Audi Adaptive Cruise Control Named a Technology of the Year Finalist

Autoblog calls it another step on the road to autonomous driving

The editors at Autoblog have named Adaptive Cruise Control from Audi one of their 2017 Technology of the Year finalists, singling it out​ as being particularly intuitive. Not intended as an auto-pilot feature, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is intended to increase driver safety by automatically slowing down and braking, then speeding back up again when conditions call for it.

Audi Silver Spring has more details on it for you here.

Works with the navigation system

ACC is linked to the Audi navigation system and can actually read traffic signs and display that information to the driver. When the speed limit drops from 55 to 35, for instance, ACC automatically slows the vehicle down to the new speed. When the navigation system knows you’re about to make a turn, ACC automatically slows the vehicle to a safe speed, then resumes the speed when the turn is complete.

The writers at Autoblog noted that they were especially impressed with this feature, as many navigation systems inform the driver that a turn or exit is near when it’s almost too late to react. ACC makes curves in the road just as easy to navigate, slowing down the vehicle to a safe speed and resuming the higher speed once the conditions are right.

“Automakers have been saying for years that the autonomous technology is essentially here, they just need the infrastructure and regulations to catch up”, said Autoblog’s Greg Migliore.

“Audi's thoughtful system bridges that gap, creating a vehicle that's capable of acting appropriately with little driver input.” Autoblog went on to reported that ACC from Audi provided the driver with “a sense of awareness and greater level of information than other systems on the road.”

Part of the Audi Driver Assist Package

Adaptive Cruise Control is just one component of Audi Driver Assist Technology, a suite of features that give the user an extra set of eyes and ears behind the wheel. Other features include Active Side Assist, Active Lane Assist, and Audi Pre Sense®. Designed to help you stay aware of your surroundings, the technology suite allows you to concentrate on the most important part of owning an Audi: driving it.

Adaptive Cruise Control is available on the 2017 A4 and other Audi models. To learn more about ACC or experience it for yourself, don't hesitate to call, contact us online, or visit us in person at 3151 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904. We'd be more than happy to schedule a test drive or answer any questions you may have.

Image Credit: Audi