LUXURY car makers are making use of technology to differentiate their premium roadsters from the mass market ones.

And we are not talking about CD changers and 10-channel FM radios.

Instead, look out for integrated multimedia interfaces that control navigation systems, rear view cameras and also systems that automatically alert drivers when they get drowsy.

Audi is also working on a pilot project called Travolution. This is an application that manages the flow of traffic via optimised communication between traffic signals and vehicles.

In a nutshell, it tells drivers through the Audi in-car multimedia dashboard at what speed they should travel in order to drive through intersections without having to stop at a red light.

"By reducing stops, cars have lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions. The car becomes a component of the networked world," says Reinhold Carl, managing director of Audi Singapore.

Adli Yashir is a correspondent/ Internet coordinator with Berita Harian

Speak up to stay in control

Audi A6

SMACK in the centre of the Audi A6's dashboard is its high-tech in-car multimedia system, simply called the Multi Media Interface (MMI).

It comprises a 7-inch LED backlit screen capable of displaying a decent resolution of 800x480 pixels. What is great about this screen is that it works well even on a bright day.

When you enter a dark tunnel or a basement carpark, the screen adjusts the brightness accordingly to compensate for dim lighting.

There is also a smaller screen on the dashboard in between the speedometer and RPM indicator.

When the navigation system is activated, the second screen displays the road name that you are travelling on as well as directional arrows.

At the core of the MMI system is a main computer powered by two digital signal processors - an 800MHz one and a 500MHz one.

They allow all applications, including navigation, voice input, telephone and audio functions to operate simultaneously.

The main computer also comes with a 40GB hard disk that you can use to store up to 4,000 music files. It also holds navigation data such as digital maps and an electronic logbook for the car.

Through a central control panel located in between the driver and passenger seat, the MMI gives you access to a CD changer, DVD player and digital maps.

If you want to transfer music files from your computer to your car, there is also a USB port where you can plug in a flash drive.

You can also use the interface to pair your mobile phone to the built-in hands-free kit.

Once paired, the screen will light up and the speaker will ring when you phone receives an incoming call.

When connected, you can start talking while still having both hands on the steering wheel.

Leveraging on Bluetooth technology, the MMI can also retrieve the contact list from your phone and display them on the screen.

The system also has voice control features. For instance, hit the speaker button on the steering wheel and say "telephone" to bring up the phone menu and say the phone number to dial. You can also state the postal code or name of the street, and the built-in GPS navigation guides you.

I also like the rear-view camera that activates when I engage the reverse gear.

Apart from getting a live feed on the screen, the system also gives a steering path so that your turn on the steering wheel is enough to avoid the car in the next parking spot.