Ready or not, autonomous vehicles are on their way! While they’re not quite here, Audi has something slightly related up its sleeve. Always on the cutting edge, Audi is the first automaker to launch Vehicle-to-Infrastructure technology on public roads here in the U.S. The program will start in Las Vegas, NV. The system transmits information from the traffic lights to Audi-owned servers, then to compatible Audi models over a 4G LTE connection. If this sounds neat to you, then the future is going to be very, very cool.
Technology is a better investment than new pavement. - Tina Quigley of RTC.#smartcities #tucts https://t.co/McSuLHZT6t
— David Froning (@DaveFroning) January 4, 2017
This futuristic feature is available on Audi A4, Audi A4 allroad, and Audi Q7 models built after June 1st, 2016, and they must have a subscription to Audi’s streaming service to receive the traffic updates. This cool tech could alloy Audi to provide navigational cues based on traffic light information, with cars even potentially coaching drivers on how quickly to drive to optimize their green-light streak. This could make for a more efficient, expedient roadway!
“The launch of this technology is another in a long list of firsts for Audi that have positioned us as the industry leader in connectivity solutions,” said Audi of America President Scott Keogh. “V2I applications and services like Traffic Light Information are essential components as we continue to move toward an autonomous future. We applaud the innovative approach of Las Vegas in working with us on V2I as well as on our various piloted driving demonstrations over the past years.” —from a 12.06.16 Audi USA Press Release
“The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) is proud to be the first in the nation to connect our traffic signal network to vehicles through our collaboration with Audi," said Tina Quigley, RTC General Manager. “This vehicle-to-infrastructure technology will help reduce congestion and enhance mobility on our already crowded roadways. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip, Southern Nevada continues to lead the way in transportation technology creating smart cities and communities for our residents and visitors.” —from a 12.06.16 Audi USA Press Release
We might be quite a ways away from Las Vegas, but this technology is in the works and we hope to see something like this in our neck of the woods very soon. If you’d like to prepare for the inevitable, come see us at Audi Warrington, and be sure to ask about which of our models will be compatible with the vehicle-to-infrastructure technology!