Autoblog

Audi accidentally(?) previews 2013 A3 design at CES

Zach Bowman — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Design/Style

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Audi may have accidentally let slip the exterior design of its upcoming 2013 A3.The German automaker set about showing off the hatchback's cabin with a static display at Las Vegas' CES ahead of the vehicle's expected unveiling at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The display gives the world a sense of what to expect from the luxury compact's front seats, center console and dash, which features a stand-alone LCD display that rises out from above the instrument panel's center air vents. Like other Audi displays, the screen features various vehicle menus, including two that show off the full exterior of the three-door model.

Judging from these two quick glimpses at the hatchback, the three-door will feature a new, more aggressive face. From the looks of things, buyers can expect to continue to find a large, signature Audi single-frame grille flanked by more purposeful headlights and sporty air intakes set low int he front fascia. Head over to Audiboost.com for a closer look at the vehicle inside and out. Don't get too attached to what you see, however. Past reports have suggested the vehicle will only debut as a sedan here in the States.

Audi accidentally(?) previews 2013 A3 design at CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Next Big Debate: Hardware or software?

Dan Roth — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz

More tech in your car? Oh, that's inevitable. But automakers are trying to figure out the best way to implement it. There are two main architectures currently; tethered and embedded. Ford's SYNC is an example of a tethered tech-integration system that uses Bluetooth to connect to mobile devices consumers already own and carry with them. General Motors' OnStar system is an embedded setup that builds the technology into the car. Going forward, the consensus seems to be that we're going to see systems that combine elements of both.

A tethered system is typically less costly than an embedded alternative, and it works with equipment you already own and know how to use. Systems like Sync can extend the functionality of your gear and is an attractive option to tech-savvy consumers. The lower cost makes it possible to proliferate these kind of features into more models, instead of just being a high-end feature. However, embedded systems offer advantages of their own. With communications hardware built in to the vehicle, performance is more reliable, and safety can be enhanced by tying in to the vehicle's crash sensors and stability control to automatically call for help if it detects a severe accident.

True to the cliche, it seems that the young'ins are more comfortable with tethered systems, while older generations prefer embedded systems. OnStar is already starting to do this, opening up the system in Chevrolet Volt applications with a mobile app that lets drivers connect to their car even when they're away from it. The future likely holds a system that combines aspects of both, enhancing safety, beating back obsolescence and drawing on the strength of each technology to deliver the best experience as cars continue to become more sophisticated.

[Source: AutoObserver.com]

The Next Big Debate: Hardware or software? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 May 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi updates MMI system for 2010 A3, TT and R8

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Audi

Audi's Multi-Media Interface, which is arguably the best of the various all-in-one graphical user interface systems favored, has just got better.

According to Audi, resolution on the system's 6.5-inch screen is getting bumped up to 800 x 480, route calculation will happen faster with a 600 MHz processor, and you can scroll along the route - not just vertically and horizontally - and get speed limit data on highways.

Additionally, the system will also finally charge external MP3 players that are plugged in to the system, song titles will be displayed,

The new A3, TT, and R8 will be the first to benefit from next-step MMI when they arrive in Stateside dealerships in the autumn. U.S. pricing hasn't been announced yet, but you can read about all of the next-gen system's new bells and whistles in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi updates MMI system for 2010 A3, TT and R8

Audi updates MMI system for 2010 A3, TT and R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi details new MMI

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Technology, Audi

Audi's MMI in-car command system is one of the most intuitive offered by an OEM, but that isn't stopping Audi from piling on the improvements. The screen is now a seven-inch, 800x400 TFT display, being fed info from a high-capacity hard disk, a DVD drive, and an NVIDIA graphics chip. It also gets an eight-way joystick on the central knob, which means you can make mouse-like movements on the screen for point-and-click ease. In addition to all that, there are simpler vocal inputs, 3-D maps, a 10,000-number phone book, and two processors so that everything can run at the same time. It will arrive in the U.S. with the Q5 later this year, but in the mean time, you can get all the details in the lengthy press release after the jump.

Continue reading Audi details new MMI

Audi details new MMI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi introduces the next MMI

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Audi

If you're buying an A8 this year, prepare to spend a lot of time getting to know your new MMI system. We have consistently thought that Audi's buttons-and-knob interface is the best, and it looks like they've put an entire NASA team on the job of making it better. A seven-inch TFT screen with 800x400 resolution is now controlled by an 8-position joystick. Moving from one screen to another is done via "elegant crossfades," which sounds a bit PowerPoint-ish, but we'll wait until we see it to judge. And among other improvements, navigational maps can be rendered in "birds-eye perspective" 3D, with topographical map coloration. The only thing missing is the Encyclopedia Britanica. You can check out the exhaustive press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi introduces the next MMI

Audi introduces the next MMI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next BMW iDrive to take cues from Audi's MMI

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, I.C.E., BMW

We've already gotten a sneak peak of what the 2009 BMW 7-series will look like on the outside ahead of its official launch, but the interior - and iDrive in particular - is still veiled in a cloak of secrecy. However, Bimmerfile has supposedly gotten the inside dope on the new multi-function brushed aluminum mole.

According to Bimmerfile, the new iDrive interface will take a cue from one of our favorite in-dash control units - Audi's MMI - with a new interface that has a similar list design and selection system. The screen resolution is higher, which makes the maps and text "more visually appealing" and the submenus are reportedly "more like bookmarks," which should facilitate an easier flow of information.

The new display will also allow show maps in full screen, rather than the split screen in the previous version of iDrive, and radio and CD functions are now available in two separate menus. When playing a CD, the current song will be displayed in a "frame" at the top of the screen, with the list of tracks shown below it.

The major revision, aside from a new phonebook contact list that allows for multiple numbers, is the date, time and radio station bar migrating from the iDrive screen into a central mounted display nestled between the two gauges on the dash. This is one feature that Audi's MMI has had for a few years and is a very welcome addition to the new iDrive. We'll hopefully have official information about the new system in a few days.

[Source: Bimmerfile]

Next BMW iDrive to take cues from Audi's MMI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi gives backseat passengers more entertainment in Shanghai

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 07:51:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Sedan, Audi

Although the supersized Audi A6L has offered buyers more backseat legroom and luxury compared to the standard A6, there seemed to be something missing. Extra room is nice, but what's a young executive to do back there? These lengthened sedans are becoming very popular in China, and with the new features Audi just showed at the Shanghai Auto Show, we understand why the demand will most likely continue to grow. Audi is showing off a few extra gizmos designed to help pass the time on those 20-hour, cross-province drives.

Audi just announced "an innovative entertainment system" for rear-seat passengers that includes a pair of front seatback-mounted 10.2" LCD monitors. Passengers can play DVDs on the center armrest DVD player, but that's not all the center armrest is good for. Besides the DVD player, customers will also find a wide array of multimedia connectors for everything from game consoles, to iPods, to digital cameras! And if you tire of watching Cars for the umpteenth time, you can always change the channel. That's right, folks. There's even a built-in TV tuner. Now that's what we call first class service. Still no bar or footrests, however.

Full press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi via Jalopnik]

Gallery: Shanghai: Audi A6L backseat gadgets

Continue reading Audi gives backseat passengers more entertainment in Shanghai

Audi gives backseat passengers more entertainment in Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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