Audi flags off long-distance test drive of piloted driving concept car

What better way to present future technologies at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas than to put journos thesmelves inside a tech-laden car?

At more than 550 miles (880km) of piloted highway driving with journalists behind the wheel, the German carmaker is demonstrating the era of automated driving is nearly here. The long-distance test drive of the Audi A7 piloted driving concept car will show that unprecedented performance can be achieved with series production technology. The drive will take place from Silicon Valley, California to Las Vegas, Nevada to attend the International CES 2015 (Consumer Electronics Show), one of the world’s most important electronics trade shows.

“The test drive from the west coast of California to Las Vegas demonstrates our leadership role in piloted driving,” said Prof. Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi Board member and head of technical development. The test drive in real world traffic and road conditions represents a joint effort by the Volkswagen Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL) und Volkswagen Group Research and Development, began yesterday in  Stanford, CA.

The A7 piloted driving concept utilizes the latest technologically advanced systems developed by Audi. The concept relieves the driver of driving duties from 0 to 70mph, or just over 110kph. The car, that has been affectionately been named ‘Jack’ by the development team, can initiate lane changes and passing manoeuvres. In addition, the A7 piloted driving concept accelerates and brakes independently. Before initiating a lane change to the left or the right, the vehicle adapts its speed to surrounding vehicles. If the speed and distance calculation is deemed safe, the vehicle initiates the lane change with precision and in a timely manner.

The piloted concept vehicle utilises a combination of various sensors, many of which are close to production-ready. The long range radar sensors of the adaptive cruise control (ACC) and the Audi side assist (ASA) keep watch of the front and rear of the vehicle. Two mid-range radar sensors at the front and rear respectively are aimed to the right and left to complete the 360 degree view. Laser scanners are mounted within the single-frame grille and the rear bumper skirt.  The scanners deliver redundant information to provide detailed recognition of static and dynamic objets during piloted driving. The technologies are production-ready including their vehicle integration and cost structure for vehicle production in the near future. A new hi-resolution 3D video camera, already integrated into the next generation systems found in the new Q7, takes a wide-angle view out in front of the vehicle. Four small front- and rear-mounted cameras view closer surroundings. Navigation data is used for basic vehicle orientation. 

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. Multiple warning signales work in unison: coloured LEDs at the base of the windshield, signals in the driver information display, a Central Status Indicator (CSI), as well as an acoustic warning indicator requires the driver to retake control. Should the driver ignore the signals, the system activates the hazard lights and brings the car to a full stop while minimising any risk. In most instances the vehicle is stopped on the right emergency lane.

The training for the journalist test drivers taking part in the 900km trek took place several weeks ago at the Arizona Proving Grounds. Each journalist, accompanied by a trained Audi professional test driver, will drive approximately 160km utilising the piloted driving system. 

Audi will present its ‘Next Chapter’ at CES from January 6-9 in Las Vegas with the primary topic being the connected car with its surroundings. Piloted driving, new user and display interfaces, modern infotainment and new Audi connect solutions, as well as LED and laser-matrix lighting technologies will be showcased, along with a show car and the interior model of the new Audi Q7.