HARMAN Delivers Next-Gen Infotainment for Audi Q7 and R8

GENEVA MOTOR SHOW 2015 – HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE:HAR), the premier audio, visual, infotainment and enterprise automation group, is proud to be a part of the new Audi Q7 and Audi R8 featuring infotainment by HARMAN. With its advanced blend of superior navigation, connectivity and infotainment, HARMAN is helping to deliver a safer, more enjoyable driving experience.

The Audi Q7 and R8 vehicles set the standard for infotainment, connectivity, and driver assistance systems, and are among the first cars worldwide to feature Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone connectivity. Online music, navigation functions, missed call/appointment reminders and messaging functions are all integrated into the embedded navigation system for safe and intuitive use.

Drivers will enjoy premium navigation with worldwide coverage from a database comprising ECE, RoW and NAR map data, with impressively realistic 3D maps enhanced with Google® Earth®, Street view and the ability to search online for points of interest. Routes are calculated dynamically, integrating intelligence from online services to keep the vehicle clear of traffic congestion. With “one-shot” address entry, drivers can state destinations in simple everyday language, meaning that hundreds of command variations are possible for each function.

The new system also breaks new ground in rear seat entertainment. For the Audi Q7, optional tablets with 10.1 inch screens serve as rear seat monitors that are connected to the MIB2 via WiFi, thus gaining access to the radio, media, navigation and car functions. A rear seat passenger can, for instance, send a navigation destination to the MMI navigation via the tablet. The passenger can also surf the Internet via the WiFi connection.

Entertainment connectivity is equally compelling. The radio tuner works anywhere in the world, with FM/AM/HD support, DAB/DAB+ or Sirius. With iPad, USB and Bluetooth connectivity – as well as LTE powered WLAN for impressive speed – drivers can stream music directly from the device or source of their choice. With integrated MOST150/CAN Gateway functionality, the new Audi models are equipped with the next-generation connectivity platforms for reliable, high speed delivery of data into vehicles. For more tangible media sources, there is also an SD card slot, as well as a CD/DVD player complete with jukebox which displays the album cover. Nor does music have to come from external sources: featuring a scorchingly fast 64 GB mNAND SSD, the infotainment system offers its own spacious medium for storing music and data – as well as an integrated six channel Class D amplifier (120 W) to enable superior audio output.

HARMAN’s latest infotainment system for Audi also supports new over-the-air update services. Audi Q7 and R8 drivers can download online updates for the navigation map directly to the car using the LTE connection.

“Building on our longstanding relationship with Audi and the Volkswagen Group, we are pleased to deliver a next generation infotainment system that matches connected intelligence with safe and secure performance -- the perfect complement to the Audi driving experience,” said Sachin Lawande, President, HARMAN Infotainment Division. “With superior connectivity, entertainment and navigation, this advanced infotainment system is an indispensible connection to almost every facet of the vehicle.”

About HARMAN

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets premier audio, visual, infotainment and enterprise automation solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® , Mark Levinson ® and Revel®, the Company is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems.  HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 17,600 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $5.9 billion during the last 12 months ended December 31, 2014.


Nicole Mehr
HARMAN
+49-7248-71-1272
press@harman.com