Is the Audi A8 the most high-tech car around?
The Audi A8 is a large, luxury car that comes loaded with some of the world’s most advanced tech. This car comes in two varieties, the standard A8, or the A8 L (long wheel base).
But what makes it so advanced?
1. Audi AI parking pilot and garage pilot
This video shows Audi’s latest parking technology. Not only can you move your car remotely with your mobile phone, it can also self-park in awkward spaces, including car park bays. The A8 has an array of sensors and cameras around the car in order to achieve this.
2. Audi pre sense 360
When the car senses a imminent crash it electronically pretensions the seat belts to prevent injury. It also closes the windows, the sunroof and activates the hazard lights. Also included is a rather neat feature that protects you in the event of a side-on collision. If a vehicle is about to hit your side, the A8 will raise its suspension by a few centimetres so that the in-coming vehicle hits the lower down and stronger sill of the car, rather than the doors.
3. Active suspension
Active suspension in the A8 uses the on-board front facing camera to detect road bumps ahead so that the car can adjust the suspension to make it sail gently over them. This is done with the use of small motors that control the movement of each wheel by raising and lowering them when required.
4. Traffic jam pilot
The new A8 is capable of driving itself on a dual carriageway at speeds of up to 37 mph without the driver keeping hold of the steering wheel, pedals or brakes. This is designed for use in heavy, slow moving traffic and on dual carriageways only. This is not legal in the UK at present, but it is believed that legislation may be changed in the coming years to facilitate this clever feature.
5. Dynamic all-wheel steering
Four-wheel steering means that the A8 is as manoeuvrable as a much smaller family hatchback. The rear wheels turn in order to help the car navigate tighter corners. This feature is a much welcomed addition as this car is a big as an aircraft carrier.
6. Innovative touch screens
Audi has ditched the wheel-style infotainment controller and replaced it with two easy to use touch screens. These high-tech screens vibrate and make clicking sounds when you touch them to give you feedback.
The back passengers get an iPad Mini-style tablet that sits in the middle of the arm rest. This can be used to control the car’s media, heating, lighting, window blinds and the position of the seats.
The position of the Matrix LED lighting in the back of the can be controlled through the on-board tablet.
Watch Mat Watson run through the A8’s incredible features:
What’s your favourite feature? Let me know in the comments
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