The German automaker was on point at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, to present its latest technological advancements.
Among them, we quickly noticed the upcoming integration of ChatGPT in its vehicles – everything based on the MEB and MQB Evo platforms will receive the software as a standard perk. However, the company didn't push the pedal to the metal for yet another EV or more touchscreen-based madness. Instead, they brought a specially camouflaged prototype of the upcoming VW Golf GTI 8.5 to CES.
The facelifted hot hatch was barely hiding its mildly updated looks when people noticed its full-blown design on the car's new infotainment system's screen – you can check it out in the video embedded below. Additionally, the war against real buttons has lost the GTI – the facelift includes actual, palpable controls on the steering wheel once again.
But that's not all, as we feel that it's quite notable that VW's main automotive product at CES was an ICE-powered vehicle rather than an EV. Yes, the ID.7 was also around, but the Passat-succeeding sedan is already 'old news.' Anyway, there's a way to make the ID. series enticing – VW should just approve the project done by one of their interns.
Mexico-based designer Naoto Kobayashi (aka _nao.what_ on social media) has recently wrapped his internship program at VW with something great called ID. Sprint. Guided by Andreas Mindt – the Head of Volkswagen Design, this is more than just a concept arriving from the figments of the imaginative realm of digital car content creators.
Instead, if they incorporate the young designer into the family, this could serve as an affordable hot EV coupe that could attract a younger audience to the German brand's EV lineup. The good folks over at "car.design.trends" have recently focused our attention on this semi-official project by the talented pixel master – he also designed stuff like a reborn Ferrari F40 or the return of the Ford Probe as an EV.
Obviously, the CGI expert is pretty fond of sports cars – and most of his portfolio is comprised of two-door wonders. But that doesn't mean it's unnecessary in Volkswagen's ID. context – especially in the United States, where the brand is actively trying to attract a younger audience. Just think about it – they sell five SUVs, and one of them wears a 'Sport' badge while the passenger car options include the Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, and Golf R.
The only EV currently on sale in America is the ID.4, and it will soon be followed by the large ID.7 sedan and the retro-futuristic ID. Buzz – all these MEB models are destined to live a family-oriented lifestyle. An electric coupe like the ID. Sprint tries to portray would give people a reason to choose Volkswagen over Tesla, especially if the little two-door would be gifted the new APP 550 traction motors in an AWD configuration akin to the one offered on the ID. Buzz, complete with up to 250 kW (340 hp).
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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