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This tuned Volkswagen Golf GTI sports a hologram-controlled audio system

Stephen Edelstein
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Volkswagen Golf GTI Aurora concept
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Volkswagen Golf GTI Aurora concept
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Volkswagen Golf GTI Aurora concept
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Volkswagen Golf GTI Aurora concept
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Volkswagen Golf GTI Aurora concept
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Volkswagen Golf GTI Aurora concept
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Volkswagen Golf GTI Aurora concept
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Every year, Volkswagen brings a fleet of modified cars to the Wörthersee meet in Austria as a token of appreciation to fans. VW is always under pressure to surpass the previous year’s batch of cars with something even crazier. Which is why the German automaker equipped a Golf GTI with a hologram projector.

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The Volkswagen Golf GTI Aurora concept uses tech straight out of Star Wars to control its 2,500-watt audio system. A holographic image floats above a module housed in the trunk, and can be seen without any special glasses or other addenda — just like in the movies. The hologram includes multiple “screens,” allowing it switch from the GTI logo to a playlist, to an equalizer, to a basic control panel with volume, start, stop, and pause buttons. You won’t see this in a production GTI anytime soon, however.

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“The holographic system can be realized using technology modules that are already available today; it is no longer just in the realm of science fiction,” Mark Möller, head of development for Volkswagen Group Components, said in a statement. “However, it will be some time before it can be used in production vehicles.”

The hologram wasn’t the only upgrade for the Aurora. It also received additional display screens that show car-related data, and can be controlled using a tablet. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine was upgraded to produce 380 horsepower — 152 hp more than a stock U.S.-spec GTI. A body kit with a big front splitter, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler, along with a custom paint scheme of Nardo Gray and Deep Black Pearl Effect with Mint Green accents, give the Aurora more visual oomph.

The Aurora was built by a team of VW apprentices based in the automaker’s hometown of Wolfsburg, Germany. A second team of apprentices from Zwickau, Germany, built their own car — a modified Golf R Estate. Called FighteR, the car doesn’t have onboard holograms, but it does boast a modified 2.0-liter, turbo-four engine making 400 hp — 100 hp more than a stock Golf R Estate. It also sports a roof-mounted 360-degree camera, which VW used to record a lap of Germany’s Sachsenring race track, which Wörthersee visitors will be able to watch using virtual reality glasses.

Volkswagen is working on the next-generation Golf, which will spawn new GTI and Golf R models. The new Golf is expected to be a clean-sheet redesign, incorporating new features like a mild-hybrid powertrain and over-the-air software updates. It should also lead to plenty more crazy Wörthersee concept cars.

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Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
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