Audi is demonstrating its know-how in autonomous technology with a 550-mile (885-km) trip from Silicon Valley, California to Las Vegas, Nevada, in an A7 Piloted Driving Concept.

Following the autonomous Audi RS7’s lap around the Hockenheim circuit, the automaker is now taking journalists on a long-distance test drive in an Audi A7 Piloted Driving concept car. The purpose of the trip is to show what can be achieved with series production technology in terms of autonomous driving, with the trip’s destination being the International CES 2015 (Consumer Electronics Show).

The test drive began on January 4 in Stanford, California, and takes place in real world traffic and road conditions. The Audi A7 Piloted Driving Concept utilizes the latest technologically advanced systems developed by Audi and relieves the driver of driving duties from 0 to 70 mph, or just over 110 km/h.

The car can initiate lane changes and passing maneuvers, as well as accelerating and braking independently. Before initiating a lane change to the left or the right, the vehicle adapts its speed to surrounding vehicles. If the speed and distance calculation is deemed safe, the vehicle initiates the lane change “with precision and in a timely manner,” according to Audi.

The vehicle, affectionately been named „Jack“ by the development team, utilizes a combination of various sensors, many of which are close to production ready. Laser scanners are mounted within the Singleframe grille and the rear bumper skirt, with the technologies being production ready including their vehicle integration and cost structure for vehicle production in the near future.

Each journalist taking part in the test drive will drive approximately 100 miles (161 km) utilizing the piloted driving system, assisted by a trained Audi professional test driver from the passenger seat.

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