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Audi's Elaine is a fetching Level 4 EV concept

This Sportback-shaped show car can go wash or fuel itself.

Chris Paukert
Following stints in TV news production and as a record company publicist, Chris spent most of his career in automotive publishing. Mentored by Automobile Magazine founder David E. Davis Jr., Paukert succeeded Davis as editor-in-chief of Winding Road, a pioneering e-mag, before serving as Autoblog's executive editor from 2008 to 2015. Chris is a Webby and Telly award-winning video producer and has served on the jury of the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards. He joined the CNET team in 2015, bringing a small cache of odd, underappreciated cars with him.
Chris Paukert
Audi Elaine Concept - 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
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The Elaine gets its name because Audi wanted to make sure "AI" is contained in its moniker.

Audi Elaine Concept - 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
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The Elaine is a Level 4 autonomous-drive showcase with hardware similar to what's on Audi's new Level 3 A8 production car.

Audi Elaine Concept - 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
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Yep, it's a Sportback. That's Audi-speak for five-door hatchback.

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In certain areas, the AI can go park itself in multi-story garages or go get a carwash, all without a driver. 

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Elaine may also be an indicator of Audi's nearly here second-generation A7.

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Note the subtle e-tron badging.

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The Elaine has a steering wheel and pedals, but there are points when you won't need them.

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Please click or swipe to continue seeing more images of the Audi Elaine concept at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Audi Elaine Concept - 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
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Elaine uses a two-screen MMI infotainment system like that in the 2019 A8.

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