S4 $1,100 Nav System Option
08-31-1999, 04:52 PM
#1
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S4 $1,100 Nav System Option
Has anyone been able to find out exactly what we are getting for $1,100? Is it a color display in the center console (similar to the BMWs) or is it something else? BTW, it is an option on the MY2000 A6 at the same $1,100 price so I assume that they have the same Nav System.
Wes
Wes
08-31-1999, 05:20 PM
#3
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The whole Nav system story straight from AoA
I got a detailed description of the Nav system from Filip Brabek at AoA. I believe he is in their marketing arm, and has some connection to their website. This is all straight from his mouth. He had *just* test driven a Nav equipped S4.
The Nav system uses GPS enhanced by telemetry from the ABS system, to increase the accuracy of positioning to approx. +/- 1 meter. The system *does not* have a map display.
It uses the computer console on the instrument cluster, and a couple dials & buttons on the dash. You dial through the alphabet & select letters to input a destination address. It offers you a list of matching completions, so you usually only have to put in a few letters.
Then you select either "most direct route" or "fastest route". It calculates the route on the spot (with data from a CD specific to your region of the US, I believe the US is divided into 5 regions, and you get to request which CD you want). You can use the dial to scroll through the list of "directions" in the computed route.
Then when you start, on the computer display, it gives you the mileage to the next turn, a description of it, and an arrow approximating the angle of the turn. At some interval before the turn, a *voice* tells you "your turn is coming up soon" and then when you are there, it says "Ok, turn left now."
If you miss the turn, it *immediately* recalculates the route, and gives you the best path to get back on track.
The system remembers some number of recently navigated destinations, so you can pick them from a list.
He said it works quite well if you want to go your own way for part of a trip. You just key in your destination, and when you think you know better, you ignore it, and it will recalc, and eventually figure out *your way* (Well at the point when your way becomes the best route anyway 8-).
He also explained that AoA made a very concious decision *not* to include a map display. They found that when you have a map, you tend to drive & try to look at the map at the same time, and the result is very dangerous. I have to say I agree. So instead, they put a lot of effort into coming up with an "eyes on the road" interface to the nav system, thus the voice. Also, not having a color LCD panel for the mapped apparently cut the cost of the option by a grand or more.
As for CD's for the other regions, yes you can buy them, and yes, they probably cost more than you want to pay. However, I have a CD-ROM burner, and I will be *very* interested in sharing with others on the list at $2/CD-R.
I think it sounds cool as hell, and I ordered it in my S4. I'm happy to wait - my 4kq is quite the tank in bad weather for now 8-)
The Nav system uses GPS enhanced by telemetry from the ABS system, to increase the accuracy of positioning to approx. +/- 1 meter. The system *does not* have a map display.
It uses the computer console on the instrument cluster, and a couple dials & buttons on the dash. You dial through the alphabet & select letters to input a destination address. It offers you a list of matching completions, so you usually only have to put in a few letters.
Then you select either "most direct route" or "fastest route". It calculates the route on the spot (with data from a CD specific to your region of the US, I believe the US is divided into 5 regions, and you get to request which CD you want). You can use the dial to scroll through the list of "directions" in the computed route.
Then when you start, on the computer display, it gives you the mileage to the next turn, a description of it, and an arrow approximating the angle of the turn. At some interval before the turn, a *voice* tells you "your turn is coming up soon" and then when you are there, it says "Ok, turn left now."
If you miss the turn, it *immediately* recalculates the route, and gives you the best path to get back on track.
The system remembers some number of recently navigated destinations, so you can pick them from a list.
He said it works quite well if you want to go your own way for part of a trip. You just key in your destination, and when you think you know better, you ignore it, and it will recalc, and eventually figure out *your way* (Well at the point when your way becomes the best route anyway 8-).
He also explained that AoA made a very concious decision *not* to include a map display. They found that when you have a map, you tend to drive & try to look at the map at the same time, and the result is very dangerous. I have to say I agree. So instead, they put a lot of effort into coming up with an "eyes on the road" interface to the nav system, thus the voice. Also, not having a color LCD panel for the mapped apparently cut the cost of the option by a grand or more.
As for CD's for the other regions, yes you can buy them, and yes, they probably cost more than you want to pay. However, I have a CD-ROM burner, and I will be *very* interested in sharing with others on the list at $2/CD-R.
I think it sounds cool as hell, and I ordered it in my S4. I'm happy to wait - my 4kq is quite the tank in bad weather for now 8-)
08-31-1999, 08:48 PM
#7
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Re: I saw a guy in a Toyota with the full color map nav today.
This bozo was driving 80mph and had his low tech color map spread out over the wheel and windshield. Sometimes I wish I had a badge. I think the Audi system is actually a smart way to go. Your eyes really do need to be on the road and not in your dash figuring out some complex map. Most Americans do way too many things other than drive anyway.
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08-31-1999, 10:36 PM
#9
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5" LCD
Since Audi says that the nav system, with the 5” LCD screen available in Europe, distracts drivers, they probably won’t bring it to the U.S. right? If they don’t, do you think clair would offer it? You could probably replace the symphony system with this one right?
09-01-1999, 04:59 AM
#10
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Form over function
is sometimes the rule! My wife's new Olds Silhouette minivan is clearly designed to show off it's wares, rather than help the driver. The trip computer/temp/compass display is overhead, and too far back for the driver to glance at safely, for example.
I like Audi's approach, KISS!
I like Audi's approach, KISS!