Essentially an update of the prologue concept that was introduced at the Los Angeles Motor Show last November, the prologue piloted driving concept uses a laser scanner, several video cameras, sensors on both ends and ultrasound sensors to gather data about the car and its surroundings. The information is transmitted to a central controller called zFAS that handles driving duties.
While the prologue that bowed in LA was powered by a 605-horsepower V8 engine, power for the self-driving version comes from a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain consisting of a 597-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 and a disc-shaped electric motor that is integrated into the eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The two power sources generate a combined output of 677 horsepower and 700 lb-ft. of torque, enough to send the all-wheel drive coupe from zero to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds. Fuel economy checks in at a little under 30 mpg in a mixed European cycle.
Drivetrain and autonomous technology aside, the prologue piloted driving concept on display at CES is identical to the prologue concept that debuted in LA. Roughly the same size as a standard-wheelbase A8, the coupe accurately previews Audi’s next design language with styling cues like a sharper rendition of the company’s trademarked singleframe radiator grille.
Executives have hinted that the prologue concept will likely spawn a flagship coupe aimed at the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. Additionally, the next-gen A8 will use some of the self-driving tech found in the piloted driving concept to drive itself at speeds of up to 37 mph.
Live images by Justin King.
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