Jaguar Land Rover is looking to the future with plans to create a fleet of 100-plus research vehicles over the next four years to develop and test a wide range of Connected and Autonomous Vehicle technologies.

The first of these research cars will be driven on a new 41-mile test route on motorways and urban roads around Coventry and Solihull later this year.

Initial tests will involve vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications technologies that will allow cars to talk to each other and roadside signs, overhead gantries and traffic lights.

Ultimately, data sharing between vehicles would allow future connected cars to co-operate and work together to assist the driver and make lane changing and crossing junctions easier and safer.

Tony Harper, head of research, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Our connected and automated technology could help improve traffic flow, cut congestion and reduce the potential for accidents.

“We will also improve the driving experience, with drivers able to choose how much support and assistance they need. In traffic, for example, the driver could choose autonomy assist during tedious or stressful parts of the journey.

“Because the intelligent car will always be alert and is never distracted, it could guide you through road works and prevent accidents.

“If you are a keen driver, imagine being able to receive a warning that there’s a hazard out of sight or around a blind bend. Whether it’s a badly parked car or an ambulance heading your way, you could slow down, pass the hazard without fuss and continue on your journey.”

A part of the system is called Roadwork Assist and uses a forward-facing stereo camera to generate a 3D view of the road ahead and together with image processing software, it can recognise cones and barriers.

The system will sense when the vehicle is approaching the start of the roadworks, identify an ideal path through complicated construction sites and contraflows, and inform the driver that the road is narrowing ahead.

Another part of the safety system, Safe Pullaway, uses a stereo camera to monitor the area immediately in front of the vehicle.

If objects such as vehicles or walls are detected, and the system receives signals from throttle pedal activation or from gear selection that could lead to a collision, the vehicle brakes are automatically applied and the driver receives an audible warning.