Audi, NVIDIA, and AT&T Collaborate on Next-Generation Internet-Connected Cars

Audi will start selling high tech, LTE-connected cars beginning with the 2015 A3, thanks to a partnership with AT&T and NVIDIA.

What the company is calling "the expected first-ever in-vehicle 4G LTE data connection" (as long as no one else gets there first) will be included in the 2015 Audi A3 family. The 4G LTE will support picture navigation, social media, mobile apps, and over 7,000 internet-based radio stations.

With the introduction of the new A3 family Audi is putting the most advanced technology into the compact luxury segment," said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America in the company's release. "Offering drivers a 4G LTE connection will provide the fastest in-vehicle connection available and significantly enhance the infotainment experience."

"AT&T has the nation's fastest and most reliable LTE network* and this new relationship with Audi allows us to drastically improve the in-car experience," said Glenn Lurie, President, AT&T Emerging Enterprises and Partnerships Organization. "It's exciting to think about the Audi A3 family of cars throughout the U.S. running 4G LTE-powered wireless hotspots and more through Audi connect."

Beyond Audi's A3 lineup, the company plans to roll out 4G LTE compatibility across its entire lineup, as new models come to Audi stores. Audi also demonstrated an Android running, NVIDIA-powered tablet at CES today called "Smart Display." That, along with a "Digital Cockpit" and an upgraded infotainment system (also powered by NVIDIA Tegra) will be baked into the so-called Visual Computing Module in the next generation of Audi cars.

"Audi and NVIDIA engineers work closely together to develop hardware and software that truly delight customers," said Mathias Halliger, chief architect of Infotainment Systems at Audi in another release. "With the flexible VCM platform, we are able to quickly bring to market a new generation of Tegra-based infotainment systems, as well as an integrated mobile computer, matching the rapid cadence of the consumer electronics industry."