Sphere’s new model combines attractive design with autonomous driving systems and support for augmented reality visors
A state-of-the-art car with high-tech visors displaying 3D interacting elements all around to facilitate driving: science fiction or reality? What until recently seemed like a science fiction element plucked from the mind of a skilled filmmaker has now become reality. The Audi Activesphere combines a latest-generation coupe crossover with an attractive design and noteworthy performance with an augmented reality optical system for a travel experience that is nothing short of futuristic.
Nearly five metres in length for the newcomer to the Audi family: stylistically similar to an off-road vehicle, considering the large 22-inch wheels with mobile segment tyres, it is equipped with the most innovative electric propulsion system: the Premium Platform Electric. The EPP platform, designed to accommodate a wide range of cars, adopts a battery module between the axles of approximately 100kWh, with two 325Kw electric motors positioned on the front and rear axles respectively.
At the passengers’ disposal, for a journey bordering on the futuristic, are the high-tech mixed reality visors: an advanced Audi-branded frame lens system capable of providing the user with touch-sensitive virtual elements. With the help of the visor, it is possible to see certain components of the car ‘disappear’: when the autonomous driving mode is activated, the visors conceal the pedals, steering wheel and dashboard, offering the passenger a different, never-before-seen experience.
The digital peripheral management system is at the discretion of the user, who can choose to enable or disable it at his or her discretion. As anticipated, the visor offers digital elements with which the user can actively interact through movement and touch, but how is this possible?
Thanks to the AR technology employed by Audi, the visor is able to combine the movement of the hand with the concept of ‘touch’, thus creating touch surfaces without, effectively, the same surface. One only has to think of the air conditioning controls that appear near the real vents, with which the user can interact to modify the emission.
The dimensions of the vehicle are considerable: almost 5 metres in length, over 2 metres in width and 1.60 metres in height for what, to all intents and purposes, stands as the high-end of electric crossovers.
Author:Alessandro Volpe