2010 Audi A3, TT, and R8 get updated MMI

We're looking forward to new MMI features, but this interface still looks a bit crowded.

(Credit: Audi)

Audi has announced that it is giving the navigation system and MMI (Multi Media Interface) operating system in the A3, TT and R8 much needed updates for the 2010 model year.

Under the hood, Audi's navigation system gets a new 600 MHz processor that allows for faster route calculations and smoother operation. Lane guidance, topographic maps, and speed limit data make the navigation system much more useful to drivers.

Audi's USB/iPod music interface remains, for the most part, unchanged and is still optional. The only new feature is that it now charges external devices, such as iPods and iPhones, when connected. When equipped with Bluetooth, the updated vehicle will be capable of wirelessly streaming music from connected music phones and digital-audio players, thanks to the addition of A2DP/AVRCP protocols. A pair of card slots behind the motorized display will allow users to use SD and SDHC cards with capacities of up to 32 GB to carry their audio files.

The optical parking assistant is a completely new feature, unique to the R8. The system provides acoustic warning signals and visual indicators of the distance left in front of and behind the vehicle on the display. When combined with the rearview camera, the graphics from the parking assistant are superimposed over the live image from the camera.

When the time comes to update the MMI firmware, users will be able to grab the updates free of charge from Audi's Web site and transfer them to the car via a USB stick.