Photo: Audi
This year's Frankfurt Motor Show (starting September 12, which is next Tuesday) will focus on self-driving technology even more so than any of the similar previous events. And Audi looks like it's going to be at the core of it.
The Ingolstadt-based automaker is covering all levels of autonomy (well, those that count, anyway) beginning with its A8 flagship sedan. Audi is very careful about the words it chooses so it says the limousine is capable of "conditional automated driving," which would correspond to Level 3.
The next step, Level 4, is covered by the first of the two concepts. This one is said to be based on the Audi e-tron Sportback and have the silhouette of a coupe SUV measuring 4.9 meters in length. That's a massive piece of metal that will be set in motion by four electric motors totaling 500 hp.
The German company says this concept has a host of intelligent features it calls Audi AI that can communicate with other vehicles and the cloud, allowing the vehicle to be up to date and make the best decision at all times. Relieved of the stress of controlling the car, the driver is free to do whatever they see fit. The system is active at speeds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph), which is the maximum speed limit on any European highway, apart from certain sections of the Autobahn.
Finally, the Level 5 autonomous concept from Audi is a bit of a mystery. The manufacturer only goes as far as to say it would slot in the D segment, which is where you would put the A4 model. That's somewhat surprising given Audi's description which says it's designed "primarily for long journeys" and that it "combines many new features in the area of connectivity, communication and operation, which make traveling extremely comfortable."
Anyone who's ever sat in an Audi A4 knows its cabin knows that it isn't that spacious, but perhaps the layout of an electric drive system allows for a roomier interior. Anyway, this vehicle is a quattro as well as it uses four electric motors, but the power output is not specified. We do get to know what Audi considers to be a "long journey," though: the unnamed concept can travel up to 497 miles (800 kilometers) on a single charge.
Other premieres at the Audi stand include the A4 Avant g-tron and A5 g-tron (which use natural gas), as well as a limited special model with rear-wheel drive from Audi Sport. We'll know more next week when the German show opens its gates.
The next step, Level 4, is covered by the first of the two concepts. This one is said to be based on the Audi e-tron Sportback and have the silhouette of a coupe SUV measuring 4.9 meters in length. That's a massive piece of metal that will be set in motion by four electric motors totaling 500 hp.
The German company says this concept has a host of intelligent features it calls Audi AI that can communicate with other vehicles and the cloud, allowing the vehicle to be up to date and make the best decision at all times. Relieved of the stress of controlling the car, the driver is free to do whatever they see fit. The system is active at speeds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph), which is the maximum speed limit on any European highway, apart from certain sections of the Autobahn.
Finally, the Level 5 autonomous concept from Audi is a bit of a mystery. The manufacturer only goes as far as to say it would slot in the D segment, which is where you would put the A4 model. That's somewhat surprising given Audi's description which says it's designed "primarily for long journeys" and that it "combines many new features in the area of connectivity, communication and operation, which make traveling extremely comfortable."
Anyone who's ever sat in an Audi A4 knows its cabin knows that it isn't that spacious, but perhaps the layout of an electric drive system allows for a roomier interior. Anyway, this vehicle is a quattro as well as it uses four electric motors, but the power output is not specified. We do get to know what Audi considers to be a "long journey," though: the unnamed concept can travel up to 497 miles (800 kilometers) on a single charge.
Other premieres at the Audi stand include the A4 Avant g-tron and A5 g-tron (which use natural gas), as well as a limited special model with rear-wheel drive from Audi Sport. We'll know more next week when the German show opens its gates.
Google News