Nearing the end of last year, Audi introduced their new
concept car line, Prologue. Not only brings a fresh design philosophy, Prologue
is also a forum for Audi to show off their digital technology.
So far there are two concept cars that have been displayed,
the Audi Prologue and Audi Prologue Avant. And now in the Auto Shanghai 2015
event that's being held until April 29, the German car manufacturer reveals the
presence of the third model, the Audi Prologue Allroad.
From the outside, this concept car already looks special. A
pair of LED lights that's packing Audi Matrix laser technology decorates the
front of the car. This technology can direct the beam of lights from each LED
bulb individually, bend the light when there is a car from the opposite
direction, and reach out to a wider area when cornering.
Audi Prologue Allroad is equipped with a combination of
gasoline engine and electric motor that's able to bring the car to speed of
0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. At the same time, a powerful 14.1 kWh battery is
capable of carrying Prologue Allroad to a distance of 54 miles only by using
pure electric energy. Audi also provides wireless charging technology so that
the Prologue Allroad battery can be charged inductively.
In addition to the charming outward appearance, Audi
Prologue Allroad also has spacious, luxurious, and futuristic cabin.
In front of the steering wheel, there is Audi VirtualCockpit which replaces the traditional instrument panel. The concept car's
dashboard is formed from a series of touch-screen with OLED technology,
presenting sci-fi theme throughout the cabin.
Furthermore, the passengers on the back seats can adjust the
seating position, climate control system and also infotainment features through
the OLED touch screen embedded in the middle console. There is a pair of
tablets with curved OLED display that can be mounted behind the front seat, as
well as an audio system with evenly sound distribution.
However, the most interesting feature is the Prologue Allroad's
ability to recognize each passenger in the car. A sophisticated software named
'Butler' has been pinned to identify all passengers based on their smartphones,
then arrange a sitting position and climate control system based on the taste
of each passenger.
'Butler' will also provide music and travel route
recommendations based on the car owner's preferences. Just consider that the
'Butler' is Google Now, but to provide comfort in the car's cabin.
Audi Prologue Allroad certainly will not enter the production
phase in the near future. But at least it could be a picture of digital
technology sophistication that will be offered by car manufacturers in the
future.