Audi has been working tirelessly to introduce a set of advanced new technologies into the upcoming generation of its flagship, the A8.
Arriving in 2017, the new A8 will feature an impressive array of technologies, such as the first production version of Audi’s own piloted autonomous driving, in-car gesture control and organic LED lighting. Audi’s next flagship will also be the first car to adopt the new design language we saw in the Prologue concept.
Speaking to UK magazine Auto Express, Audi’s technical development chief Ulrich Hackenberg said “The A8 will be the next-generation of the every successful vehicle model for Audi, so what we are doing is looking at which future technologies make sense for our customers, what do they expect and how can we surprise out customers.”
The autonomous system will be using a series of long-range radar sensors along with 12 ultrasonic sensors, laser scanners and video camera which will work together in guiding the car through traffic up to speeds of 37mph. Audi is also working on the integration of organic LEDs in the interior displays which in turn will be operated by gesture control.
The climate control, audio system and phone calls, all of them will be operated by gestures, a technology which is also expected to be featured on the next Golf as well. Hackenberg also confirmed that the next A8 will be using electric turbocharging in at least some of its available engines. A plug-in hybrid e-tron version is also expected. The next A8 is expected to be around 200kg lighter, courtesy of the MLB-platform upon which is going to be based.
Note: Audi Prologue Concept pictured
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