Why can't Audi be like Tesla and offer software updates that improve the car

gamegenie

gamegenie

Eazy-E CPT OG from the Otherside
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Imagine if Audi announced a new software update available via the MMI that will increase your car's HP by 30.


or


New update adds dynamic functionality to the rear taillights.


It's not like this is technically impossible. Since most seem to be VAG-COM / hacking their cars to do it.
 
Given the possibilities with the existing MMi system why not ? oh wait I know the answer and its probably to do with an accountant sitting somewhere.....

I would also include engine software updates in that list, I wouldn't mind a factory upgrade to our 210kw engines.:angry:
 
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Sat in a Tesla yesterday and that central touch screen is immense - you even need to use it to open the bonnet !!! Would imagine they need regular updates to keep on top of the bugs !!

For Audi though this would be a good use of the connect service rather than maps updates and other stuff - I'd like more customisation options but I guess this will come with the virtual cockpit and the next generation MMI. Would be quite a nice way be add options that were not factory enable like an over the air upgrade - think Seat do this with some driver safety alerts although its installed from SD card I believe.
 
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Certainly changes can be made to the MMI software over the internet. My dealer added the extra menu to be able to set the default distance for the ACC. This was done by connecting my car via a dealer special laptop to the servers in Germany. It took the technician about 10 minutes.

As far as many other changes I think Audi AG are in the business of selling new cars rather than updating existing ones. If there are major changes I think they would prefer you purchased a new car! There may also be issues around the EU Type Approval if some things are changed after the car has been made to an approved standard.
 
Audi are already looking at this and might charge per update so the customer gets the choice whether to update or not.
 
With respect, Tesla is not like ANY car manufacturer.
 
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Well Tesla designed many of the parts/electronics in house... whereas, many car manufacturers outsource items from other providers. If manufacturers started really using R&D money for more electronics besides just engines, we'd have far more OTA updates... however with the recent Chrysler/Fiat/Jeep hacking... I'd really only want a car company that was run by millenials to do this as I'd think they'd think about hacking more often... not Detroit's old school CEO's... disaster.
 
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Updates are already chargable by the majority of car manufacturers unless it is a recall. I can't see how changing the rear lights on my car is in anyway an improvement to it. Perhaps the op wants something he seems to like but doesn't wish to pay for it.
 
veeeight said:
Hackers Shut Down Moving Tesla Model S:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-technology/news/a26289/hackers-shut-down-tesla-model-s/
Click to expand...
I saw a similar link posted by DJAlix.

As a professional in IT for more than a decade this news I see is in no way a persuasive reason to why software updates should not be done by Audi.

If any the security research that did these hack discoveries are helping improve car computer systems so manufactures can provide updates that include vulnerability patches.

No different than your [brand] computer Operating System provided software updates, or your [brand] video game console manufacturer providing software updates in addition to updates that bring new features to your car.
 
It's a bit more complex in the automotive industry.

Audi (and other manufacturers) do not install the latest version of firmware/software in existing cars as a matter of course, unless:

1. It's part of a campaign
2. You're having a specific problem with that component

The reasons are many and varied (involving homologation, type approval, EMC/RFI approvals, backward compatibility, re-validation with other components in the system etc.)., but it applies across the board with other components/systems as well. eg: Your ABS module will not automatically get the latest release, subject to 1&2 above.
 
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a part of it is complex, but a part of it is also old working structures in Audi that needs to adapt, and adapt fast if they want to take on a cutting edge brand like Tesla.

I honestly think people aren't putting enough pressure on Audi to evolve.

Audi introduces a lot of tech in this cars and I get the sense that it will hardly ever be put to it's potential.
 
audi upgrades
How many cars does Tesla produce compared with Audi.
According to the Audi AG annual report they produced 1,804,674 cars. How many did Tesla produce?
 
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