The Audi virtual cockpit is the latest innovation from an automaker that thrives on being out in front in more ways than one. Whenever some refers to what cars will be like in the future, Audi's answer is that the future is now with all that it currently packs, or soon will, into its entire line of vehicles. Audi has taken the concept of instruments and information systems being ultra-driver focused and taken it to the next level and beyond. The Audi virtual cockpit puts everything where it should be, right in front of the driver, enhancing the driving experience while increasing safety and convenience. The new dashboard view is highly customizable to fit the needs of every driver, from back-road touring enthusiast to the urban jungle navigator.
The 12.3 inch display, which sits where the traditional dashboard instruments usually would, shows everything in sharp, full digital, high-contrast perfection. The Audi digital cockpit is the combination of a traditional instrument cluster, miles per hour, engine revolutions, oil, temperature and other gauges, with information and entertainment systems that are usually midway between the driver and the front passenger. By bringing both together, the driver's attention is not divided when he or she is receiving navigation information, monitoring speed, and paying attention to the road. The driver's attention is always forward, towards the road ahead. Everything is displayed so that there is clear delineation between features and drivers can choose from two different viewing modes in order to make the information being provided work best for them.
Drivers can choose between the classic view and what's referred to as the "infotainment mode." When the system is in the classic view, the traditional instruments are relatively the same size as on a typical dashboard, with circular speedometer and revolution counter to the left and the right of what becomes a small central navigation, entertainment and information screen area. In the "infotainment mode," the navigation system and all of other features take on a much more prominent role. The display area fully spreads from one side of the 12.3 inch screen to the other, while the instruments become items imbedded in to the overall picture. In each view the top and bottom borders remain basically the same with time and exterior temperature on the bottom and media and other information at the top.
Audi is able to offer all of this automobile, driving, navigation and entertainment information quickly and precisely through the use of Tegra 30 (computer) chip from Nvidia. The high-speed graphics processor keeps features like the needles of the traditional instruments working smoothly and precisely. The new dashboard also works with other systems becoming more and more typical in every vehicle like the rear-view backup camera. Controlling the overall cockpit system also gives the driver choices, as he or she can use the steering wheel to enter commands, or the control terminal, or voice commands, which have been enhanced to go with the new, ultra-modern dashboard display system. Audi wanted to make the new cockpit view not only functional but a joy to use, and they have succeeded in every way.
