Audi 2014 Annual Report Download - page 64

RS 7 piloted driving concept
Another advantage for the piloted driving vehicle : Thanks to a
precise GPS system and D cameras that fi lm the car’s path as
it is driving and use a computer program to compare this fi lm
against graphical information about the track, the technology
platform drives with precision. “The car uses this information
to determine the optimal turn-in point and the exact steering
angle,” explains Bergmiller. This also enables it to choose
exactly the right gear to accelerate perfectly out of the corner.
Although Biela is also familiar with the track, he needs more
steering corrections. But in the end, the time needed for these
corrections didn’t really matter. His experience enabled Biela
to complete the lap faster than his opponent. “That was really
close. I had to take a lot of risks to make up the time I had
lost.” The professional racer uses the full width of the track,
coming within a few centimeters of the concrete wall. Bobby
doesn’t take such risks. Racing legend Biela crosses the fi nish
line in : minutes ; the driverless Audi RS  Sportback needs
: for the same lap.
Biela’s summary of today’s duel : “The Audi RS  piloted driving
concept car is a true talent. It is really remarkable that the sys-
tems are able to rein the car in at the physical limits and control
it. These are the best possible prerequisites for Hockenheim.”
October , . Hockenheimring : Bobby is in pole position.
The green fl ag drops. The technology platform accelerates full
speed on the track’s six straights and brakes precisely before
each of the  corners. With precise turn-in and ideal accelera-
tion but no driver behind the wheel, it impresses across the
board. Forces measure over . g during braking, and lateral
acceleration in the corners reaches as much as . g. The lap of
the Grand Prix course is completed in just over two minutes.
Driverless. At the limit. As what is currently the world’s sport-
iest piloted driving car.
The technology behind it : GPS signals provide for
accurate orientation. Parallel to this, camera images
are compared in real time against graphical information
stored in the car. Comprehensive networking and the
precise control of all driving-relevant actuators on board
ensure reliable control of the vehicle even at the limit. This
enables the Audi RS 7 piloted driving concept to process
tremendous amounts of data and sensor signals in real
time. Accelerator, brake, steering and transmission are
controlled very precisely. A 412 kW (560 hp) car driven at
the limit by the electronics alone.
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