The title of this post deserves a sub-title along the lines of “the future is here today”, but I will resist the temptation! However driverless cars are getting more and more credible ever year.

Recently, Stanford University’s School of Engineering and Volkswagen America held a special dedication ceremony for the new Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Laboratory (VAIL) which will do research on vehicle-safety, environmental issues, as well as continuing work on autonomous driving. And this is where the car that parks itself comes in.

As part of the ceremony the Standard/VW team demonstrated the “first ever” autonomous parking by a driverless car. The VW Passat called Junior entered into a car park, found the firs empty space and reversed into it. There was nobody in the car… It was all handled by computer.

At the same event VAIL also unveiled the Pike’s Peak Audi TT-S, that they hope will drive itself up the 2010 Pikes Peak course without a driver.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second oldest motor sports race in America. The race is run on a 12.42 mile course with 156 turns that begins at 9,390 feet and finishes at the 14,110 foot summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs.

Cars That Drive Themselves is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars

Extensive revisions to the acclaimed 2.0-litre turbo charged and directly fuel injected petrol engine that already powers the TT have enabled its power to be boosted from 200PS to 272PS and its torque from 280Nm to 350Nm, available between 2,500 and 5,000rpm. Linked to six-speed, close ratio manual transmission the enhanced unit slingshots the TTS Coupé from rest to 62mph in just 5.2 seconds, and on the Autobahn is only curtailed by its electronic limiter at 155mph. With the optional S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission acceleration times are reduced by a further two-tenths of a second in both the Coupé and Roadster.

In addition to the evocative ‘S’ insignia, the most extreme production TT to date highlights its capabilities from the front through newly designed bi-xenon headlamps incorporating trademark Audi LED strip daytime running lights, a redesigned front apron incorporating larger air intakes and aluminium-look door mirror housings. The profile view is enhanced by deeper side skirts and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, which can be swapped for 19-inch alternatives at extra cost, while at the rear a revised rear bumper with – for the first time in a TT – four tailpipes protruding from its extended diffuser subtly conveys the newcomer’s extra performance potential.

Inside, deep-set Alcantara and leather combination sports seats, exclusive ‘S’ instruments with white needles, metal pedals and special aluminium trim elements enhance the already very highly regarded sports interior.

Audi Space Frame (ASF)
Streamlined by its revolutionary lightweight Audi Space Frame aluminium and steel hybrid body shell, and pinned to the road by a comprehensively modified, quattro four-wheel-drive-equipped chassis, the new TTS has been designed to maximise the TT’s inherent fun factor while retaining its safe, surefooted feel. Reworked power steering and enlarged brakes help the driver to profit fully from the exceptional performance, and to guarantee the highest degree of agility in all situations the space-age Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system is fitted as standard.

The magnetic ride system’s sophisticated dampers are filled with a magnetorheological fluid containing minute magnetic particles that can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. By applying a voltage to the system’s electromagnets, the viscosity of the fluid is altered by the affected magnetic particles, increasing resistance to damper movement to iron out pitch and roll when necessary, and reducing resistance when ride comfort takes precedence.

The new sports model is not only notable as the first TT to become a member of the esteemed Audi ‘S quattro series’, which numbers extra special models such as the 450PS S8 quattro among its ranks. Significantly, it also debuts on the tenth anniversary of the TT, the Coupé version of which became an overnight sensation following its launch in 1998.
Audi TT joins the ‘S-Club’- A new, even more focused version of the iconic TT sports car debuts at this month’s North American Auto Show (January 13-23). Destined for the UK in mid-2008 in both Coupé and Roadster body styles, the TTS is powered by a specially developed, 272PS Turbo FSI petrol engine complemented by state-of-the-art chassis technology.

At-a-Glance

* New even higher performance version of acclaimed TT sports car available in Coupé and Roadster body styles
* Debuts at the North American International Auto Show on January 13 and is expected to open for UK order in mid-2008
* Powered by an extensively modified version of the 2.0-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine delivering 272PS and peak torque of 350Nm between 2,500 and 5,000rpm
* Coupé (manual) 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds, limited 155mph top speed, 29.7mpg, Roadster 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, limited 155mph top speed, 29.3mpg
* Suspension, steering and brakes revised to complement enhanced performance
* Standard Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system for optimum handling composure

High Performance Audi TTs Debuts in Detroit is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars