Autonomous Audi R8 e-tron revealed at CES in Shanghai

Audi further demonstrated its commitment to autonomous drivingtechnology with the unveiling of the R8 e-tron piloted driving concept at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Shanghai, China.

Based on the fully electric Audi R8 e-tron, the new piloted driving concept becomes Audi’s third autonomous concept vehicle following experiments with the RS7 and A7. It carries over the same 455bhp electric powertrain from the standard R8 e-tron, capable of 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, a top speed of 155mph and a full battery recharge in less than two hours.

“Our efficiency technologies are ready for series production and customer roll-out,” Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi Research and Development boss told Auto Express. “The same applies to our current flagship technology – piloted driving.”

Packed with tech, the piloted driving concept is equipped with a vast array of sensors, laser scanners, video cameras and ultrasonic sensors enabling it to drive without direct driver input. Data from all of these sources is then sent to a central computer within the car which creates a virtual picture of the car’s environment.

“The Audi R8 e-tron piloted driving represents the technology trends of our industry,” said Audi CEO, Rupert Stadler. The first series production model from Audi to feature such autonomous tech will be the next-generation A8, due in 2017.

Source: www.autoexpress.co.uk