A GAME-changing electric sedan is months away from hitting the US car market with troves of standard virtual reality tech.
The Volkswagen ID.7 packs hordes of tech into a modern, simple design that I checked out as I toured the to-be-released EV at the New York International Auto Show.
The ID.7 is Volkswagen’s modern “tech hero,” Product Communications Senior Specialist Jessica Arntson told me at the show.
“All of the standard technology that’s baked into this car is pretty phenomenal,” Arntson said.
The car uses virtual reality (VR) integration to project important information on the windshield.
Warning signs, speed limits, and the car’s speedometer are projected right onto the glass, a touch below the driver’s field of vision.
Read More on Upcoming EVs
Navigation is also integrated into the VR display, allowing drivers to see exactly where to turn their vehicle.
My experiences with heads-up VR displays have been super helpful. The reminders aren’t distracting and allow drivers to maintain eye contact with the road.
Heads-up displays aren’t particularly novice – they have been in several other EV models like the Nissan Ariya or the Kia EV6.
However, the difference between Volkswagen and its competitors is that it is standard on all ID.7 models.
A 15-inch infotainment system sits beside the driver, giving motorists various tech options. Other standard VW interiors come with 12 or 12.9-inch screens.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also integrated into the vehicle.
The car comes with massive tech updates for occupants, too.
A panoramic sunroof stretches from the front seat through the rear.
Passengers can change the electrochromic roof’s opacity if the window adds too much glare.
Light streams into the sedan’s cabin with the window fully clear.
“Just like your sunroof, back for open, forward for opaque,” Arntson advised while explaining the window.
NEW YORK AUTO SHOW DAY TWO
Fewer releases and press teams hit the Javitz Center for the New York International Auto Show Thursday, but…
A day after Kia, Hyundai, Subaru, and Genesis revealed new and remodeled vehicles, there was a lot to take away from the show’s second day of media access.
- Lots and lots of buttons: Customers have complained about the increasing digitization of center consoles. But almost every vehicle is relaunching interiors with physical buttons around giant screens
- EV/Hybrids galore: EVs were the talk of the town. Auto manufacturers have hit several speed bumps with electric vehicle adoption – but they grabbed the most attention at the show. Range, public charging accessibility, and reliability have improved across the board, companies said. The EPA released new manufacturing fuel efficiency standards that will likely drive companies to develop more battery-propulsion vehicles.
- Outside forces have a huge impact: Baltimore’s bridge collapse blocked off a major artery for vehicle parts shipments. Manufacturers are working out how to use Tesla’s Supercharging network. And right outside the convention center, New York’s congestion pricing got a green light, making cars more expensive to drive in the city.
The car’s slightly sloping roofline has two main benefits: the back seat feels roomy with loads of headspace, and the trunk is massive.
Inside, inset lights line through the cockpit underneath a funky, backlit plate.
Arntson said fun design cues were important to keep on the VW sedan.
“Volkswagen should still be fun and whimsical after all these years,” she said.
The ID.7 shares some of the same design language with its sister electric vehicles – the ID.4 crossover and the upcoming ID. Buzz.
ID. 7 Specs
VW is releasing information about the ID. 7 in drips. Here is what we know:
- Tons of integrated hands-free tech, included Apple CarPlay, VR heads-up displays, and a giant infotainment system
- Electrochromatic panoramic window
- Expected 400 miles of range
- Tesla Supercharging compatability (through an adapter)
- Expected $50,000-plus base price
Like the other electric models, a light-up VW logo is prominently placed on the car’s face.
But the sleek-lined ID.7 is different from other EVs hitting the road.
Unlike the Buzz, the sedan isn’t a head-turning icon of style – but it blends enough modern features to look like a car of the future.
VW expects the ID. 7 will hit the US market in the second half of 2024.
Power figures, pricing options, and range have not been released, though the company said it will be less than $60,000 and is expected to drive for 400 miles before empty.
Volkswagen also said it will soon partner with Tesla to allow all VW EV drivers to plug into the EV giant’s Supercharger network through an adapter.
“These cars will come to market with an adapter solution,” Arntson told me.
But drivers shouldn’t expect a VW with an in-built Tesla charging port for a while, she said.
“My understanding is that anytime there is a platform change, that’s when the car will become standard with it integrated,” Arntson said.
#x27Tech #herox27 #virtual #reality #show #info #straight #car #windshield
source: https://www.the-sun.com/motors/11010233/tech-hero-vw-id7-ev-sedan-car/amp/
