VW Launches an App

Volkswagen claims this is the first time a manufacturer has used the Apple App Store to launch a new vehicle.

1951 International Auto Show

Getting your virtual kicks

Here at LotPro.com, we’re pretty sure that not in his wildest dreams would Ferdinand Porsche have conceived of anything like a virtual reality game (was ist das?) playing a major role in a new car introduction. But that was then (1931), and this is now.

Today, Volkswagen of America announced the launch of its all-new 2010 GTI along with a free version of Firemint Real Racing starring VW’s latest generation pocket rocket.

Real Racing GTI can be downloaded directly to the iPhone® and iPod® touch via a WiFi connection (the file is too large for 3G) or through the iTunes® software program. The App, according to VW, “is available worldwide and spares no detail, allowing players to experience every thrilling aspect of the all-new 2010 GTI right in the palms of their hands” (this being a G-rated blog, we have no comment).

“With the personalization of media and the challenges inherent with reaching constantly connected consumers, we tasked ourselves to rethink the way we launch vehicles in order to engage our consumers in a meaningful way,” said Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The GTI customer is a tech-savvy consumer who enjoys social networking, playing games and spending time on mobile devices – most often an iPhone. Launching the all-new 2010 GTI via the Real Racing GTI App allows us to connect with this savvy GTI consumer within his or her everyday life in a way that no 30-second spot ever could.”

But wait, there’s more!

And just like a Shamwow commercial, only better, VW has added a major sweetener to the pot: U.S.-registered players will have a chance to win one of six limited-edition 2010 Volkswagen GTIs. The more you play, the more chances you have to win as, each week for six consecutive weeks (beginning as we write this), one player will be chosen to win her or his own individually-numbered, specialy-tuned GTI MkVI.

This custom ride will feature “performance tuned suspension finished with black, Volkswagen motorsport 18-inch all-new wheels, and special interior touches, including carbon fiber-look trim, a numbered dash plaque, and unique stitching in the front headrests.

Gentlemen, start your downloads!

For more information, visit: www.vw.com/RealRacingGTI.

All images courtesy of Volkswagen of America

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