Frankfurt Motor Show 2011: New Audi concept takes the pain out of traffic jams

Audi has unveiled a new concept hinting at the future of the A2 model - with some very surprising technology.

The Audi A2 concept, revealed during the press days at the Frankfurt Motor Show, was billed as containing some pretty innovative features even ahead of the show, including laser rear lights and a sun roof that could be frosted at the flick of a switch.

However, the real surprise was the model's semi-autonomous driving mode revealed September 13, a new technology capable of relieving the driver for short period of time.

The function, activated using pads on the steering wheel, allows the car to creep forward by itself when stuck in slow-moving traffic, reducing the need for driver intervention to constantly accelerate and brake.

Although the driver remains in control of the vehicle at all times, the development of such technology is testament to how sophisticated telematics systems in vehicles are becoming - and a clear indicaor of what auto brands are looking to do with it.

So while Google's self-driving car has reportedly hit some problems recently, it seems the technology giant isn't the only one looking to make all of us back seat drivers in the near future.

The Audi A2 is on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which runs September 15-25 in Frankfurt, Germany.

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