Yesterday we had the pleasure of receiving a private demonstration of the new CarMonitor system. Now I’ll be up front and say that I am far from an iPhone fanboi. I have owned an iPhone in the past and currently own an iPod touch so I was excited to see that this program wasn’t limited to just the iPhone. The first thing I noticed is that the phone was connected to a Can-Bus emulator that has some cool knobs on it that adjust the make believe speed and engine performance data so that the software has something to read and emulate real life use.
Audi Car Monitoring System
Once you are ready, you can start logging and then just set the phone down and drive. Not only does the program log the vehicle data but is also logs GPS data. So not only do you know how your car performed, but you can then correlate that data to the actual route that you drove. To me, this is just like racing technologies where race teams log a car’s performance data around a track but instead of Laguna Seca, your data can be overlayed over your morning commute or even your favorite canyon or mountain road.
Drill down even one step further and you can actually see a 3D Overlay of your data right on top of the satellite imagery of your route!
But the true genious of this new system is the ability for you to upload the data and share and compare with your friends and/orsend to your technician or tuner. Not only can you share your data, but their online website allows you to create groups and share and compare the data! I can’t wait to create a “QuattroWorld.com” group and you will be able to share and compare with other QuattroWorld.com readers.
While this software is fully operational it is still technically in “Beta” meaning that it may be a bit longer before you can download from the iTunes store. QuattroWorld is working with Audi to start beta testing this product and we are hopeful to bring you even more detailed information as that develops. Now I probably missed some important details so I will post the official press release from Audi here below.
Audi owners with an Apple iPhone will soon to be able to download an application that will monitor, analyze and store key performance characteristics for their vehicle, whether it be for pure performance, eco-friendly driving or simply providing a log of any particular trip.The technology, developed by Audi’s Electronics Research Laboratory, is being shown at the SEMA Show, the premier automotive specialty products event in the world, scheduled for Nov. 2-5, 2010 in Las Vegas.The Audi-designed iPhone CarMonitor App uses the vehicle OBD-II port to access real- time performance data, which the App then analyzes, also in real time. Characteristics include engine RPM (especially useful with older Audi vehicles that do not have an RPM gauge) along with emissions information, including the amount of CO2 a driver is saving by adjusting driving performance.Drivers using the iPhone CarMonitor App also have the option of uploading the data collected to www.MyAudiLabs.com, use the CO2 data for other analyses, and even share driving performance with the VW Labs Community.The technology will appeal to Audi vehicle owners looking for an even more satisfying experience with their vehicle as well as the opportunity to use the capabilities of the Apple iPhone, said David Tait, Audi of America’s lead After Sales executive.“This is a great addition to the already impressive interior features that Audi owners have come to appreciate,” said Tait. “And it’s another example of Audi listening to what our owners would like to see to make their motoring experience even more satisfying.”“Apple iPhone users are used to the kind of ‘wow’ applications that the smart phone offers. We’re very pleased to give me them another highly useful tool, especially designed to enhance the Audi driving experience.”
Lighted Floormats
I’ve always been a bit jealous of AMG Mercedes owners who have the option to get lighted logo door sills. I’m not much of a “bling bling” guy as you may know by know but that won’t stop me from enjoying some very nice and clean LED logo display. It is subtle and classy and I believe adds just that perfect amount of personalization that many Audi owners look for without being over the top. They will be releasing pricing and availability soon, and they should be available for most, if not all, of the current models. My favorite part of these floor mats is how perfectly they match with the ambient lighting already existent in all newer Audis. Here is the official press information from Audi.
Existing and future Audi owners have something to look forward to when an eclectic array of After Sales products are revealed at Audi of America’s first-ever SEMA Show exhibit this week in Las Vegas.Today the company announced a new way for owners to customize their Audi models: illuminated floor mats. Designed by Audi Electronics Research Lab, Palo Alto, Calif., the floor mats are an After Sales component, and will be available exclusively through Audi dealers in North America.The Audi illuminated floor mats incorporate a cool-to-the-touch Light Emitting Diode pad, which glows through the vehicle’s nameplate, integrated into the floor mat. Audi owners will be able to customize several factors, including the intensity of the light, color, materials, and even the graphics displayed on the floor mats. Several layers of different rubber materials achieve a homogenous illumination.The illuminated floor mat is one more example of how Audi seeks to enhance the overall ownership experience, according to David Tait, Audi of America’s lead After Sales executive.“Audi owners have high expectations when it comes to the performance of their vehicle, as well as its appearance,” said Tait. “This is a great visual enhancement that we know Audi owners will appreciate.”
