2011 Audi A8 to Utilize Google Maps for Navigation Purposes

We’re used to seeing perspective or 2-D maps on most cars’ navigation screens, but, courtesy of Google Maps and Google Earth, the nav system in the 2011 Audi A8 has a few tricks up its sleeve.

In addition to the conventional views, the A8 will allow users to pull up satellite images, just as they would on Google Maps or Google Earth Web sites. This, along with the ability to showcase certain cities in a ghosted 3-D look, can allow drivers to visually identify their target destination.

Culling navigation data from Google also allows A8 owners a few other benefits. Seeing as the data is Web-based, map upgrades can simply be downloaded in real time, instead of springing for an expensive upgrade disc. Additionally, owners can select a destination on Google Map’s website, and send it to the car’s navigation system for later use.

For the moment, Audi’s only launching the system in Europe, but it’s more than likely a similar system will ultimately appear in U.S.-spec cars. While the map data may be free, we wouldn’t be surprised if wireless data charges apply (in Euro-spec cars, owners are required to insert a SIM card into the dash).