The Audi Virtual Cockpit brings the future to the German brand's models

Victor Alós Yus @sepelaci 25 August 2016 2 min.

The Virtual Audi Cockpit was unveiled at the CES in Las Vegas in 2014 and was quickly added to the equipment of the third generation of the Audi TT Coupé, offering new possibilities for turning the car’s instrument panel into something far more advanced than anything previously available from the German brand. The main advantage lies in comfort and functionality, which also has a positive impact on comfort and safety, as the driver has all the information within easy view.

This system displays all the information on a 12.3-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1,440 x 540 pixels. Image quality and sharpness are provided by the graphics processor supplied by Nvidia. The Tegra 30 from the Tegra 3 series runs with four cores at just over 1 GHz, so it handles the image very efficiently and quickly. Working in combination with a software program, it generates 3D graphics that present the data to the driver.

Image quality and clarity of data

These high-quality images make it hard to tell that they are computer animations, and they look like physical elements that are indistinguishable from “real” ones. But the virtual features of this system allow the image configuration to be changed. Thus, the image can be switched using the controls on the multifunction steering wheel. The classic mode provides a traditional display, while the Infotainment mode adds the navigation map, which shows its information in the central panel.

It also adapts to each of the models it is being integrated into. For example, on models such as the TTS or the R8, where the sport mode features a central rev counter dominating the display, with an inner ring showing speed in digital figures. In Performance mode on the Audi R8, an indicator light tells the driver if the engine reaches its maximum rev limit.

In the case of the Audi Q7 e-tron, the screen shows the energy flow or the battery status. It is also found in the Audi Q2, A3, A4 and A4 Avant, A5 Coupé, TT Coupé and TT Roadster ranges, as well as in the high-end SUV, the Audi Q7, and the high-performance sports car, the R8. In this case, together with the Audi S5 and S5 Coupé, the TT Coupé and Roadster, and the Audi SQ7 and Q7 e-tron quattro, it is standard equipment.

The installation price of the Audi Virtual Cockpit ranges from 365 to 735 euros, depending on the model in which it is to be installed.

Source | Audi