Volkswagen has just showcased the upcoming Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8.5 at the CES 2024, albeit wrapped in camouflage. From what can be seen thus far, the hot hatch’s front bumper has been swapped out for a sharper and sportier-looking one while retaining the honeycomb pattern.
Moving inside, it looks like the physical buttons on the steering wheel are making a return in this Mk8.5 iteration of the Golf GTI, as the outgoing Mk8 utilises capacitive buttons. There is also a new Volkswagen ID-style floating infotainment head unit located above the aircon vents as well.
At CES 2024, Volkswagen also announced that it has collaborated with Cerence Chat Pro to integrate the ChatGPT chatbot into its IDA voice assistant, which will be offered as a standard feature from the second quarter of 2024 in many of the brand’s production vehicles. As a result, the voice assistant will gain new capabilities that go far beyond the standard voice control.
For example, the IDA voice assistant will be able to be used to control the infotainment, navigation, and air conditioning, or to answer general knowledge questions. The feature will also be made available for other Volkswagen models that are built on the brand’s MEB and MQB Evo platforms and are equipped with the IDA voice assistant.
Nothing changes for the person behind the wheel though, as there is no need to create a new account, install a new app or activate ChatGPT. The voice assistant can be activated by saying “Hello IDA” or pressing the button on the steering wheel.
Volkswagen is also ensuring that customers’ personal data is protected, despite the integration of ChatGPT, as the chatbot does not gain access to the vehicle information.
Volkswagen has yet to announce any further specifications for the Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8.5 just yet, so we will just have to wait for now.
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