Driverless Audi TT

30th November 2009

It’s the world’s first driverless racing car. This very special TT is looking to set records as it makes its debut in one of the world’s toughest races.

The Autonomous Audi TTS quattro project is the firm’s latest display of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ and will tackles the infamous Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the USA.

The car will use a pair of roof mounted cameras attached to powerful computers to literally “see” the road ahead of the car.

Steering, throttle and brakes all offer wireless control. Once in acion the car will be monitored by a team of specialists who will intervene if the car appears to head out of control.

The non-competitive “drive” will take place 30 years after the German manufacturer’s quattro permanent four-wheel-drive technology first appeared.

Developed using the an updated, minaturised version of the technology that powered the VW Touareg called “Stanley” to victory in a US defence department sponsored race in 2007, Audi says the project could ultimately benefit motorists worldwide, allowing for the development of novel accident protection systems.