Porsche said the representation is very close to the real vehicle, which is on sale in the US, Germany and certain other European markets
Quick read
➨ The Taycan VR Experience allows customers to view the new fully electric Porsche using a VR headset
➨ The Taycan’s aerodynamics are also simulated
➨ Porsche has other plans for VR, including virtual car configuration
The story
Iconic sports car manufacturer Porsche has upgraded the automotive shopping experience for its customers with the development of a VR experience that enables them to explore its first fully electric vehicle.
The Taycan VR Experience allows customers to view the new fully electric Porsche up close, and under the bodywork, using a VR headset.
Porsche said the representation is very close to the real vehicle, which is on sale in the US, Germany and certain other European markets.
The VR experience allows customers to trace the contours of the new model and witness typical Porsche styling for themselves. The Taycan’s aerodynamics are also simulated with a user-controlled, superimposed air flow.
Robert Ader, head of customer relations at Porsche, said: “The Taycan is the beginning of a new era at Porsche—and it is only appropriate that we have created a modern digital application so that our electric sports car can be experienced virtually. The information needs of our customers in the dealerships are enormous—we can now meet these needs with the VR Experience even before the physical market launch.”
The application is already on offer in around 100 Porsche centres and is available in German and English. Porsche plans to offer further languages, such as Chinese and French, in the next few months.
The car manufacturer is keen to pursue the use of VR applications in dealerships and its marketing team is working on virtual car configuration for its centres in the coming months.
Immersive technology’s potential as a sales tool to improve the automotive retail process is gaining traction. Last year, automotive research app RelayCars updated the AR version of its platform, offering new car versions, an improved user interface and quicker access.
The VR version of RelayCars puts the user behind the wheel of hundreds of 3D cars. The new AR version lacks this immersion, but users can still decide on what vehicle is the best fit for them before trying one for real.
