The Shanghai Motor Show featured the Volkswagen iBeetle which was created as a partnership between Volkswagen and Apple. The special edition iBeetle comes integrated with iPhone functionality, which will interface with the vehicle through a specially developed app and a docking station.

The innovative interface between iPhone and Volkswagen iBeetle

This creative new app includes a vehicle-integrated docking station which is located centrally on the dashboard of the iBeetle. When launched on the iPhone, the app can either connect the phone to iBeetle via the docking station or wirelessly.

Once connected, the app can run a number of features including Spotify, which lets users stream media and songs, Postcard, for sharing vehicle location, Photo, for sharing interior photos, Trainer, which allows drivers to compare driving specs with previous drives and other Beetle owners through social media, and Reader, which will read text and Facebook messages aloud.

The most distinctive of the features is the Expert. It offers five functions which make the iPhone an extended on-board instrument of the iBeetle, such as a G-Metre (for measuring lateral acceleration), oil and coolant temperature gauges for the engine, a chronometer, and a compass.

The Volkswagen iBeetle features unique styling

The special edition Volkswagen iBeetle is one of the first cars in the world to have an iPhone interface coordinated by Apple. It will be available as a Coupe and Convertible, featuring colour schemes influenced by Apple products. The 18-inch disc alloy wheels are painted in Galvano Grey with chrome wheel covers, side trim panels and door mirror housings in the same hue, bespoke black door sill plates, ‘iBeetle’ chrome badges on the front fender and chrome pack bringing chrome trim strips on the sides.

Inside the model has a dash pad and steering wheel which are finished in Galvano Grey, along with light Ceramique stitching for the sport seats which are wrapped around in black Vienna leather. The shift lever grip has also been reworked for this special edition Beetle and Beetle Convertible.

The new Volkswagen iBeetle will be available in Candy White, Oryx White Mother of Pearl Effect, Black Monochrome, Deep Black Pearl Effect, Platinum Grey, or Reflex Silver.

Both special models will be launched at the beginning of 2014.