Audi's appearance at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) showcased a raft of technologies being developed for future generation vehicles. Piloted driving, connectivity and infotainment, personalised switchgear and lighting technology are all part of Audi's display.
Arguably the most exciting technology is the piloted driving and parking system that Audi has been developing. Piloted driving is programmed to work at speeds of up to 60km/h, providing throttle and braking control as well as limited steering capabilities to help ease the tedium of traffic jams. Audi believes that the system will become a reality on the roads before the end of the decade - bringing with it the piloted parking system. This builds on the self-park systems currently in use, but will be able to park in much tighter spaces without the need for human input.
Audi is also developing internet connectivity through its infotainment systems. The company's research will build on the current navigation platform in conjunction with Google Earth and Google Maps Street View; as well as including social networking capabilities such as Facebook. Audi will also further develop the technology on sale in the latest A3, where drivers can have their emails and SMS messages read aloud - and can dictate replies without taking their hands off the wheel.
Also linked to the centre console is Audi's fully-customisable switchgear. In essence, the traditional buttons will be replaced by a single touchscreen, which looks very similar to the existing setup; however, drivers will be able to completely personalise which button goes where.
Audio technology also features at CES, where Audi is showcasing 3D sound courtesy of the Q7 Sound Concept. Although it hasn't been confirmed, we can hazard a guess that their recent usage of Bang & Olufsen sound systems has taught Audi a thing or two about sound technology.
Finally, Audi will be displaying its new lighting technology at CES 2013. At the moment we know very little about this, but we have been told that headlights of the future will actively react to the immediate environment.
CES 2013 hosts all this and more, and runs from the 8th-11th January 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada.