Audi's 2019 A8 flagship sedan will offer Level 3 autonomous driving technology in a future called Traffic Jam Pilot that can take control of the vehicle in slow-moving traffic and control starting, accelerating, steering, and braking, Audi has announced.
by Staff
July 13, 2017
Photo of 2019 A8 courtesy of Audi.
2 min to read
Photo of 2019 A8 courtesy of Audi.
Audi's 2019 A8 flagship sedan will offer Level 3 autonomous driving technology in a future called Traffic Jam Pilot that can take control of the vehicle in slow-moving traffic and control starting, accelerating, steering, and braking, Audi has announced.
The feature can take over driving at up to 37.3 mph on freeways and highways where a physical barrier separates lanes of opposing traffic. The feature allows a driver to take hands off the steering wheel and focus on a different activity such as watching on-board TV, according to Audi. The system can be activated using the AI button
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When the system reaches its limits, the car alerts the driver to take back control of the task of driving.
The system uses a central driver assistance controller (zFAS) that computes an image of the surroundings by merging the sensor data. Other components include radar sensors, a front camera and ultrasonic sensors, and a laser scanner.
The 2019 A8 will also offer a remote parking pilot and remote garage pilot that allows the A8 to steer itself into and out of a parking space or garage. The driver activates the feature through a mobile app and can use the feature while inside or outside of the vehicle. The system sends a 360-degree image of the car to the smartphone.
Audi is planning to offer several powertrains with the A8, including a plug-in hybrid. Audi will offer a pair of gasoline and diesel models (in 3.0-liter V-6 and 4.0-liter V-8 configurations) in Europe. Audi will also offer an A8L W12 6.0-liter 12-cylinder model. The plug-in hybrid will pair an electric motor with the 3.0-liter TFSI V-6 that will produce 330 kilowatts (449 hp) of power and 516.3 lb.-ft. of torque, as well as 31.1 miles of electric driving range.
The 2019 A8 and A8L will arrive in the German market in late fall.
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