Volkswagen iBeetle unveiled at Shanghai

The Volkswagen iBeetle will be the first VW Group product to fully integrate with the Apple iPhone 5. The new model was unveiled at the Shanghai motor show.

The iBeetle edition will be supplied with the new iPhone interface, as well as 18in alloy wheels, iBeetle badging, leather seats and a chrome pack when it goes on sale early next year.

Volkswagen’s iPhone integration allows the unit to be ‘snapped’ into the dashboard and all iPhone functions can be used.

A Volkswagen app is also under development. The ‘Volkswagen Car Net The Beetle’ software allows the car to use the phone’s data connection, letting users stream music from Spotify, listen to friend’s Facebook or Twitter updates, or upload photos to the social network.

It also turns the iPhone into a piece of extended on-board instrumentation, offering displays showing G-force readings and oil and coolant temperatures, as well as a chronometer and a compass. Information and tips displayed about driving times and efficiency can also be posted to social networks.

The iPhone integration is standard on the new Beetle variant, and will be offered as an option on other models.