Google Earth Comes to Audi A8 [Maps]

Yes, plenty of cars have built-in GPS navigation. But up until now, no car had Google Earth integrated, but now Audi has remedied that with their new luxury car, the Audi A8.

Snugged right into the LCD screen in the car, the Google Earth application will let lucky owners look at 3D satellite imagery, terrain information, and even additional info layers such as Wikipedia articles or Panoramio images related to a certain location.

A8’s system will also feature Google Maps and Local Search, plus the ability to link it all with your desktop computer. To save time, you can simply search for an address on your computer and send it to the car; when you start driving, the car will know where to go.




However, if you’re not familiar with German manufacturer’s luxury cars, lets just say that only those with the deepest pockets will be buying one. The rest of us will have to make do with an iPhone stand and the Google Earth mobile app.

[Mashable]

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The 2011 Audi A8 bests K.I.T.T. in the gadget department

Cars are increasingly becoming more circuits than gears and the 2011 Audi A8 is a prime example of this transformation. There is likely more tech packed in the full-size Audi sedan than the International Space Station. In fact, if you think the laptop steering wheel table is the ultimate driver distraction, click the read link below to see what the flagship Audi packs.
First, let’s start with the creature comforts.

• Heated, cooled, and massaging seats
• Standard 12-way adjustable seats or optional 22-way adjustable optional seats
• Vibration-canceling motor in the steering wheel
• Interior LED ambient lighting system
• Four climate zones

Entertainment system

• Standard 14 speaker Bose system or optional 1,400 Watt, 19 speaker Bang & Olufsen system
• Google maps-enabled GPS system with handwriting input mode
• 8-inch LCD info screen
• 20GB hard drive
• WiFi, USB, and AUX-inputs
• Dual 10.2-inch rear seat displays with its own DVD player, 20GB hard drive, and controls
• WLAN via UMTS that turns the car into a mobile HotSpot

Safety equipment

• Night vision
• R8-style LED headlights
• Adaptive cruise control
• Radar that detect collisions that automatically tight seat belts and adjusts seats
• Speed limit camera that actually reads roadside signs and displays them as graphics on the dash

Of course the A8 has the powertrain to back up this massive saloon with an 8-speed tiptronic system and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, along with a direct fuel injection 372 HP V8 engine. Too bad Audi hasn’t announced the price yet, but chances are it doesn’t matter. The only people that can probably afford all this luxurious Audi technology are those that will likely be overwhelmed by it. Or douchebag bankers.

[CrunchGear]

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