Audi technology helps drivers avoid red lights

The German carmaker Audi is testing technology that lets computers inside traffic lights talk to computers inside cars. This exchange allows cars to calculate which driving speeds will minimize the number of red lights they encounter.

Better still, according to an article in Wired, if enough cars start using the technology, the lights could start inferring traffic volume and changing their timing to minimize delays.

The concept is interesting, but I place little faith in concepts that require massive infrastructure upgrades in order to work. Given that almost no American cities even spend the money to pave their roads properly, I doubt that any big city will spend millions of dollars to upgrade traffic lights.

Automotive technologies -- to be practical -- have to be self-contained. We are much more likely to see lane-management systems that rely on in-car cameras than we are to see lane-management systems that rely on sensors embedded inside the roads.

Of course, things are different in Germany, where Audi is based. I'm not sure they'll spend the money to upgrade their traffic lights, but at least they keep their roads paved beautifully.

4 New Audi subcompacts US only getting 2

The A1 and S1 will be available in Europe and other markets, but are deemed too small for American buyers. Bringing the cars to the U.S. in a few years' time isn't beyond the pale, but there are no plans to do so at Audi as yet, reports Car and Driver. The A1 has recently been previewed in the form of the A1 Sportback Hybrid concept and last year with the A1 Metroproject. The A1 had been cast as a competitor to Toyota's iQ, but with the recent hints that the iQ might be marketed as a Scion in the U.S., that comparison is unlikely to hold.

The Q1 is at least 4.5 years out and Audi's member of the board for management and technical development Michael Dick, can't be certain if it will make it to North America, though he says it's "conceivable". So far there are noplans to bring the Q to the UnitedStates.

Pricing in Europe can be aggressive but still allow for adequate margins, whereas the exchange rate to the U.S. dollar makes aggressive pricing a losing battle, with volume coming only at the cost of profit. Latest reports indicate the Q1 will measure approximately 3.95m in length and will feature a coupe-styled body with just two-doors and a rear hatch. Power is expected to come from a 1.4L TFSI four-cylinder engine producing 125hp (93kW) or a TSI unit with 150hp (111kW). Diesel fans will be able to pick from a 1.2L TDI with 80hp (59kW) or a 1.6L TDI with 119hp (88kW).

Audi signs deal with Alcoa for Durabright Technology

Alcoa , a company engaged in the production and management of primary aluminium, fabricated aluminium and alumina combined, declared on 10 October that it has entered into an agreement with Audi AG to supply its 18 inch forged aluminium wheels with Dura-Bright technology surface treatment for the new 2009 Audi A6.

The DuraBright technology has been reported as the companys latest innovation in aluminium. The technology lowers maintenance efforts and enhances the image of the vehicle and the ownership experience by making the wheels easy to clean while protecting against corrosion.
The proprietary Dura-Bright technology surface treatment was launched by Alcoa into the automotive marketplace in 2007. Fitment on the Audi A6 signals the first application of Dura-Bright technology for a European luxury sedan.
In addition, all Dura-Bright technology wheels are produced by Alcoa's forged engineering expertise. Alcoa forged aluminium wheels provide increased strength and durability gains and are typically twice as strong as a comparable cast aluminium wheel in crush tests, according to the