The Autonomous Audi TTS Coupé quattro is the direct result of work underway at the Volkswagen Group Automotive Innovation Laboratory (VAIL).
The project is not aimed at making motorists, or the thrill of driving, dispensable.
Instead, it is intended to explore the best capabilities of current and future driver assistance technologies.
This will help Audi enhance the experience behind the steering wheel for future driver generations.
Dr. Burkhard Huhnke, executive director of the Electronics Research Laboratory, explained the challenge.
He said: "We believe that developing a car that can perform as well and respond as rapidly as a 'professional' driver, like a race or rally driver, will eventually be able to drive its way around incidents in a way that a 'normal' driver couldn't.
"While a less experienced driver may freeze or make the wrong 'correction', the Autonomous TTS would be able to take over or guide the driver to escape from a critical situation.
"It could also compensate if a driver is inattentive to conditions or distracted but of course, it won't prevent all accidents."
Currently in the testing phase, the Autonomous Audi TTS quattro is being developed for several still-to-be determined real-world driving challenges in 2010.
And one of these is a possible drive up the legendary 12.42-mile Pikes Peak Hill Climb route in Colorado USA.
It would not be a competition run, however, and is separate from the actual Hill Climb Championships being staged next June.
Posted on 30.11.2009
