Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi virtual dashboard previews 2017 A8 interior design

Audi confirms next-generation dashboard concept to debut in next year's flagship, using haptic feedback technology

We first saw Audi's interior design future at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show, but now the brand has  revealed further details of its next-gen 'virtual dashboard'.

The interior design builds on the existing virtual cockpit tech, instead using three separate screens split across the central dash, lower dash and instruments. The screens are super thin, curved to reduce glare and use organic OLED technology, which is only just making its way into cars.

Audi's electronics guru Andreas Lamprecht confirmed to Auto Express that elements of the virtual dashboard will be "be found in our cars in the next 12 months". When asked if the new A8 will be the first to receive it, he said "the technology will start in our big cars and work down through the range". The next-gen A8 is expected to launch in the second half of 2017.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The cleaner and sharper OLED screen tech, however, will launch at a later date as Audi engineers are still working on reducing heat levels and improving longevity. But the central touchscreens, which control all of the car's functions, will use new 'haptic feedback' on existing LED tech.

When a user presses a digital button on the screen they will hear a clicking sound and feel it through the tips of their fingers. Similarly, temperature sliders on the lower climate control screen give a physical feedback as you toggle them up and down. It's designed to be much easier to use on the move than a standard touchscreen.

The central screen also allows you to select a function and quickly swipe it across to the virtual cockpit instruments. As the system is updated, it will be able to learn a user's typical route and habits while driving, and prioritise information that is relevant to your journey.

The example given was that the system knows the user always phones his wife, stops at a particular fuel station and listens to a particular radio station, so the system is already set up to offer these as a default choice on the move.

Ricky Hudi, Audi’s vice president for electronic development, told us at the 2016 CES show: “We are developing our successful Audi virtual cockpit into the Audi virtual dashboard and creating an entirely new world of experience for our customers. In the future, the entire system will get to know the customer and their habits and preferences, then proactively support them.”

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Goodbye 40 TDI: Audi drops the numbered engine names that confused us all
Audi 40 TDI badge
News

Goodbye 40 TDI: Audi drops the numbered engine names that confused us all

Audi is set to remove the powertrain naming strategy from the back of its cars
18 Mar 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024 - header image
Best cars & vans

Best new cars coming in 2024

There are some big new models from the likes of BMW, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, MINI, Skoda and more on the way in 2024
12 Mar 2024
Volkswagen ChatGPT to gain ‘level 2’ software update later this year
Steve Fowler in the Volkswagen Golf facelift at CES
News

Volkswagen ChatGPT to gain ‘level 2’ software update later this year

A ‘two-way conversation’ will soon be possible with your new Volkswagen
21 Feb 2024
Hyundai Mobion concept looks like the ideal city car thanks to wild four-wheel steering
Hyundai Mobion concept
News

Hyundai Mobion concept looks like the ideal city car thanks to wild four-wheel steering

Hyundai’s Mobion can do a 360-degree turn and even drive completely sideways
12 Jan 2024

Most Popular

“MG is easily outselling Jaguar, Land Rover and Bentley combined”
Opinion - MG4
Opinion

“MG is easily outselling Jaguar, Land Rover and Bentley combined”

The wave of Chinese cars has arrived in the UK, and Mike Rutherford thinks it’s not about to stop any time soon
17 Mar 2024
New Skoda Epiq electric SUV revives the spirit of the Yeti
Skoda Epiq - front
News

New Skoda Epiq electric SUV revives the spirit of the Yeti

The all-electric Skoda Epiq crossover SUV is set to be fully unveiled next year and is likely to cost around £22,000
15 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: brand new, top-spec VW Tiguan SUV for way less than you think
Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line - front tracking
News

Car Deal of the Day: brand new, top-spec VW Tiguan SUV for way less than you think

The all-new third generation of Volkswagen’s smash hit mid-size SUV is our Car Deal of the Day for 14 March
14 Mar 2024