The New Audi Navigation System Plus

Press Release

The split-screen function is also new. It enables the map to be seen on the left half of the screen, with the right half devoted to useful additional information. For example, the realistic or schematic pattern of roads at a motorway junction, or – particularly important in city traffic – an enlarged view of the route the car is actually following. In addition, the system supplies information on the next three route recommendations, to make it easier to choose the correct traffic lane. The automatic multi-stage manoeuvre zoom also supplies the driver with precise, detailed information. The new Audi navigation system plus offers the driver a selection of up to three different routes. The control knob can be used to select a short route, a fast route or an alternative route. These recommendations take traffic information messages, route length and estimated time of arrival into account. In addition to the final destination, up to three locations through the route should pass can be chosen. Traffic messages received by the twin tuner are displayed, automatically evaluated and taken into account when a route is recommended, with an alternative route being worked out if necessary. In addition, by pressing a button the TMC messages can be shown directly on the map in text form. Other convenient functions are full scope for direct destination input from the map display by means of the cursor, address input starting with the street, use of the address book and even the input of destinations as telephone numbers or post codes. In addition to the time of arrival at the chosen destination, the new navigation system plus can also display special destinations on motorways when the split-screen mode is in use, for example filling stations, leisure areas or parking lots on the next section of the route. In addition to the distance, the driver is also informed of the calculated time to reach these intermediate destinations. As the new data storage element for the navigation system, DVD has a memory ten times larger than the conventional CD-ROM, and distinctly faster access times. Almost the entire Western European road network can be accommodated on a single DVD disc, so that irritation of having to change the CD when crossing a national border is avoided. Another bonus is that routes are calculated very much faster than with CD-based sysems. This will be seen when the map image is built up, and also when the zoom function is used. The DVD is also capable of memorising many more special navigation destinations (points of interest). Locating a destination is therefore more convenient and quicker if the street name is not known. Among the generous range of special destinations in the new Audi navigation system plus are airports, parking lots, exhibition and event centres, museums, theatres, cinemas and shopping centres. Behind the flat screen, which folds away electro-mechanically, there is the DVD drive and two additional memoorised memory card readers (MMC or SD format) with MP3 compatibility. Having these located directly at the system makes it easier and quicker to change from one data and music source to aanother. The new Audi navigation system plus supports the Audi mobile phone preparation and the facilities provided on the multifunctional steering wheel, which is an optional extra. If required, the system can be upgraded by adding a CD changer, the BOSE sound system or an analog TV tuner.