Audi confirms self-driving tech for next A8

Mar 6, 2015, 1:50am ET

Audi\'s Traffic Jam Pilot technology will drive the A8 at speeds of up to 50 mph.

Audi has confirmed that the next generation of the A8 flagship will inaugurate its new Traffic Jam Pilot self-driving technology.

Speaking to Digital Trends on the sidelines of the Geneva Motor Show, Audi's chief engineer for electronics development Ricky Hudi explained that Traffic Jam Pilot will be able to control the A8 without any input from the driver at speeds of up to anywhere between 37 and 50 mph depending on road conditions. The system will only be operational on the freeway when the lanes are clearly marked, and it is primarily being designed with traffic jams in mind.

Audi gave the world a sneak preview of its upcoming Traffic Jam Pilot technology when it introduced the prologue piloted driving concept (pictured) at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that took place in Las Vegas last January. Like the concept, the next-gen A8 will rely on a laser scanner, several video cameras, sensors on both ends and ultrasound sensors to gather data about the car and its surroundings. The information will be transferred to a central controller that will handle driving duties.

Interestingly, the driver will need to remain focused on the road ahead. The A8 will send a series of audible warnings if it senses that the driver is distracted or asleep or if Traffic Jam Pilot can't continue to drive the car on its own for any reason. The car will come to a full stop if the driver doesn't respond in a timely manner.

Additional details about the next-gen Audi A8 will emerge over the coming months. Audi hasn't revealed when the sedan will be introduced, but we wouldn't be surprised to see it bow either next fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show or at next year's edition of the Geneva Motor Show.