Volkswagen Golf R Touch concept
I was skeptical when Volkswagen announced the gesture-controlled Golf R Touch concept. If you've ever struggled with Xbox Kinect in your living room, you'll understand my hesitation.
Digital instrument cluster
The Golf R Touch's concept dashboard starts with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. These are becoming more commonplace.
Main screen
The main attraction is the massive 12.8-inch capacitive touchscreen. Crisp typography and 3D motion graphics are a treat to watch.
Customizable display
The interface is customizable. The driver can resize, swap, and reposition live tiles that overlay the map on the homescreen.
Colorful graphics
Even the phone and audio screens feature large colorful graphics.
Colorful lighting
The color scheme of the interface is customizable and ambient lighting around the cabin also changes to match your favorite hue.
3D virtual car
A 3D representation of the Golf R is displayed on the screen. The driver can interact with the various systems simply by selecting them on the display. It also provides live updates to reflect the vehicle's condition. Open a door and the virtual car's door opens with it.
Profiles
Multiple drivers can save their color and interface customizations, settings, and more under profiles.
Control Center
The lower display is an 8-inch control center. This secondary screen mimics the climate controls that we're familiar with on VW cars.
Contextual controls
The Command Center's top row features contextual controls that change. Here is where you'll skip songs, select navigation shortcuts, or adjust the performance of the car.
Haptic feedback
The lower screen features haptic feedback to simulate physical buttons. Pressing a virtual key onscreen results in a very convincing tactile click.
Steering wheel controls
The steering wheel controls also feature haptic feedback.
Haptic buttons
Despite looking like discrete buttons, the R uses two capacitive panels and no moving parts.
Gesture controls
The Golf R Touch makes use of gesture controls. Holding a hand over the shift knob causes the car to recognize your hand.
Finger waggling
The driver can then move a hand or flick a finger to make onscreen selections. The driver can also wave a hand in front of the window or sunroof to open the glass.
Golf R Touch
Volkswagen states that the gesture controls are purely experimental and that it hasn't given up on good, old-fashioned touch controls.