Even though this might look like the Audi E-Tron
Sportback concept from Shanghai, the Elaine is actually a lot more advanced,
bringing level 4 autonomous talents to Frankfurt.
The identically-sized
Elaine concept also features Matrix LED units both front and rear, while
animated LED fields greet passengers individually when they step inside the
car.
While there are plenty of similarities, the
differences really do stand out. For example, the more advanced zFAS controller
installed in the rear. This new-gen processor has more power and refined
sensors, allowing the Audi Elaine to operate as a highway pilot over long
distances.
The Highway Pilot is basically a more advanced
Traffic Jam Pilot, allowing the concept to change lanes autonomously without
any involvement from the person sitting behind the wheel. Of course, all the
other usual driver assistance systems are on board, including pre sense safety
technologies and the predictive efficiency assistant.
Other features include a faster internet connection,
the ability to locate unmarked parking spaces on the side of the road and
navigate handover zones, all while becoming an IoT device (Internet of Things),
integrating itself "within the world of its user," as Audi puts it.
In order to do all those things, the Elaine relies
on PIA, the personal intelligent assistant, which is basically the car's AI
system, responding to voice imputs and using tailored algorithms to communicate
autonomously and adaptively with the user. PIA can also get to know you by
observing your behavior, applying machine learning methods to adapt the car's
functions to your specific needs and likes (sat-nav, music, desired connected
services, climate control, preferred parking spots etc).
Another cool piece of technology found on the Elaine
concept is the Audi Fit Driver, where a wearable device on the driver's wrist
provides the car with data such as vital signs, body temperature and heart
rate. If Audi Fit Driver detects signs of fatigue, for example, the vehicle can
then adapt and help you relax. It will even have you do breathing exercises,
while also engaging energizing seat massages, relaxing music, special climate
functions and so on.
Powering the Audi Elaine are three electric motors,
combining for 496 HP, while offering a range of 500 km. It
will also accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. All are
identical numbers to those of the E-Tron Sportback, which unlike the Elaine, is
already headed for production.
