Autonomous Audi RS7 to race in Germany

An autonomous Audi RS7 Sportback will attempt to complete a full racing lap of the Hockenheim race circuit next weekend.

Designed to showcase the advances made in driverless car technology,Audi says the autonomous RS7 will be able to race at around the same speed as with a professional racing driver at the wheel. 

The firm expects the RS7 to complete the 2.8-mile lap in just over two minutes, reaching speeds of up to 149mph/238kph. Audi's own R8 holds a lap time of 2.00.65min at the circuit, according to Fastestlaps.com.

The RS7 is powered by a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 direct-injection petrol engine producing 552bhp and 516lb ft. Official performance figures point to a 0-100kph sprint time of 3.9 seconds, and a top speed of 155mph/248kph.

The attempt will take place during the season finale of the German Touring Car Championship on October 19.

This isn’t the first time Audi has shown a driverless car in action. In 2010 the firm revealed a specially-designed TTS rally car, which was fielded on the famous Pikes Peak hillclimb course.

Audi has also recently shown the benefits of its developmental electric turbocharging technology, fitted to an RS5 prototype.

Photograph: Audi will showcase its driverless car technology by running an autonomous RS7 Sportback around the Hockenheim circuit at speeds of up to 238kph.