Google Self-Driving Car Is A Minivan, First Official Photos Revealed

After months of work, we now have the first official photos of the Google Self-Driving Car, and it is a minivan called Waymo. It is based on a modified Chrysler Pacifica and has a long list of sensors installed to it that Google will use to make the car drive autonomously. See the first photos of the Google and Chrysler autonomous car here.

Just a few days ago, we echoed the important announcement by Alphabet parent company Google. Specifically, it confirmed creating a new company called Waymo, responsible for the construction and development of the Google self-driving car. For its part, the "internet giant" will focus exclusively on the creation of software and systems of autonomous driving for the vehicle.

After announcing the business relationship, the engineers at Google and Fiat Chrysler moved together to Novi, Michigan, where they have been working on the necessary changes to the Google self-driving car. Now, Waymo CEO John Krafcik has unveiled the first prototype created under this new company, based on a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, as reported by Wired.

This model has been widely praised for its design and features and for being a hybrid. Now changes have been made to the engine, chassis, and electrical systems of the Chrysler Pacifica. Among other elements, it includes state-of-the-art sensors and a brand new switchboard.

Without going into details, Krafcik also said it incorporates large system upgrades to raise the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid to the level of a "fully autonomous" car. Once the project is through, a total of 100 Pacifica will be adapted by the Google self-driving car, according to USAToday.

It would not be the first time that Google used vehicles from third parties to create a fleet of autonomous cars. The Google self-driving car started with Toyota Prius and crossovers Lexus RX. Google has failed to develop their own autonomous vehicle and Chrysler can fill that gap.

At the moment, it is unknown whether the Chrysler Pacifica autonomous car will be used as a test fleet or if it will receive some limited commercial deployment. Say hello to the Google self-driving car below.