Audi’s RS 7 unpiloted concept has now achieved faster lap times than human-driven cars. An Audi named Robby with 560 horsepower has just beaten lap times by some of the best sports car drivers at the Sonoma, Calif., raceway. The RS 7 sped through the 2.5-mile, 12-turn course in 2 minutes and 1.01 seconds.
At almost 900 pounds lighter than its predecessor Bobby, the super-fast driverless car has all the driving capabilities of a human-piloted vehicle but with even better performance and precision.
The new lap times prove that the RS 7’s sensor technology, vehicle control, data processing, and stabilization features are working at high-performance capacities. Robby’s performance data means the company’s piloted driving program is closer to becoming consumer-ready.
The new system will be included in the upcoming generation of the Audi A8 and should be able to self-park and take control in stop-and-go traffic.