Audi is working on a huge update for its interior design.
The first of its kind was revealed at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show and more details have emerged that gives us a glimpse of how the next gen virtual dashboard would look like.
Virtual cockpit is what Audi is aiming to achieve with its 2017 A8 model. True to the name, the interiors resemble a flight’s cockpit filled with three different touchscreens that are connected to a central dashboard. There is a lower dashboard and instruments panel allowing people on-board to do a variety of tasks at the same time. The touchscreens use OLED technology providing the brightest display and are extremely thin. Such level of tech is new to cars and Audi is ushering them in for the first time.
Explaining the new dashboard concept found in the 2017 Audi A8, Andreas Lamprecht the man behind the innovation said that they are planning integrate the virtual dashboard in all their cars in the next twelve months. When questioned if they are planning to bring it to the A8 first, he responded that the technology will be implemented in the flagship and top end models before it trickles down to other cars.
The virtual cockpit with an OLED screen will debut at a later stage. Some practical issues have to be sorted out including increasing temperatures, screen quality and clarity before it can be implemented in the 2017 Audi A8 besides other models. Haptic feedback will be implemented in all three screens making it easier for the driver to confirm if they have touched the icon, without taking their eyes off the road.
The system used in the upcoming A8 version is capable of following user habits and it will automatically bring up the most used apps to the front. Users can swipe content from the center screen to other parts of the instrument panel as and when required. It also notifies user when they are running low on fuel and a gas station is close by. The AI makes phone calls to home or office with a single touch while providing voice updates for flight timings, weather and traffic conditions.
The automobile brand has partnered with smartphone and technology driven companies in order to bring this virtual cockpit to life. 2017 Audi A8 might make its appearance at the upcoming Paris auto show but there is no official confirmation from the company yet.