[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/audi-aicon\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/audi-aicon\/","headline":"Audi Aicon: no steering wheel necessary","name":"Audi Aicon: no steering wheel necessary","description":"For over a century, the idea of driving a car has involved two things: a steering wheel, and an accelerator pedal. However, that could one day come to an end after Audi unveiled a new electric concept car. The Aicon is a fully autonomous four-door 2+2 seater that completely does away with the steering wheel and pedals, which are – in Audi\u2019s view – \u201cunnecessary\u201d. They justify this hands-off approach by saying \u201ca cabin with no steering wheel or pedals […]","datePublished":"2017-09-15","dateModified":"2018-12-05","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/#Person","name":"Matthew Collett","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/","identifier":5,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Audi-Aicon-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Audi-Aicon-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/audi-aicon\/","about":["Audi","LATEST CAR NEWS"],"wordCount":311,"keywords":["Audi","Audi Aicon","concept car","electric car","Frankfurt Motor Show"],"articleBody":"For over a century, the idea of driving a car has involved two things: a steering wheel, and an accelerator pedal.However, that could one day come to an end after Audi unveiled a new electric concept car.The Aicon is a fully autonomous four-door 2+2 seater that completely does away with the steering wheel and pedals, which are – in Audi\u2019s view – \u201cunnecessary\u201d.They justify this hands-off approach by saying \u201ca cabin with no steering wheel or pedals can offer all the comforts of modern communications electronics and perfect ergonomics\u201d.Even without peering inside the Aicon, the car is a feast for the eyes with super futuristic curves, piercing three-dimensional headlights, draped in a reflective silver finish.It makes a huge impression, literally, stretching for 5,444mm in total with a 3.47 metre wheelbase – which is 24cm more than the long wheelbase A8. It\u2019s also more than two metres wide.Colossal 26-inch wheels are pushed as far outward as possible, housed in strongly flared wheel wells.Inside, the super reclined seats almost make you feel like you\u2019ve visited the dentist. With no physical push-buttons available, the driver\/user\/whatever tells the car where to go and what to do using a wrap-around interface comprising touchscreen panels in the upper door.As the name suggests, artificial intelligence (or AI) plays a major part in the car\u2019s general operations, with the Siri-like PIA personal assistant handling any requests or commands you may have.Weight is kept to a minimum to maximise the mileage range of the Aicon\u2019s electric powertrain. As such, it can cover between 434 and 497 miles on a single charge. Recharging it isn\u2019t a hassle though, and 80 per cent of the battery\u2019s capacity can be replenished in half an hour.The Aicon was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show and will remain on display for much of September."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Audi Aicon: no steering wheel necessary","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/audi-aicon\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]