Self Driving Audi RS7

It takes some skill to hit speeds around 150 mph on many tracks, but Audi is working on a prototype that can nearly hit that high speed at the Hockenheimring racing circuit with anyone in the driver’s seat. The car that makes this all possible is an RS 7 prototype. Of course in order to take a driver’s skill out of the equation, it requires a car that drives itself.

The Audi RS 7 self driving car managed a world record top speed of 149 mph at the Hockenheimring. This was the highest speed ever recorded by a driverless car.

For more about the self driving Audi RS7 and next generation A8 click past the jump (or scroll down if you came directly to the full article).

After hitting that high speed on the tack Audi showed off the prototype to lawmakers in the United States. The RS 7 was taken to Sonoma Raceway in California with representatives from multiple states present.

“We’re already experiencing some of the future’s promises because the underlying technology being pioneered by companies like Audi offers an opportunity to reduce road fatalities and pollution,” said California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom. “Innovation runs deep in California’s DNA and it is critical that lawmakers here help foster a climate where private enterprise can improve, advance and mainstream a societal benefit, as the Internet and smart phone has done before them.”

“We were able to be a part of Audi’s testing at the extreme limits of piloted drive technology,” said Florida State Sen. Jeff Brandes. “However this is really more about enhancing safe mobility for the driving public, particularly seniors.”

“In Sonoma we brought the Audi RS 7 piloted Driving Concept lap after lap to the physical limit, and in constant precision,” said Thomas Müller, Head of development for braking, steering and driver assistance systems, AUDI AG. “The car reached lap times that were better than those of some experienced sport riders.” The RS 7 prototype required only 2:01.01 minutes to set its best lap time at the 2.5-mile course.

In the real world this technology won’t be seen much on the race track, but could help those that otherwise may not be able to drive. Nonetheless, it is still very interesting to have a car that is able to drive itself at just under 150 mph.

The advances that are being tested in the RS 7 prototype will first be offered in the next generation Audi A8. This option will be called Traffic Jam and will be able to handle driving in congested conditions up to 37 mph.