Driver Assistance
From a given vehicle, video cameras will observe the behavioral patterns of other drivers and identify their possible intentions.
Radar and laser sensor technology will assess prevailing or emerging traffic situations, giving drivers the opportunity to avoid trouble. Sensor signals between vehicles, and with the surrounding infrastructure, will augment the communication capabilities of individual vehicles. Vehicles will be able to “see” around corners and report traffic light cycles in advance, giving the vehicle the ability to perceive both its immediate and more distant environment, creating an overall picture of the traffic situation and allowing the driver to avoid potentially hazardous situations.
In 2006, Audi Q7 broke ground in the automotive industry to become the first vehicle available in the U.S. equipped with blind spot protection, which we call Audi Side Assist. Now available as well on the 2008 Audi A5, S5, A6, S6, A8 and S8 models, this system monitors up to 165 feet behind the vehicle and alerts the driver when someone is in their blind spot. Amber LEDs appear in the inner housing of the exterior mirror to inform the Audi driver that someone is in their blind spot. Should the Audi driver attempt to merge into the lane occupied by a vehicle in their blind spot, the LED will flash brightly when the turn signal is activated. This is to ensure the driver is aware that changing lanes could be dangerous, and to use extra caution.
New for 2008 on the Audi Q7, A6, S6, A8, and S8 models is an optional Audi Lane Assist feature. When equipped, a camera monitors the vehicle’s path of travel, and will slightly vibrate the steering wheel should the driver veer from their current lane without signaling. This alerts the driver that they are nearing the boundary of their lane. The sensitivity of the lane sensor can be adjusted using the Audi MMI controller.
Conventional headlight technology allows you to see only a short distance ahead. Audi's dynamic adaptive headlight , standard on the Audi A8 and S8 and available on a number of other Audi models, sweeps around to follow curves, clearly illuminating the road and any possible obstruction. Utilizing input from the steering and speed of the vehicle, adaptive headlights pivot up to 15 degrees to allow the driver to see ahead in the dark by lighting up corners and bends more effectively.
Adaptive Cruise Control, available as an option on the Audi Q7, A6, S6, A8, S8, and the Volkswagen Touareg, builds on the capabilities of the cruise control system and, within certain system limits, maintains the correct distance from the vehicle in front automatically. The system uses a special radar sensor to measure the distance from the vehicle ahead. If the distance is too small, the system reduces speed moderately by easing the throttle or by automatically applying the brakes, up to approximately 25% of maximum vehicle deceleration. Once the road ahead is clear again, Adaptive Cruise Control accelerates the car back up to the speed previously set. If the distance to the vehicle ahead is so close that the system detects the possibility of collision, an acoustic signal and a flashing warning light are triggered immediately to warn the driver to intervene manually. An outstanding feature of Adaptive Cruise Control is its driving dynamics. On all Audi and Volkswagen vehicles where it is available, the driver can choose between three driving programs – dynamic, standard and comfort – and set the adaptive cruise control system to suit driving preferences.
However, even with this advanced technology, the driver retains ultimate authority and the ultimate responsibility. Enhancing the driver’s ability to drive safely is the top priority for all assistance systems.
