derfA8L

Same motorized vent cover set up used on the new Panamera. From pics I've seen of the D5, it appears that the center and side vents can be separately operated. Here are a couple of videos of the interior that include the vents opening. ,


Also pic of D5 with center vents opened below:


.

coupeboy

It looks like there are two motors involved - one to open the vent cover, and one to move the vent into place. How does this improve the static set up of the D4? You always want air flowing in the cabin, so they will almost always be open when driving, so why the added complexity and engineering for something that doesn't affect the operational efficiency of such a fundamental feature? I wish they'd focus their R&D on features that matter. This kind of feature seems utterly worthless to me. Anyone care to dispute that?

derfA8L

A little emotional there in your challenge, why? The only practical benefit I can see for having motorized vent covers would be DUST ELIMINATION in the vent channels. I'm sure the designers love the perception of the clean look it offers, as well as continuing the high tech flow of what they're trying to achieve. But, other than that it really is a ridiculous feature---but kinda cool nonetheless. :-)

Bada Bing

Thanks for posting by the video clips and picture which shows the vents in the open position. The designers have tried hard to make the vents as invisible as possible, rather than using them as design elements. They have definitely gone with the modern, businesslike and uncluttered look, but I can't say the interior exudes any warmth. I still think the central 10.1" display sits too low relative to the driver's line of sight, all in the interest of having a continuous strip of wood trim running the entire width of the dash.

On the plus side, the shifter is better looking than the D4's yacht-style lever.

the_duke

I recently had an A5 loaner with the same new shift lever. I don't like it.

jetinder

I saw this last night, talking about the air ionisation option with perfumes. I'm not sure I could justify the expense, but it would look good in the MMI system. They also have a video about a chauffeur driving one of the prototypes. It's a big market over here.

2001 S8

The vents are a neat trickery, but funny how the Phaneon had them back in 2002-2006 and now they show up in the A8 years later.

Jack88

Interestingly, the Phaeton only recently stopped production. In Europe, it has been available this whole time. They just didn't import them for long. Those hidden vents stayed with it, so it's not really an idea they are going back to, but rather one they are just moving across the line.

2001 S8

Correct. I should have stated 2002-2006 NA. But interesting they waited 15 years before pulling that function up/over to the A8.

Jack88

The Phaeton never had a popup screen, so I wonder if the A8 having that made Audi want to avoid further motorized doodads on the face of the dash?