products, the days of shorter use cycles with associated "built-in" obsolescence can only increase.

ES Ver 1.0 is NOT technically obsolete. Rather, a new and improved version with greater capabilities is coming to market. Ver. 1.0 will continue to work as well as it did when first offered.

The litigation industry in the US makes it imperative that car companies do whatever they can to PREVENT user upgrades, if for no other reason than the lawyers would have a field day with the results.

Medic is right....software updates? Possibly BUT hardware? Doubt it.

Frankly, this is no different than personal computers being updated and improved twice per year, sometimes with the added insult that the price has come down. New operating systems with greater performance usually require new processors with faster RAM, faster storage and on and on....

I'd rather not admit how often my new tech purchase has been surpassed by a faster, better, cheaper version, sometimes a week after I made the plunge. Nice......

There's not much anyone can do. The upgrades will start coming to maker faster and faster so best to get used to it.....

Steve

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stephenC

· #20 · Jan 27, 2014

toysbyus said:
As the move to digital devices is applied to most mechanical/electronic consumer products, the days of shorter use cycles with associated "built-in" obsolescence can only increase.

ES Ver 1.0 is NOT technically obsolete. Rather, a new and improved version with greater capabilities is coming to market. Ver. 1.0 will continue to work as well as it did when first offered.

The litigation industry in the US makes it imperative that car companies do whatever they can to PREVENT user upgrades, if for no other reason than the lawyers would have a field day with the results.

Medic is right....software updates? Possibly BUT hardware? Doubt it.

Frankly, this is no different than personal computers being updated and improved twice per year, sometimes with the added insult that the price has come down. New operating systems with greater performance usually require new processors with faster RAM, faster storage and on and on....

I'd rather not admit how often my new tech purchase has been surpassed by a faster, better, cheaper version, sometimes a week after I made the plunge. Nice......

There's not much anyone can do. The upgrades will start coming to maker faster and faster so best to get used to it.....

Steve

I think you are correct if we only consider OEM. But, we can open up to aftermarket sources. Think Diode Dynamics or the LED DRL parts from JDM. I have been very amazed by the brilliant people that post on this forum with enhancements they have done. Given some time we may have the option and the steps to upgrade our ES v.1 cars.

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