LONDON: Audi to demonstrate some of their new technology in automated driving. Audi an A7 Sportback concept to be test driven from Silicon Valley, California to Las Vegas, Nevada. The nearly 900km long route will be tackled in the piloted concept vehicle that can handle all driving functions up to a speed of 110kmph.
This means that the vehicle is capable of changing lanes, accelerating and braking and even taking turns without any intervention from the driver up till the speed limit indicated and of course, with the exception of unpredictable traffic environment.
A midrange radar sensor on the single frame grille in front and one nestled in the rear bumper skirt are said to enable 360 degree vision while driving. Along with that, Audi have also equipped the vehicle with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Audi Side Assist (ASA).
And if fans are flying swiftly through a clean, break free highway in ‘Look-ma-no-hands’ mode and suddenly hit traffic, the car will signal that they need to take charge – in more ways than one. Apart from the driver info display, LEDS at the base of the windshield and Central Status Indicator lighting up like its Christmas, there is also auditory warning. In the event that the driver fails to react, the car will be brought to a full stop, with the hazard lights activated.
Automotive scribes who’ll be sampling this piloted concept cars will be trained for the drive during which each of them will be accompanied by a professional test driver from Audi.
The destination in Las Vegas is the 2015 chapter of the International Consumer Electronics Show, where the Ingolstadt-based carmaker will be presenting the driving automation technology along with the new Connect infotainment systems and LED and matrix laser lighting technology. A lot of the piloted vehicle technologies are said to be production ready, which means that Audi might be releasing these on the road in a not so faraway future.
