Audi A7 drives itself to Vegas
The Audi A7 3.0 TFSI quattro piloted-driving concept capably drove itself in traffic. Journalists were impressed with the concept car’s abilities.
.@Audi A7 piloted driving test drive: 560 miles Palo Alto to Vegas. Very natural feel driving hands free on highway. #drivingnotdriving
— Phil LeBeau (@Lebeaucarnews) January 4, 2015
The test drive resulted in actionable data that can be used to develop Audi piloted driving.
Even so, it offered the longest drive at full highway speeds with members of the public behind the wheel.
The concept vehicle utilises various production-ready sensors, as well as sensors integrated into production vehicles today and these accurately detect the vehicles surroundings.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) and Audi side assist (ASA), long-range radar sensors, as well as mid-range radar sensors at the front and the rear of the vehicle, are directed to the left and right and provide a 360-degree view.
20 sensors in @Audi A7 piloted driving car control steering, lane changing, and speed #drivingnotdriving pic.twitter.com/RNf3fLVK8J
— Phil LeBeau (@Lebeaucarnews) January 4, 2015
Laser scanners are integrated into the front, single-frame grille, as well the rear bumper, to provide additional, detailed recognition of static or dynamic objects.
A high-resolution, wide-angle, 3D video camera, which will first see production in the new Audi Q7, observes the surrounding traffic.
The sensor utilised is close to production and meets financial targets for inclusion into future products.
The concept relieves the driver from 0 to 110kph.
The car can initiate lane changes and passing manoeuvres, as well as accelerate and brake independently.
However, before the piloted-driving system reaches its limitations, in city environments, for example, the driver is requested to take control of the vehicle to ensure proper safety.
