Slide of
Audi has revealed how recent advances in artificial intelligence are already shaping its vision for its future cars with two stunning high-tech mobility concepts, the Elaine and Aicon.
Made public on the eve of the 2017 Frankfurt motor show, the electric-only Aicon saloon (pictured) and Elaine SUV (next slide) have been created to show technologies being developed by Audi for inclusion on upcoming production models - and provide an idea of how the driverless cars future may look.
- Slide of
Audi Elaine
Styled at Audi’s main design studio in Ingolstadt under design boss Marc Lichte, the two highly automated concepts are described as the most advanced ever built by Audi with artificial intelligence (AI) aiding its systems, with the latest in car-to-x communications and machine learning to network them with infrastructure and other road users, allowing occupants greater freedom and time by providing a fully autonomous driving experience.
- Slide of
Audi Aicon
Audi says the ability of AI to adapt and learn about new driving situations will hugely change how cars are used and perceived. “The car will become more and more a third living space alongside our home and workplaces," it said. "Artificial intelligence will relieve strain and offer new possibilities to use the time spent in the car.”
- Slide of
Audi Elaine
The Elaine SUV has been produced to show how AI will influence the coming generation of Audi models, with Level 4 autonomous driving technology.
- Slide of
Audi Elaine
It includes remote parking that allows the driver to step out and watch as it parks itself in a parking garage or positions itself in parking bays for battery recharging.
- Slide of
Audi Aicon
The Aicon looks further into the future with a radical interior devoid of a traditional compartment, and lacks a steering wheel and pedals, creating a home-like space with the very latest in infotainment and communications. Unlike the Elaine's Level 4, this car incorporates Level 5 autonomous driving tech that Audi claims will bring a dramatic reduction in road accidents in the future.
- Slide of
Audi Aicon
Built to show how a self-driving Audi model may look from around 2025, the Aicon avoids what Audi officials describe as the 'robot taxi' look evident on recent autonomous driving concepts in favour of a radical exterior design with remixed elements from its current range, including a new single-frame grille, and a rounded glasshouse.
- Slide of
Audi Aicon
The Aicon stretches to 5444mm (214in) in length, 2100mm (83in) in width and 1506mm (59in) in height, suggesting that we may be looking at the A8 of the future; it also rides on a wheelbase that is considerable 240mm (9.6in) longer than that of the new Audi flagship, at 3470mm (137in).
- Slide of
Audi Aicon
Entry to the vehicle is through opposed doors that open to the front and the rear to reveal a wide entrance, without a traditional B-pillar. No traditional dashboard and steering wheel liberates space in the front of the cabin, featuring two individual seats that can be adjusted by 500mm (19.7in) back and forth and swivel through up to 15 degrees to enable entry and exit. The rear has a bench-style seat shaped for two people.
- Slide of
Audi Aicon
Building on the autonomous qualities of the new concept, Audi’s design team has equipped the Aicon with a mini drone. It acts as a so-called “light companion” when passenger’s exit the interior in the dark and follows them to illuminate their path out of the car.
- Slide of
Audi Aicon
The big Audi concept is powered by four electric motors. The brushless asynchronous units are mounted low at each corner where they give direct drive to each of the Aicon’s 26in wheels and are the basis for electronically controlled variable four-wheel drive. In what Audi insiders suggest hints to the power output of Audi’s first dedicated electric powered model, the upcoming production version of the earlier e-tron quattro concept due out in 2018, Audi quotes a combined output of 350bhp and 299lb ft.
- Slide of
Audi Aicon
Energy for the electric motors is stored in what Audi describes as a solid body battery, mounted within the Aicon’s flat floor structure, it is claimed to provide more than twice the energy capacity of a similar-size lithium ion battery used today. While theoretical in nature today, Audi’s strategic vision for an autonomous driving car of the future boasts a zero-emission range of up to 497 miles.
- Slide of
Audi Aicon
Recharging is via an 800V system, and the battery is capable of being charged to 80% capacity in less than 30 minutes. As well as supporting conventional plug-in charging, in keeping with its autonomous nature the Audi concept is also equipped with an inductive system that allows it to pull up to a charging station on its own and charge its batteries - all without the need for a driver.
Close
