Audi is showcasing its latest self-driving technology as it allows a special version of its A7 to drive from San Francisco to Las Vegas.
Called Jack, the car is the first time Audi's Piloted Driving technology will be debuted and it will be put to the test over the 550-mile trip, which will include some stretches of busy motorway.
The car, which Audi claims is production-ready, makes use of a mix of mid-range and long-range radar sensors to detect nearby vehicles or obstacles. It is able to have a 360-view of its location and also uses a 3D camera to spot potential hazards.
Laser scanners are also fitted within the car's front grille and the rear bumper skirt. These provide detailed information of stationary and moving objects during all piloted driving.
Although it does largely drive itself, in built-up areas the car automatically requests the human driver to take over to avoid potential issues. If the driver fails to take control, the vehicle will stop and put its own hazard lights on.
"At more than 550 miles of piloted highway driving with journalists behind the wheel, Audi is demonstrating the era of automated driving is nearly here," a statement from Audi explained.
"The test drive from the west coast of California to Las Vegas demonstrates our leadership role in piloted driving," added Professor Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi board member and head of technical development.
The car is driving to Las Vegas to attend the International CES 2015 – one of the world’s most high-profile electronics trade shows.
Posted by Fred Mason.