Audi Achieves New Speeds, Announces First Self-Driving Model

Racing the computer just got a meaning beyond playing Gran Turismo alone…

Audi’s self-driving prototype, “Robby”

Just set a speed benchmark for the company, and announced that the first self-driving Audi will be the A8.

Coming off their piloted world-speed-record of 158mph, set in Germany last year, the self-driving RS7 just set the pace at Sonoma Raceway in California. While Audi kept the numbers to themselves, a statement from Thomas Müller (Head of development for braking, steering and driver assistance systems, AUDI AG) sounded very speedy.

“In Sonoma we brought the Audi RS 7 piloted Driving Concept lap after lap to the physical limit, and in constant precision […] The car reached lap times that were better than those of some experienced sport riders.”

Not bad, Robby. Multiple uses for self-driving track cars immediately spring to mind. For example, auto-piloted car recovery systems to keep safety crews safer. Or a “slowest car” pace vehicle to help determine when someone has been disqualified due to speed, if you followed Nissan at LeMans this year you’ll understand the need for that one. A “hard mode” for track enthusiasts would be good too. It’s understood that making a piloted racecar was not the point of Audi’s testing, but these ideas came up in a brainstorming session and were too interesting not to mention here.

Now let’s see how Robby handles the true proving ground of Canada! How well can this guy handle unpredictable winter roads and snowfall conditions? How will he be prepared for the Chinooks of Calgary which throw the temperatures from winter to summer conditions in a matter of hours? How will he handle Montreal construction and j-walkers? Most importantly, how will he handle the drive-thru at Tim Horton’s!?