"Audi did not preprogram things like torque or steering."
And that was my point, unlike BMWs famous testrun (with Jeremy Clarkson) where the car was programmed to steer and give gas for every inch of the track, the Audi is actually able to make those decisions on the fly with the information it gets from its sensors.
EDIT: So yes it does use GPS data, but does not rely on it as much as others (including Google).
This obviate the need for deeper GPS depenendence.
You have a 3D track designed with graduated radius turn transitions, smooth topological surfac transitions, and predictable fiction levels. All in a general layout that is suited to safety at speed.
Try running this car at 150mph on glendora mountain road, at night, during a bout of santa-ana cross winds.
And that was my point, unlike BMWs famous testrun (with Jeremy Clarkson) where the car was programmed to steer and give gas for every inch of the track, the Audi is actually able to make those decisions on the fly with the information it gets from its sensors.
EDIT: So yes it does use GPS data, but does not rely on it as much as others (including Google).