Countless innovations and re-inspired concepts have come from the Consumer Electronics Show, which took place last week in Las Vegas. Featuring the latest in technology, Audi was one manufacturer that stood out from the rest.
LET’S START WITH JACK
Capturing the attention of every CES guest was the Audi A7 self-driving concept car named Jack. After completing an autonomous drive of 560 miles to Las Vegas, Jack arrived safely and has set the mark for the future of technology.
The Audi A7 had its own long-range forward radar, which was used for cruise control, as well as two-rear facing and two side-facing radar sensors. A laser scanner was situated behind the grille and acted as a redundant sensor to assist with sold-object detection.
The car also sported a forward-looking 3D camera and four smaller cameras that were capable of monitoring the front and rear views of the car’s corners. Along with a GPS on board, all of the technology was processed by a computer in the car that controls the steering, acceleration, and braking.
The self-driving A7 was able to operate at speeds up to 70 miles per hour. Once the car reached an urban area, the driver was alerted to take control. If for some reason the driver did not take control soon enough, the car’s hazards would come on and pull over to the shoulder. The future is now, readers.
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES FOR THE NEW Q7 – ADDED SCREENS AND TABLETS
Audi also gave CES attendees a look at its new cabin electronics interface and it is IMPRESSIVE. Similar to the virtual cockpit of the Audi TT model, the Q7 was given a large LCD for the driver display, and a rectangular display on the dashboard for passenger use. The 12.3-inch LCD in front of the driver shows crucial information, including virtual gauges and engine speed. The driver also has the option to dominate the screen with a map guiding the driver from point A to point B.
Not only were the screens added, but Audi has also updated its version of its current MMI controller using a touchpad with the ability to switch to different menus on the screen.
The Q7 will be the first Audi model to offer its new Android tablets…with a twist. Unlike a typical tablet, these are tightly integrated with the car and have the power to control media and use the car’s Wi-Fi hotspot. Back-seat passengers can also engage in the ride themselves. Integrating with the car’s audio system; rear-seat passengers can act as DJ’s for the ride plus the tablets allow for video and map navigation.
The future of Audi is now and I don’t expect for it to slow down at any point. For questions or inquiries on the new and updates Audi’s, please see our website http://www.thecollectionaudimiami.com/index.htm or call (305) 444-5555.
