Volkswagen has such an extraordinary windfall of interesting new updates this month that we thought it would be best to combine them all into one big VW breakdown.

  • Volkswagen and Microsoft to Make Entertainment Game-Changer

Volkswagen and Microsoft are joining forces and the result may just be the demise of the traditional in-car DVD entertainment system. The technology they are developing would allow large media files to be easily transferred from any portable device directly into your in-car television. Simultaneously, VW is working on a new multimedia platform giving car owners a wider range of infotainment options.

  • Volkswagen, MIT Developing 3D Dashboard Navigation

Another joint venture is happening between Volkswagen and MIT with the development of a 3D navigation concept. The AIDA Project, (Affective, Intelligent Driving Agent) will display a 3D map on the unoccupied space on top of your dashboard. Hand gestures will control the various options: destination information, route guidance and many others.

 

  • Volkswagen to Produce Hybrid Plug-ins by 2013

260 MPG Volkswagen XL1 Concept Plug-in Car

This week at the Vienna Motor Symposium, VW CEO Martin Winterkorn announced that Volkswagen willl be producing hybrid vehicles by 2013. The specific vehicles that will receive the hybrid makeover were not specified, however, earlier this year at the Qatar auto show, Volkswagen showed off the flashy XL1 plug-in concept car that boasts an impressive 260 MPG.

  • ‘Steel Drake’ Volkswagen Sports Car Concept

This Volkswagen Sports Car Concept is the brain-child of Kyrgyzstanian graphic designer 'Steel Drake.'

Reminiscent of the Audi R8, the new Volkswagen sports car concept is the hottest, and most contentious topic in the VW stratosphere. ‘Steel Drake’ a graphic designer from Kyrgyzstan is the mastermind behind this dazzling concept. Many people, however, are decrying its non-conventional design features as not being in accordance with VW’s style.

What do you think? Is it too extreme for Volkswagen’s classic design portfolio or just the right amount of sleek sophistication to make it VW-worthy?