Autonomous Audi RS7 to race in Germany

• An autonomous Audi RS7 Sportback will attempt to complete a full racing lap of the Hockenheim race circuit next weekend.
• Designed to showcase the advances made in driverless car technology, Audi says the autonomous RS7 will be able to race at around the same speed as with a professional racing driver at the wheel. 

• The firm expects the RS7 to complete the 2.8-mile lap in just over two minutes, reaching speeds of up to 149mph. Audi's own R8 holds a lap time of 2.00.65min at the circuit, according to Fastestlaps.com.
• The RS7 is powered by a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 direct-injection petrol engine producing 552bhp and 516lb ft. Official performance figures point to a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.9 seconds, and a top speed of 155mph.
• The attempt will take place during the season finale of the German Touring Car Championship on October 19.
• This isn’t the first time Audi has shown a driverless car in action. In 2010 the firm revealed a specially-designed TTS rally car, which was fielded on the famous Pikes Peak hillclimb course.
• Audi has also recently shown the benefits of its developmental electric turbocharging technology, fitted to an RS5 prototype.