Continued... One of the most interesting technologies in the new A8 is the optional new MMI navigation plus system.

As a key element, it integrates many functions, including the DVD drive (in the central computer, in the centre console). Owners can use a third of the 60 GB hard drive as a jukebox holding up to 4,000 songs. The hard drive also stores the navigation data. Two processors handle all applications such as navigation, voice control, telephony and audio.

A dedicated 3D graphics processor generates the three-dimensional images in high resolution and high quality. The map shows these as a highly detailed 3D terrain model, and 3D maps of many European cities are also provided. If desired, an automated zoom feature always shows the most relevant section of the map, and route guidance now offers the choice between the classic arrow and a new, animated display with a lot of detailed information.

The functions of the tuner and sound system are consolidated in a second block, the radio unit. A central interface connects both units to the vehicle network.

The MMI navigation plus is also networked with the driver assistance and active as well as passive safety systems. Its database describes the entire European road system in many details.

The predictive route data flow along the data bus that forms the electronic central nervous system of the A8. It uses a protocol developed by Audi to provide the data to the computers that manage the adaptive cruise control with stop & go, the headlights and the eight-speed tiptronic. This enables these systems to adapt their function to conditions in advance.

On the highway, the radar-assisted speed limiter can also compute the lanes in curves. On winding country roads the eight-speed tiptronic does not make unnecessary upshifts on short straight stretches. And in urban areas, the junction lights go on as the new A8 approaches the intersection.

With the MMI navigation plus, a standard touchpad (opposite picture) allows the user to enter the destination or the phone number by drawing the letters or numbers on the touch-sensitive control panel with the index finger of the hand. The MMI touch can also be used to navigate with the map.

Unlike with the touchscreens, the finger traces the letters and numbers almost automatically without the driver having to look down to check and see how it's doing. The system acknowledges the input after each character with an acoustic feedback signal . A simple swipe from right to left deletes a wrong character. In contrast to voice control, touchpad input is possible even while speaking or listening to an audio source.

The MMI touch technology is based on a network that was supplied with millions of character samples from around the world so that it can be used internationally. It also recognizes Cyrillic, Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese and Korean characters. An intelligent additional feature is the Black Panel technology: here, the pad becomes a control panel containing six programmed radio stations.

Along with MMI touch, the new A8 also offers the familiar Audi operation with the MMI rotary pushbutton. The optional voice control recognises complete words, not just individual letters. Places and roads can now be spoken as commands, and it can even be used to access music data easily.