Skip to main content

Audi promises first production piloted driving with ‘Traffic Jam Pilot’ in next-gen A8

next gen audi a8 self driving system called traffic jam pilot prologue l140075
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Earlier this year, we reported that Audi will include a piloted driving program in its next-gen A8. Likely to be unveiled later this year or early next, it should look much like the Piloted Driving Prologue Concept. The production piloted driving system system will be based upon the self-driving A7, “Jack,” that made an autonomous trip from Palo Alto to Las Vegas.

Though we knew the system was coming, we didn’t know how extensive it would be or what it would be called. During a round-table discussion at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show this week, though, those details were revealed.

Ricky Hudi, chief engineer for electronics development for Audi, told Digital Trends the A8’s self-driving system will be called “Traffic Jam Pilot” and will be operational on the highway up to speeds of 60 to 80 km/h – around 37 to 50 mph.

While not wholly revolutionary, the system will be the first step toward comprehensive piloted driving systems, not to mention making traffic-heavy daily commutes much less stressful.

audi-a7-autonomous-hands-free-driving-1500x1000
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re wondering what such a system might behave like, we needn’t look further than my ride along with the autonomous A7 from CES 2014 for example.

Related: Audi’s self-driving A7 prototype completes its journey to CES

The piloted Audi A8 will use externally mounted 3D cameras, radar, and infrared sensors to watch the road and traffic ahead. Inside, it will rely on the feed of two cameras watching the driver’s eyes. Should the driver begin to fall asleep, look away from the road, or should the car need to return control to the driver for any reason, it will chime in an attempt to bring driver attention back to the road. If the chimes do not work, and the driver doesn’t respond, the Audi will bring itself to a swift stop in the lane.

So, rest assured that Audi A8 drivers won’t be napping on the commute – or texting, either. With the Traffic Jam Pilot system, drivers will need to watch the road and traffic jam ahead. They just won’t have to steer, brake, or accelerate through the stop-and-go, bumper-to-jumper traffic.

We’ll be staying on top of the coming wave piloted driving technology. So be sure to check back often for more updates.

Editors' Recommendations

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
Alpine sale: Up to $160 off speakers and subs for your car
alpine speaker sale crutchfield march 2024 car and amp setup on table

If you’re looking to kit your car out with some superior speakers or a subwoofer, Crutchfield is the place to go today. Right now, there’s a huge sale on Alpine subwoofers and speakers with nearly 50 different items forming the sale. As there are so many options, the best idea is to hit the button below to see what’s around. If you don’t know where to start though, read on while we take you through some great items in the sale.

What to shop for in the Alpine sale
Buying the best aftermarket car speakers are important for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road and is currently dealing with a mediocre sound system. One good starting point in the Alpine sale is the 2-way speakers for $104 instead of $130. You get two 2-way speakers with a polypropylene/glass fiber/mica woofer with a specialized rubber surround. There’s a one-inch silk dome tweeter with speakers able to handle up to 80 watts RMS with 240 watts peak power. The grilles aren’t included but the factor ones should be fine for most purposes.

Read more
Mercedes to trial humanoid robots for ‘low-skill, repetitive, demanding’ jobs
Apptronik's Apollo robot at work in an auto plant.

Humanoid robots have been coming on leaps and bounds in recent years, and some major companies are starting to take note.

Mercedes-Benz, for example, has just entered into an agreement with Texas-based robotics specialist Apptronik to collaborate on identifying applications for highly advanced robots that the auto giant could deploy. The deal will involve a trial that will see Apptronik's Apollo humanoid robot work alongside Mercedes' human workers on the factory floor.

Read more
Hyundai Ioniq 9: price, release date, range, and more
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Front

Hyundai has been at the forefront of EV development for a while now, largely thanks to the success of the crossover-sized Hyundai Ioniq 5. But the company is readying another new EV that could be even more popular than the Ioniq 5 -- or at least more desirable in the U.S., the land of big cars.

The upcoming Ioniq 9, previously set to be called the Ioniq 7, will be Hyundai's take on an electric SUV. It will be to Hyundai what the Kia EV9 is to Kia. It will have three rows and carry over design elements from the Ioniq 5.

Read more