Virtual test drives on offer using Samsung's new VR headset
Samsung has teamed up with German motor giant Audi to offer virtual reality test drives of the new TT Coupé using its Gear VR headset.
The experience is available in 115 Audi Centres around the UK, this week only, and includes sounds from the 306-horsepower four-cylinder engine using Samsung Level Over headphones.
Wareable verdict: Samsung Gear VR review
Volvo recently developed a Google Cardboard app to offer something similar. The result of partnership between the Swedish car giant, R/GA and VFX-studio Framestore, it offered trio of experiential videos to test drive the Volvo XC90 without leaving your house.
Samsung’s Audi experience sees Juergen Löffler, TT designer talking about the features of the new car and then taking testers around the Neuberg Audi race track in Germany.
Wareable verdict: Samsung Gear S review
It also offers a comparison of the TT S Coupé and the TT Roadster – with both new models not landing in the real world until spring next year.
“This ground-breaking initiative adds a touch of theatre to automotive retail, allowing Audi customers to experience the thrill of the new third-generation TTS in its full glory,” explained Nick Ratcliffe, head of marketing for Audi UK.
“We will become the first automotive manufacturer to install virtual reality in every one of our UK sales outlets. It is yet another example of the Audi ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ philosophy in action.”
Samsung recently revealed that the Gear VR will go on sale in early December, priced at $199. Check out our eyes-on preview of the Gear VR for more info.