Virtual Cockpit

[belly buster]

In case you've not seen this.

audi tt virtual cockpit - Google Search

We need this on the A6!

[Passatier3]

Yes, probably better suited to the A6 etc.

I know you shouldn't criticise anything without seeing it in the flesh as it were, but from the limited visuals on the Audi web-site decided it wasn't for me and I don't like the air-vents.

The cockpit will probably suit the coupe better but for an open topped car I prefer the traditional look and relative simplicity, there is enough enjoyment from driving the car and having the roof down so having an over-complicated cockpit isn't really required. Only my view of course!

But I put my money where my mouth is and bought one of the last Mk. II's. I had considered buying a ragtop MGB (had a GT when I was young) and having been in an MGB recently the experience in the TT has similarities (much better car of course!) which I consider a good thing.

But progress is relentless and younger drivers want more and more tech (I'm an old git, but like some tech!) so it is understandable the direction cockpit design is taking.

[chesterfield]

I would agree with that sentiment, and I'm a self confessed tech/gadget addict.

I'd much rather have that sort of tech in something like the A6 than in a sports car.

In the F430 I had, I set the suspension to the ride I wanted, checked the fuel gauge every now and then, and just watched the road and listened to the exhaust note.

That level of tech belongs in a cruiser, not a B road blaster.

[wja96]

Audi have stated that the virtual cockpit is a "driver oriented car" feature and it is currently only slated for the TT and R8 models.

The facelift A7 (and I assume A6) have a better DIS than the current one but still have conventional dials and switches that both driver and passenger can use.

Having been in a new TTS I have to say I'm having mixed feelings about the Mk III TT (I had a HEAVILY modded Mk II TDi) as the new shape looks far better in the metal than in photographs and while pretty much every car you see pictures of is red, it looks better in other colours. I do think the fact that only the driver can operate most features is a bit dodgy as most folks I know get the passenger to program the sat nav etc. so I don't see how that's safer or smarter. Lots of people on the TT forums are raving about the touchpad on the MMI but I don't see that being any safer than punching buttons if I'm honest.

i'll have to wait until I can drive one to fully make my mind up.

[rickerby]

Is all this stuff standard on the new TT or are we looking at two grands worth of Technology Pack? I suspect the next car to see something like this will be the new A4/A5 when it finally arrives (Archaeologists are trying to carbon date the current model). The C7 wont get it until it becomes the C8.

[chesterfield]

I have to say, the screen not beingof the touch variety on the A6 was a concern for me as I had never used anything other than that.

I still don't think its as easy to use as a touchscreen, but I'm not buying this "driver focussed" line. Its a gadget to make the car interior modern. Just like the range rovers are full tft screens, but they are wafter cars for cruising along.

The last thing you will be doing when blasting around B roads in a TT or R8, is revelling in the glorious full display of the map being displayed in your instrument cluster and the artwork of the artist coming out of the speakers.

You will be concentrating on not sticking the car in the next hedge and picking your moment to overtake the upcoming Sunday driver.

Unless of course its been bought as a mid life crisis garage queen and you have no intention of ​driving the car.

Would I like that tech on a sports car? Oh yes. I'm a gadget and tech nut.
Would I use half of it? Doubt it.

[wja96]

Is all this stuff standard on the new TT or are we looking at two grands worth of Technology Pack?

it's standard.

I suspect the next car to see something like this will be the new A4/A5 when it finally arrives (Archaeologists are trying to carbon date the current model). The C7 wont get it until it becomes the C8.

It's not on the A4/A5 as that car launches very soon and the interior has been seen and does not feature virtual cockpit.

[wja96]

I'm not buying this "driver focussed" line.

That's may be but there is literally no other screen in the car, so it is genuinely "driver focused" in that regard. The better cars have digital temperature controls built into the air vents, but otherwise, it's the drivers's way or nothing.

Interestingly, as the screen changes you can pick your instruments so if you only want the rev counter and speed, that's all you'll get. It's quite neat really. I dread to think what it will cost to fix if it goes wrong though.

[chesterfield]

I can just see the driver taking time out to satisfy the request of the passenger to adjust the temperature a couple of degrees downward, while they are barreling round a hairpin and pushing the quatro system to its limits.

Giving the driver control of everything is fine, but taking the basics away from the passenger at the same time is daft imho.

[wja96]

I can just see the driver taking time out to satisfy the request of the passenger to adjust the temperature a couple of degrees downward, while they are barreling round a hairpin and pushing the quatro system to its limits.

Giving the driver control of everything is fine, but taking the basics away from the passenger at the same time is daft imho.

I agree completely. The passenger doesn't even have a radio/MMI screen to look at so EVERYTHING will have to be routed through the driver. There is an option in one of the menus for a second screen but there is no sight of it as an option yet.