Audi is known more for the technologies it implements than rear-wheel drive shannanigans, so we're not surprised that the quattro people are very keen on the Consumer Electronics Show, the biggest even of its kind in the world.
Last year, it was all about the laser headlights and the Virtual Cockpit that eventually made it onto the Mk3 TT. For 2015, things are likely to get even more interesting. Audi has apparently perfected the laser headlight technology it installed on the R8 LMX and will show a production version called Matrix Laser. We don't yet know if this tech will be fitted to an actual car, but there's a good chance that it will.
With BMW also showing laser headlights at the 2015 CES, the German companies now appear to be locked in battle over this futuristic-sounding headlight system.
The other big debut from Audi is the Q7, an all-new SUV that has been packed with all their best tech. Besides the 23-speaker 3D sound system, this model has been fitted with a new MMI. It uses a large touchpad to allow you to write symbols instead of typing them, just like you do on a Samsung Note. As will all Audi connect services, the user interface is integrated into the human-machine interface (HMI), ensuring ease of use.
Apple Car Play and Google Android Auto
Another new feature making its debut with the Q7 is the Audi Phone Box, which brings smartphone connectivity to the next level by offering Apple Car Play and Google Android Auto. For now, Audi is only talking about integrated Google Maps and basic phone functions – SMS reading, missed calls displays and so on. However, over time, these will be joined by numerous third-party applications such as Pandora, Spotify and WhatsApp.
CES 2015: World Premiere from Audi
The German automaker will have a number of existing cars on display, including the TT Roadster, the RS7 and the R8 LMX, its first production model with laser headlights. However, there will also be a world premiere taking place during the press conference on January 6th.
Is it another self-driving race car or a brand new concept like the Sport Quattro? We don't know yet, but it should be cool, so stay tuned.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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