Audi has published a booklet outlining seven future technologies, some of which are in an early development stage while others will appear on new models soon.

Audi's development engineers, who are collaborating with strategic partners, are working on these new technologies in the following areas:

Garage Parking Pilot involves a data exchange at the entrance of a parking facility where the garage control computer communicates by WLAN with the car and then guides it to a free space.

OLED technology can be used in multiple ways. In the case of the Audi R8 OLED concept (pictuerd in the photo album) hundreds of small triangular OLED lights outline the dynamic contours of the body. OLEDs arranged as a display can transform the rear end of the car into an animated surface (see photo above). The fluctuating points of light, only a few pixels in size, can be energized individually.

Hybrid body materials represents the combining of new hybrid metals with carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) structures. Audi is in the midst of launching the process in manufacturing a Multimaterial Space Frame, which combines aluminum, steel and fiber-reinforced components.

Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) coil springs being 40 percent lighter aim to replace coventionary steel springs. The new FRP suspension springs will make their debut before the end of 2012 in the Audi R8 e-tron model.

Multitouch controls focus on innovative touchpad technology that allows enhanced operation using several fingers. It also sends a tactile response back to the user's fingers.

Predictive suspension technology uses stereo camera sensors to identify uneven road surfaces approaching the car and in responce retunes the active suspension so that rough road surfaces are compensated for effectively providing the most comfortable ride as possible.

Placed above these specific technologies, Audi's core development concentration starts with ultra-lightweight construction. Audi considers this the most important aspect of their research particularly in regard to body construction but also in the areas of chassis and suspension. Electronics also play a vital role in future technology as the pace of innovation gets faster with electronic processing speeds doubling every two years - as described by Moore's law. Another important developmental concentration relates to e-tron technology which focuses on pure electric powered drivetrains, referred to as electromobility. And last but not least, lighting technology is another broadening field in which Audi maintains a leading position.

In the press release below there are seven sections providing far more detail in regard to each of the aforementioned new techologies.

Gallery: Audi looks into the future with 7 new technologies

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