The car's climate control system combines functionality and control into a single unit - twist the vents and the settings will change as displayed directly on the vent itself. The instrumentation is comprised of four components and uses digital information displayed via analog-style dials on screens. When one piece of info, such as vehicle speed, is brought up on the screen, the others fade out, or are repositioned. The navigation system is controlled via Audi's MMI system. Most interesting is that the car employs fixed seats, whereupon the dashboard and pedals - electronically controlled - move to adjust to the driver.
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| When started, the Concept R's LED headlights produce a thin beam, which gradually widens to give the appearance of a waking creature. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
Designed with the intent that the VW's concept is a 'living organism', a few innovative touches have been added to the Concept R. With keyless entry, the concept is started by the push of a button, not particularly new in itself. Once started, its LED headlights produce a thin beam, which gradually widens to give the appearance of a waking creature.
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| Alas, the Concept R is just that, a concept, but we can at least dream can't we? (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
Secondly, if you've ever noticed Volkswagen's traditional chromed VW logo at the center of its production car's steering wheel, you'll be a bit surprised at what the brand has done here in concept form. The R's metallic 3D logo is digitally created, and when the car is in standby it pulsates, giving what seems like the breath of life to this animate object - an essence of No. 53, Herby the Love Bug possibly? While certainly a breathtaking exterior design, and no doubt stunning performance, the Concept R is simply just what its name implies, a concept. Here's hoping that it becomes reality.