Audi has become the first manufacturer to bring the 4G LTE data transfer technology to the automotive market, and is on track to debut the feature in Australia in early 2014.
LTE (long-term evolution) technology – more commonly called 4G in Australia – is now available as an option in the new-generation Audi S3 Sportback in Europe and will be available in all other variants of the A3 small car family from November.
The German manufacturer says 4G technology is fundamental to the optimal operation of its Audi Connect system, which relies on a fast internet connection to deliver a range of web-based services and features.
To access the 4G network, drivers need to insert a suitable SIM card with a data flat rate into the slot in the car’s MMI navigation plus unit.
When connected, MMI navigation plus uses 4G to deliver the tailored services of Audi Connect, which include navigation from Google Earth and Google Street View; online traffic information; web radio streaming; and text-to-speech functions for SMS, email, Facebook and Twitter, among other functions.
Audi Australia corporate communications executive Shaun Cleary confirmed final development work on Audi Connect was still being carried out in Australia, but was hopeful it would be completed in time to launch in the all-new Audi A3 sedan, which arrives locally in early 2014.
