HD Radio Standard on 2011 Audi A6, A8 and Q7

HD Radio technology seems to be to automotive manufacturers just like the little black dress is everywoman’s closet: a must-have. After Ford, Rolls Royce, Jaguar and Volkswagen, Audi is the next to include HD Radio as a standard feature on its 2011 models, namely the A6, A8 and Q7.

The technology will also be available as an optional feature on the 2011 A4, A5 and Q5 models. All models will be available at US Audi dealerships by fall 2010.

“We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best entertainment options to enhance their Audi driving experience,” said Filip Brabec, General Manager, Product Planning at Audi of America. “These upcoming 2011 models will be fully equipped with the best in digital broadcast engineering, making it a clear choice to offer HD Radio Technology to our customers.”

“As a leader in engineering, Audi provides its drivers with high-quality innovation that truly defines the luxury markets, and they continue to raise the bar with the inclusion of HD Radio Technology,” said Jeff Jury, Chief Operating Officer of iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting.

“We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Audi and enabling their enthusiasts to enjoy the extra programming, crystal-clear sound, and advanced data services to enhance the driving experience,” Jury added.

According to Audi, HD Radio Technology is available to 85 percent of Americans with more than 2,000 HD Radio stations on the air, and more than 1,100 new HD2/HD3 Channels (FM multicast). The digital platform offers creative programming on HD2/HD3 Channels, with CD-quality sound on FM and FM-stereo quality sound on AM.