Abstract: Vehicles and methods for controlling operation of a vehicle and/or reducing aerodynamic drag of a vehicle are provided. A method for controlling operation of an unoccupied vehicle includes determining that the vehicle is unoccupied. The method further includes identifying an energy savings resulting from a reduction of aerodynamic drag of the vehicle due to a controlled vibration of a component of the vehicle. Also, the method includes applying the controlled vibration to the component of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and system for monitoring and evaluating irregularities on a sensor lens of a vehicle sensor are disclosed. One embodiment of a method includes the steps of providing the vehicle with an actuator configured to move the sensor lens and a controller in electronic communication with the actuator, receiving sensor data corresponding to at least one characteristic of a vehicle environment from the at least one sensor, evaluating the sensor data to determine if the sensor data indicates an irregularity on the sensor lens of the at least one sensor, classifying the irregularity, storing irregularity data corresponding to the classified irregularity in a non-transient, computer-readable data medium, and, in response to the classified irregularity, automatically controlling the actuator to move the sensor lens from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A system for reconfiguring a vehicle geometry is disclosed. The system includes a configuration system configured to alter the vehicle geometry, a communication system, and a controller in communication with the configuration system and the communication system, the controller configured to receive a configuration signal from the communication system, determine a configuration control signal, and automatically control the configuration system based on the control signal.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. A method of determining a driving mode includes receiving occupant preference information, the occupant preference information including a set of predefined vehicle modes and, for each of the predefined vehicle modes, a set of occupant state criteria and a set of vehicle parameters. The method further includes receiving a set of occupant state parameters indicative of the state of one or more occupants of the vehicle, determining whether the occupant state parameters satisfy first occupant state criteria associated with a first vehicle mode of the set of predefined vehicle modes, and engaging the vehicle tuning parameters associated with the first vehicle mode if the occupant state parameters satisfy the first occupant state criteria.

Abstract: Methods and system for monitoring and evaluating irregularities on a sensor lens of a vehicle sensor are disclosed. One embodiment of a method includes the steps of providing the vehicle with an actuator configured to move the sensor lens and a controller in electronic communication with the actuator, receiving sensor data corresponding to at least one characteristic of a vehicle environment from the at least one sensor, evaluating the sensor data to determine if the sensor data indicates an irregularity on the sensor lens of the at least one sensor, classifying the irregularity, storing irregularity data corresponding to the classified irregularity in a non-transient, computer-readable data medium, and, in response to the classified irregularity, automatically controlling the actuator to move the sensor lens from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: Vehicles and methods for controlling operation of a vehicle and/or reducing aerodynamic drag of a vehicle are provided. A method for controlling operation of an unoccupied vehicle includes determining that the vehicle is unoccupied. The method further includes identifying an energy savings resulting from a reduction of aerodynamic drag of the vehicle due to a controlled vibration of a component of the vehicle. Also, the method includes applying the controlled vibration to the component of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes traction wheels, a powertrain configured to transmit drive power to the traction wheels, a sensor configured to detect a presence of an occupant, an actuator configured to control vehicle steering, acceleration, braking, or shifting, and at least one controller configured to automatically control the actuator based on an automated driving system algorithm. The powertrain is selectively operable in a first mode having a first operating characteristic and a second mode having a second operating characteristic. The controller is further configured to control the powertrain in the first mode in response to the sensor detecting an occupant being present and the actuator being controlled based on the automated driving system algorithm, and in the second mode in response to the sensor detecting no occupant being present and the actuator being controlled based on the automated driving system algorithm.

Abstract: A system for reconfiguring a vehicle geometry is disclosed. The system includes a configuration system configured to alter the vehicle geometry, a communication system, and a controller in communication with the configuration system and the communication system, the controller configured to receive a configuration signal from the communication system, determine a configuration control signal, and automatically control the configuration system based on the control signal.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes traction wheels, a powertrain configured to transmit drive power to the traction wheels, a sensor configured to detect a presence of an occupant, an actuator configured to control vehicle steering, acceleration, braking, or shifting, and at least one controller configured to automatically control the actuator based on an automated driving system algorithm. The powertrain is selectively operable in a first mode having a first operating characteristic and a second mode having a second operating characteristic. The controller is further configured to control the powertrain in the first mode in response to the sensor detecting an occupant being present and the actuator being controlled based on the automated driving system algorithm, and in the second mode in response to the sensor detecting no occupant being present and the actuator being controlled based on the automated driving system algorithm.