Summary

Ghost Locomotion Inc. offers a self-driving car conversion system for under $4000, which includes a one-time installation fee and a monthly subscription, compatible with select vehicles and designed to operate on highways.

Abstract

The article discusses Ghost Locomotion Inc.'s innovative product that can transform a user's current vehicle into a self-driving car for approximately $4000. This cost includes a$ 3490 installation fee and a monthly subscription of $99. The system is not universally compatible, with certain models and transmission types being excluded. The author, who drives frequently and covers long distances, expresses enthusiasm about the potential convenience and added resale value this technology could bring to their BMW. The Ghost Self-Driver is currently limited to highway use, excluding city driving with stop-and-go traffic. The author also raises questions about driver engagement, aesthetic impact, maintenance, warranty implications, and legal considerations regarding distracted driving and DUI laws. Despite these concerns, the author is keen on the technology and offers to be a beta tester, citing the stress-relieving benefits of autonomous driving on busy roads like Orlando's I-4.

Opinions

The author has a nostalgic affinity for self-driving cars, referencing K.I.T.T. from the 80's TV series "Knight Rider" and expressing a preference for it over Tesla's self-driving technology.
The author views the Ghost Self-Driver as a good investment, considering the price and the potential resale value it could add to their BMW.
There is a clear disappointment for manual transmission enthusiasts, as the Ghost Self-Driver is only compatible with automatic cars.
The author is critical of the current limitations of the Ghost Self-Driver, particularly its inability to navigate city traffic.
The author questions the safety and legality of autonomous driving, especially in scenarios involving texting or drinking while the vehicle is in motion.
Despite concerns, the author is excited about the prospect of being a beta tester for the Ghost Self-Driver and believes it would significantly reduce the stress of driving on congested highways.

A Self-Driving Car For Under $4000. I Want One!

Would you pay $4000 to make your current car a self-driving car?

K.I.T.T from Knight Rider From Jay Leno’s Garage photo from Jay Leno’s Garage.

When I first think of a self-driving car I think of K.I.T.T for the 80’s TV series Knight Rider. Then I think of Tesla. Either would be great to have but I would choose K.I.T.T first. The nice Black car with the red light flashing in the front that goes… along with all gadgets that you really can’t use in the real world.

Forget my childhood and back to the present.

Driveghost.com has a product that has to be professionally installed to your current car you own making it a Self-Driving car! I want one!

**Note not all cars are supported**

What’s the price tag? The Maker Ghost Locomotion Inc. web site says $3490. With a $99 per month subscription. I like to add a little buffer for the what if’s and say about $4000.

That being said, I was sent an email from Ghost Locomotion Inc. about their product. I am going by what I read and what they posted about it here in Medium.

highways-are-the-fastest-path-to-real-self-driving

I drive a lot so this would make my life so much easier and for the cost that’s a good price. Plus the resale value it would add to my BMW and tell the next owner it is a Self-Driving car.

My BMW 325I photo taken by Drew Spangler

I assume this will only work on cars that are automatics.

Sorry Stick Shifters

The fun parts we all have been waiting for. Tesla is the only self-driving car out there that I know of. But can you buy a Tesla for under $4000?

Right now the Ghost Self-Driver will only work on highways.

So no city stop and go traffic for now.

I’m not your guy that drives 5 miles to work parks the car and leaves at 5 pm to go home. I rack up the miles on my BMW every year. Driving in Orlando, FL on I-4 is a pain in the rear. A Self-Driving BMW on I-4 for me would be a dream.

can we say beta tester…

“People hate traffic, and rightfully so, Americans alone waste an estimated 8.8 billion hours per year due to congestion. “ John Hayes

A Few questions I sent an email off to Ghost Locomotion Inc.

How does Driveghost keep active with the driver? Tesla, you have to be touching the steering wheel. What does Ghost do to keep active with the driver?

How well do you hide the Cameras that go around the car to make this possible? My BMW is a nice looking car I don't want to see ugly things on it.

How to get it serviced, hardware, and software upgrades?

Will it void my car's warranty?

Other things to throw in the mix. what's to stop the driver from texting while in the driver's seat? In Florida, it is illegal to text and drive. What do you say to the officer that pulls you over?

“I wasn’t driving officer my car was.”

Of course, you can’t leave out drinking and driving.

“Cars can be dangerous, especially when alcohol is involved, killing nearly 40,000 people in the United States every year.” John Hayes

“Yes officer I had a few but my car is driving me home.”

This Is my short view of the Ghost Self-Driver for your current car for under $4000. For me, this would save me a lot of stress driving on I-4 and let me enjoy the ride. So John Hayes if your reading this I will be a test subject!