What's the news?
This is Audi's preview of future technology as shown at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Expect to see electric cars with at least some degree of autonomy. An interior concept built around AMOLED (active-matrix, organic light emitting diode) displays gives an idea of what car interiors are going to look like.
According to the Audi's Executive Vice President of Electronic Development the virtual cockpit will evolve into the virtual dashboard to create, 'an entirely new world of experience for our customers'. The idea is that the car will get to know the driver's habits and preferences. Driving the display screens is Audi's next generation Modular Infotainment Platform, MIB2+. This uses wireless communication to connect with smartphones and other technology.
A growing range of online services are available under the Audi connect banner. Something called 'Car-to-X' services will become available this year. For Europe that includes traffic sign information and hazard information as part of a swarm, which presumably means vehicles communicating with each other.
Longer-term visions include something called 'Audi Fit Driver' designed to look after the health of drivers. Under the motto, 'My Audi cares for me,' the idea is that drivers will arrive at their destination more relaxed than when they got in the car.
Anything else?
There was another chance to see the Audi e-tron quattro concept that made its debut at the Frankfurt motor show. The e-tron quattro offers 'piloted driving functions' designed to help in traffic jams and parking. Although not fully autonomous the concept does blur the line between driver operated and self-driving cars.