On 03.03.2020 Audi presented the fourth generation A3 Sportback. The A3 first appeared on the market in 1996 and heralded the start of the premium compact class for Audi. Audi itself describes the new generation as sporty, digitalized and fully networked - this is particularly noticeable in the cockpit and infotainment. Here some elements from Audi's premium class models have been adopted, like the central 10.1-inch touch display and the fully digital cluster instrument.
The infotainment system is based on our fourth-generation modular infotainment kit (MIB3). As usual, e.solutions contributes the software for the fully graphic cluster instrument (Virtual Cockpit). As a novelty, the connectivity has been transferred from the infotainment to a separate connect module. e.solutions has moved along with the tasks for telephony, WLAN hotspot and Audi connect services at LTE Advanced speed.In the infotainment section, we brought web technology to the car with HTML5. The therefore used Angular Framework was a valuable extension of the HTML5 technology and enabled us to shorten the development time significantly. e.solutions thereby implemented the probably worldwide biggest project based on HTML5/Angular.
The Audi virtual cockpit offers the driver additional functions as standard, including a large display of the navigation map. In the Plus version, it measures 12.3 inches and allows three different design views. The software stack has been completely revised for the cluster instruments of the current Audi generation. The software of the fully digital cluster instrument (FPK) is based on two e.solutions-owned software components: a real-time graphics engine (C++ with interfaces to OpenGL, Vulkan, ...) and a runtime environment for HMI signal processing (C++ with accompanying Qt-based tooling). Both components are based on a separation of data and generic function logic. The data part is modeled, the generic function logic is programmed "classically" (C++). Via modeling, changes to the graphical characteristics of the FPK can be realized particularly fast - while maintaining the same level of performance. On request, also a head-up display can be integrated, which projects important information in color onto the windshield.
The extensive networking of the car offers, among other things, the possibility to display points of interest with photos, opening hours and user ratings. The connect services also include the Car-to-X-Services: They for example help drivers find parking spaces at the side of the road or enable them to ride the green wave via traffic light communication. Networking between car and smartphone has also developed considerably and offers a wide range of options, such as myAudi App, Apple Car Play or Android Auto and Audi phone box. Another innovation is the Audi connect key, which will follow shortly after market launch. It allows you to unlock and lock your car and start the engine via Android smartphone and Amazon Alexa.
The standard equipment includes digital radio DAB+, optionally online or hybrid radio. If the driver uses hybrid radio, the infotainment system automatically searches for the best station from the Internet, normal FM or digital DAB radio to match the music desired. In addition, the route guidance system also has a few new features: The navigation system considers predictions about the development of the traffic situation and uses high-resolution satellite images from Google Earth and detailed 3D models of many major European cities.
With its online functions, networking with the Audi vehicle fleet and integration of the smartphone, the new A3 offers an all-round-networking. By combining our software and integrating a wide range of services, we at e.solutions are enabling continuous development towards the future! We develop innovations of tomorrow!
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Published on 06.03.2020