Audi brings Disney+ into the vehicle and enters “the Grid” in the movie “TRON: Ares”

Audi and Disney have joined forces to create entertainment experiences both in the car and in the cinema. Audi customers can now experience Disney+ programming directly in the vehicle through onboard streaming technology. Additionally, two Audi models play a role in Disney’s new movie “TRON: Ares,” now playing only in cinemas. From the big screen to in-car displays, the collaboration underscores the commitment of Audi to blending cutting-edge technology and emotional, immersive global experiences to create unforgettable journeys. Audi is integrating the Disney+ app into its model range, marking another step in expanding its onboard digital entertainment offering. Customers can install the app directly via the Audi Application Store in the vehicle and log in with their existing Disney+ account. Epic stories from the Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel universes – along with Disney classics and new movie highlights, including previous films of the “TRON” series – can be streamed on the central MMI display when the vehicle is parked or on the optional passenger display during the drive. The app is being rolled out simultaneously in 43 markets worldwide: in many European countries, parts of Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The app is available via the Audi Application Store in the new models of the Audi A5, Audi Q5, Audi A6, Audi A6 e-tron, and Audi Q6 e-tron model series. With Disney+, Audi is adding another renowned provider to its app portfolio, which already includes various attractive entertainment platforms. The Audi Application Store, which was jointly developed with CARIAD, is integrated directly into the MMI and does not require a smartphone to operate. It is necessary to have a myAudi account and an active data connection. Audi on the big screen Audi and Disney have teamed up on the road and in the cinema – in “TRON: Ares.” The third installment of the franchise was released in October. The film features two Audi models that bridge the gap between classic automotive culture and a digital, electrified future. “TRON: Ares” follows a highly sophisticated program: Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings. The feature film is directed by Joachim Rønning and stars Jared Leto and Greta Lee. Ajay Singh – a tech-savvy analyst and gaming expert, played by Hasan Minhaj – drives an Audi Q8 e-tron. Seth (Arturo Castro), technical assistant to Eve Kim (Greta Lee) – a brilliant and analytical programmer leading the digital rebellion – drives a fictitious “Audi quattro Rallye.” His vehicle is inspired by the iconic rally cars of the 1980s, paying homage to Audi’s rich tradition in motorsport. Audi has long been part of diverse film genres and international productions through product placement – always aiming to become part of the story. In an industry that often anticipates technological innovation – through Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) or virtual production techniques – Audi embraces the opportunity to help shape new formats and embed the brand in cultural narratives. Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Test Centre Complete: Volkswagen Group now able to fully develop and validate -products in China for China

With the opening of its first Test Workshops in Hefei, Volkswagen Group China Technology Company (VCTC) has accomplished its final expansion stage, now bringing end-to-end development capabilities directly to the Chinese market. The new facilities significantly expand the Group’s local R&D strength and integrate software, hardware, and whole-vehicle validation under one roof — enabling faster decision-making, closer customer alignment, and accelerated rollout of next-generation technologies. With the completion of the new Test Workshops, VCTC has become the Group’s most comprehensive R&D hub beyond its home market. For the first time in Volkswagen’s history, it can support the development and validation of new vehicle platforms from very early phases outside Germany. The new Test Workshops feature over 100 state-of-the-art laboratories across around 100,000 square metres, delivering powerful testing capabilities. These include software–hardware integration, battery and powertrain testing, and full vehicle-level validation. Oliver Blume, CEO Volkswagen Group: “Our ‘In China for China’ strategy continues to gain momentum. At our development centre in Hefei, China, we have now created all the conditions necessary to develop, test and locally manufacture the next generation of intelligent connected vehicles. This milestone makes us even faster and more efficient – and brings us even closer to our customers. This will enable us, as the Volkswagen Group, to consolidate our position in the world's largest automotive market with the clear goal of becoming the global technology driver of the automotive industry." Ralf Brandstätter, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG responsible for China, and Chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China: “China is the world’s most competitive automotive market, and our customers here expect rapid innovation and flawless quality. This is why we are taking our development capabilities in China for China to the next level. By expanding our footprint in Hefei, we are strengthening our ability to respond quickly to local needs and to shape technologies directly where they will be used. This step deepens our commitment to China and ensures that our future products reflect the preferences and expectations of Chinese customers from the very beginning.” VCTC plays a pivotal role in Volkswagen Group’s “In China for China” strategy. As the Group’s most comprehensive R&D hub beyond its home market, it is also the only Group R&D centre dedicated exclusively to electric, intelligent and connected vehicles. VCTC is integrating core development units and decision-making processes for local vehicle and technology projects, while coordinating developmental processes with the R&D units of joint ventures. By deepening integration into the local technology ecosystem, VCTC can proactively address China’s market-defining trends — such as digitalisation and autonomous driving — at an early stage, allowing the company to fully harness the growth momentum and innovative vitality of the Chinese market. Delivering CEA at China Speed Right in Hefei Software-hardware test workshop, VCTC and CARIAD China are launching the first delivery of the China Electronic Architecture (CEA) – the Group’s first zonal E/E architecture specifically tailored to the needs of Chinese customers, within 18 months. Enabled by the all-new Software-Defined-Vehicle development process, the overall vehicle development cycle can be shortened by 30%. Leveraging local development and early supplier integration during the concept phase of new cars and technologies, the cost of a new model can be reduced by up to 50% in specific key projects. CEA also ensures seamless integration of digital cockpit functions, Advanced Driving Assistance System functions, and whole-vehicle level over-the-air upgrades. Thomas Ulbrich, CTO of Volkswagen Group China and CEO of VCTC: “The new workshops give our engineering teams an entirely new level of integration. We can now run software, hardware, and full-vehicle validation processes in parallel, shorten decision loops, and bring innovations to maturity much faster. This environment enables us to push forward next-generation intelligent- vehicle technologies with high precision and efficiency.” Volkswagen DNA, Engineered in China Safety, durability and reliability have long defined the Volkswagen DNA. The new Test Workshops in Hefei further strengthen the Group’s commitment in China by enabling earlier and more comprehensive validation of core vehicle systems, while also validating products and technology for export to regions like ASEAN and the Middle East. At the Battery & Powertrain Integration Testing Centre, engineers can test up to 500 battery systems per year. Tests cover performance, lifetime, safety and environmental robustness, as well as E-Drive, thermal management, electronics and battery cell components. The Platform & Module Testing Centre follows the same philosophy. Its advanced Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) laboratory safeguards the reliability of vehicle electronics, while a full-vehicle durability test bench could simulate all global driving road conditions within the workshops. Together with the City Test Track, Volkswagen Group has established a full design–build–test– validate cycle in Hefei, in close collaboration with its global R&D network. More capabilities at the gate Volkswagen Group continues to expand the capabilities of Hefei. The Functions Integration Test (FIT) Laboratory comes online in mid-2026 — one of only two in the Group — to simulate extreme environment conditions. These efforts establish a future-ready foundation for Volkswagen’s next chapter in intelligent and connected mobility. Article source: www.vwpress.co.uk

Dynamics meet team spirit: FC Bayern Munich women choose Audi Q3

FC Bayern’s women’s soccer team has overwhelmingly chosen the new Audi Q3 along with the Audi A3 and Audi A1 allstreet as their preferred cars at this year’s vehicle handover. During a driving event at Lake Tegernsee, the players had the opportunity to get to know their new Audi models down to the smallest detail. A partnership that benefits both sides. The women of FC Bayern Munich received their new company cars from Audi during a special handover event. At Lake Tegernsee, players including Giulia Gwinn, Klara Bühl, and Lea Schüller had the chance to thoroughly test their new wheels. Yves Becker-Fahr, Head of Sales Germany, expressed his enthusiasm about the recently extended collaboration between Audi and FC Bayern Munich: “We are proud to provide mobility for the FC Bayern players and to support them off the field with our vehicles. The partnership stands for shared values such as team spirit, peak performance, and being dynamic – qualities that are crucial both in sports and the automotive world.” After receiving their new Audi Q3s, which most of the women’s team opted for, a special destination awaited the players: the Faller-Klamm Bridge. There, the squad faced a series of playful challenges designed to help them get to know their new cars even better. Tasks included driving exactly the distance of a penalty kick – eleven meters – and setting the FC Bayern Munich team colors as fast as possible using the ambient lighting system of the Q3. The crew then headed back to Munich. Bianca Rech, Director of FC Bayern Women, states: “Our collaboration with Audi is a strong sign of the esteem they hold for our team and an important step in providing our players with the best possible conditions. We share a passion for top performance and look forward to a successful partnership that goes far beyond the road.” In total, 26 Audi Q3s, five Audi A3s and one Audi A1 allstreet were handed over to the players and staff of the FC Bayern Munich women’s team. This collaboration has been in place since 2021, while Audi has been a long-standing partner of the overall club since 2002. The men’s team of the record champions has also been driving Audi for many years. They took delivery of their new company cars in mid-October. Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

VOLKSWAGEN ID. PROMISE – 100 DAYS TO DRIVE AND DECIDE

Volkswagen is making an ID. Promise, by giving its retail electric car customers between 80 and 100 days after collection to ‘drive and decide’. The ID. Promise drive and decide offer provides complete peace of mind for anyone uncertain about switching to electric. It means people can return their cars if for any reason they change their minds or find an electric vehicle (EV) doesn’t suit their lifestyle needs – although the latest Road to 2030 Report by Autotrader reveals that EV buyers love their cars, and four in five will likely purchase another EV for their next car. The ID. Promise offer starts 3 November and lasts until 31 March 2026. Any retail customer purchasing a new Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7 or ID.7 Tourer can take advantage of the offer, whether they are cash buyers or using a personal contract plan (PCP) from Volkswagen Financial Services to fund their purchases. The window of time in which people can return vehicles is 80 to 100 days from the point that they take delivery of their new cars. They just need to inform their Retailer, who will then arrange a refund minus a three-per-cent fixed usage charge and the cost to repair any damage or modifications to the cars since they were handed over. Motability, contract hire, fleet and ex-demonstrator purchases are excluded from the offer. Full terms and conditions are on the Volkswagen.co.uk website. “Official figures show more than 1.3 million UK motorists have already converted to electric, and time and time again our customers tell us they would never go back to petrol or diesel having made the move,” said Rod McLeod, Director of Volkswagen UK. “But there are many more people who want to go electric but feel unsure. This straightforward initiative gives them the perfect opportunity to ‘drive and decide’ with no strings attached.” Euro NCAP ratings place all Volkswagen ID. models among the top-performing electric vehicles in terms of safety, and they have secured an impressive list of awards including Best Family Car at the GQ Car Awards (for the ID.3), Best Saloon at the Autocar Awards (ID.7) and World Car of the Year (ID.4). Article source: www.vwpress.co.uk

Available to order now: The new Golf GTI EDITION 50 – the most powerful production model in the history of the GTI

Volkswagen is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the GTI next year. An exclusive model is being launched in time for the anniversary: the Golf GTI EDITION 50. With an output of 239 kW (325 PS) and a torque of 420 Nm, it is the most powerful production GTI to date. The compact sports car reaches its top speed at 270 km/h. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. The anniversary model also impresses with outstanding driving dynamics and exclusive equipment details. The Golf GTI EDITION 50 can be ordered now, with prices starting at 54,540 euros. GTI – these three letters have characterised Volkswagen for nearly 50 years and create excitement and even cult status worldwide. More than 2.5 million GTI models have been produced worldwide since the first Golf GTI in 1976 – and this success story now continues with the anniversary model as an additional highlight. This is because the new Golf GTI EDITION 50 is the fastest and most powerful GTI production model to date. With an output of 239 kW (325 PS), the Golf GTI EDITION 50 now offers 18 kW (25 PS) more power than the Golf GTI Clubsport, which was previously the most powerful production GTI. A MacPherson front axle and a four-link rear axle form the basic layout of the chassis. Overall, the anniversary model is 15 mm lower than a classic Golf, with the standard model already featuring DCC adaptive suspension control on 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels. The optional EDITION 50 GTI Performance package. The more sportily inclined can upgrade the standard equipment of the anniversary model with the optional GTI Performance package. This includes 235 mm Potenza Race semi-slicks from Bridgestone on 19-inch Warmenau forged wheels, a lightweight R-Performance exhaust system with rear silencers in titanium and a new Performance chassis lowered by another five millimetres for even more driving dynamics. The camber at the front axle was increased to -2 degrees on this sportily tuned chassis. The package makes the anniversary model up to around 30 kg lighter. Racing professional Benjamin Leuchter confirmed the potential of the anniversary model with the optional EDITION 50 GTI Performance package on the 20.832 km long Nürburgring Nordschleife in April 2025: in a time of 07:46:13 minutes, the Volkswagen test and development driver drove the fastest lap ever completed in a production Golf on the circuit known as the ‘Green Hell’. Exclusive anniversary equipment with a motorsport touch. The anniversary model features numerous exclusive design highlights. These are reflected, for example, in the check-patterned sporty seats with dark green details and red seat belts. The multifunction leather sports steering wheel with 50 Years GTI badge and integrated shift paddles for the seven-speed DSG also conveys a racing feel. On the exterior, the GTI 50 logo is placed on the roof spoiler and the insides of the exterior mirrors. Other exclusive features include special trim on the door sills, a roof with black paintwork, black exterior mirror housings and black tailpipe trims on the exhaust system. A striking side stripe on the side members with a colour gradient from Black to Tornado Red additionally emphasises the sporty character. Five exterior colours are available: in addition to Pure White, options to choose from are Moonstone Grey, Grenadilla Black metallic and – exclusively for the anniversary model – Dark Moss Green metallic and Tornado Red. The prices for the Golf GTI EDITION 50 start at 54,540 euros (in Germany). Compared with the Golf GTI Clubsport, the anniversary model offers more power, a higher top speed and exclusive design features as standard. Furthermore, the standard equipment includes DCC adaptive chassis control, IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels (with red glaze varnish and dynamic GTI hub caps), a black-painted roof and darkened side/rear windows. The optional GTI Performance package EDITION 50 can be ordered for 4,200 euros. Other optional highlights comprise the exclusive exterior colours Dark Moss Green metallic and Tornado Red as well as the heated multifunction sports steering wheel in ArtVelours microfibre with shift paddles. The first vehicles are scheduled to be delivered in the first quarter of 2026. 01. Golf GTI EDITION 50 - combined energy consumption: 7.9-7.6 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 179-173 g/km; CO₂ class: G-F 02. Golf GTI - combined energy consumption: 7.3-7.0 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 166-160 g/km; CO₂ class: F 03. Golf GTI Clubsport - combined energy consumption: 7.6-7.3 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 174-166 g/km; CO₂ class: F 04. Golf GTI EDITION 50 - Combined energy consumption: 7.9-7.6 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 179-173 g/km; CO₂ class: G-F Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Audi Concept C: previewing a thrilling all-electric sports car

The Audi Concept C represents the future of Audi. With its unmistakable design language, it offers a preview of future models and a new interior experience. It is the first manifestation of the new design philosophy and embodies the four principles of clarity, emotional appeal, technical excellence, and intelligent design. And thanks to its road approval, these qualities can be experienced from behind the wheel. The Audi Concept C made its debut in Milan in early September, followed soon after by an appearance at a unique stand at the IAA in Munich. The all-electric roadster impressed with its unmistakable combination of clarity, technology, intelligence, and emotion – Audi’s four new design principles. The street-legal concept vehicle offers a preview of a future production model – a breathtaking all-electric sports car with exceptional driving dynamics that puts design, speed, and emotion at its core. Like the Concept C, the production version will seamlessly blend the thrill of open-top driving with the elegance of a hardtop. With its proportions, surfaces and details, the Concept C establishes a bold and unmistakable identity that will play a defining role in shaping Audi’s future. The interior of the vehicle showcases quality craftsmanship with its perfectly curated materials and colors. These materials not only shape the space – they create experiences: tactile, visual, and emotional. The interplay of design, aesthetics, and control elements appeals to all the senses. The interior of the Audi Concept C achieves a unique symbiosis of technology and emotion. Subtly integrated technology ensures an intuitive user experience, with every physical control crafted to deliver high mechanical quality and a refined sound – the signature “Audi click.” With haptic control elements on the steering wheel and in the center console, the design also emphasizes clarity and precision when it comes to operation. Digital elements are always close by, yet never dominant. A foldable 10.4-inch display remains hidden until activated, preserving a calm and uncluttered interior. Information appears only when needed – seamlessly and in context. Bold leaps in innovation and cutting-edge technology, combined with an uncompromising focus on design, are an integral part of Audi’s DNA. Many of the brand’s legendary models – including sports cars like the TT, R8, RS 6 (C6, 2004), and the Auto Union Type C racing car – embody this combination. The Audi Concept C powerfully continues this legacy and marks the brand’s bold step into a new era of clarity. Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Global collaboration between Volkswagen and Walt Disney Animation Studios for the release of “Zootopia 2” in theaters

Volkswagen and Walt Disney Animation Studios have announced a special collaboration for the release of “Zootopia 2,” in theaters Nov 26th. The highlight of the collaboration is the appearance of three custom-animated vehicles in the film inspired by the all-electric Volkswagen models ID.3, ID.4, and ID.7 Tourer. The product placement is part of a new 360 campaign from Volkswagen, that will be rolled out globally. Ahead of the film’s theatrical release in November, Volkswagen have released their co-branded campaign commercial. The 30-second spot builds anticipation for the new animated adventure and shows the Volkswagen models with a ‘Zootopified’ look to match the film as well as featuring Gazelle’s new song. The spot will run in theaters, on TV and across social media worldwide. Part of the charm of “Zootopia” lies in its humorous reflection of our own world, from the characters’ human-like personalities to the animal-pun parodies of well-known brands. In “Zootopia 2,” audiences will see Volkswagen represented as ‘Wolfswagen’ in the movie, a tongue-in-cheek homage to the brand’s headquarters in Wolfsburg. Christine Wolburg, Chief Brand Officer of Volkswagen, says: “Cooperation plays an important role when it comes to effectively implementing emotional storytelling for the Volkswagen brand and reaching new customer groups. ‘Zootopia 2’ shows how important it is to question prejudices and break new ground together in an entertaining way; these are values that Volkswagen also embodies. We are thrilled to collaborate with the Walt Disney Animation Studios to ‘Zootopify’ our brand in the film in a perfectly funny way.” Volkswagen has collaborated with The Walt Disney Studios on several occasions, including working with the Star Wars series “Obi-Wan Kenobi” and with Marvel Studios on the film “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania” as part of the ID. Buzz market launch. The advertising campaign is designed differently by Volkswagen companies depending on the country and includes various measures. In Germany, for example, the brand is using the campaign to promote attractive leasing offers for the Golf, ID.7 Tourer, and T-Cross. About “ZOOTOPIA 2” In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia 2,” rookie cops Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a great mystery when Gary De’Snake (voice of Ke Huy Quan) arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before. The film also features the voices of Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Idris Elba, Patrick Warburton, Quinta Brunson, Danny Trejo, Nate Torrence, Jenny Slate, Alan Tudyk, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake and Shakira, who returns as Gazelle. From the Oscar®-winning team of Disney Animation chief creative officer Jared Bush and Byron Howard (directors) and Yvett Merino (producer), “Zootopia 2” opens in theaters Nov. 26. The all-new original song “Zoo” is performed by Shakira, who returns as the voice of Zootopia’s biggest pop star, Gazelle. Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com