A Bang & Olufsen sound system purpose-developed for the Roadjet Concept provides an audio quality worthy of the concert hall. As on the A8, 14 speakers - including the extendable tweeters on the instrument panel - and an amplifier output of more than 1,000 watts produce an acoustic experience that is without equal in the automotive world. If desired, the front and rear passengers can also listen to music via Bluetooth headphones.

The audio system also supports a new function that allows the occupants to converse without needing to raise their voices even when the car is travelling at high speeds. A technology by the name of Digital Voice Support (DVS) picks up the occupants' voices via microphones and reproduces them via the amplifier and speakers. Reproduction is controlled to take account of both the relative position inside the car of the person speaking and the general level of noise being generated by the vehicle.


The Multi Media Interface MMI has been reconfigured in the Audi Roadjet Concept. In addition to the central 10-inch display in the instrument cluster, there are separate displays and operating units for the front and rear passengers - including a 7-inch display on the backs of the front seats for the rear passengers. An entirely new technology makes its debut here: the front passenger views information on a back-projection display on the instrument panel, which also allows them to watch TV while the car is moving. To avoid distracting the driver, this display is screened off by a shield that extends automatically out of the instrument panel.


The range of functions is moreover tailored to individual requirements. Functions that classify directly as vehicle operation - such as the car setup menu - can be operated exclusively by the driver. On the other hand, the passengers can control both the infotainment system and the navigation, so that they can assist the driver with route suggestions, for instance.

The Roadjet Concept does not have traditional sun visors; instead, this function is performed by the use of Vari-Light technology along the upper edge of the windscreen: the degree of transparency of the glass - and therefore of light screening - can be varied electrically, thus enabling the driver to prevent any undesirable glare.


There is a further convenience feature in the rear centre armrest. On the Detroit showcar, it incorporates an espresso machine complete with water reservoir, stable cup holders for four cups and accessories. The occupants can now always enjoy a fresh cup of coffee whenever they wish, for instance during a break or while sitting in a tailback - an enticing alternative to lukewarm beverages out of a flask, and one that is bound to appeal not just to coffee connoisseurs.



Drivetrain

Typically for an Audi study, the Roadjet Concept too is powered by an engine that heralds the shape of things to come with its innovative technology. This applies in equal measure to the 300 bhp evolutionary version of the 3.2 six-cylinder FSI engine and the sporty Direct Shift Gearbox in conjunction with quattro permanent four-wheel drive.


The 3.2 FSI V6 with Audi valvelift system

The 3.2 V6 FSI - which features as a basic engine with an output of 255 bhp in the Audi A8, A6 and A4 - displays all the characteristics of an ultramodern petrol engine: FSI petrol direct injection with demand-controlled fuel supply, four valves per cylinder and highly effective exhaust emission control.

FSI engines develop superior power and dynamism to conventional units with indirect manifold injection - and they do so with a very high stand­ard of fuel economy. With this remarkable achievement, Audi is opening up a new dimension in the efficiency of standard petrol engines, demonstrating once again the brand's proverbial "Vorsprung durch Technik".

The FSI petrol direct injection system confirmed its unique potential in what must be the most challenging endurance test in the world: a power unit with FSI direct injection drove the Audi R8 to victory on four occasions in the Le Mans 24 Hours.

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