With all the senses

Many of the components in a car’s interior are made out of plastic. They ensure a high level of safety and sophisticated design while keeping the weight to a minimum. In his laboratory in Wolfsburg, Göldenitz starts by carefully testing every new material to see whether it releases harmful or allergenic substances. If it passes this test, the chemist then grades the material’s smell on a scale from one to six on the basis of small samples. Every new vehicle model is tested, too: the car is heated to desert temperature, for example, to be able to assess the smell when the doors are closed.

The “desmo” sound of a Ducati is legendary among motorcyclists. The word comes from the desmodromic valve – a mechanism that opens and closes the engine valves. One of Sini’s tasks is retaining the characteristic engine sound, even if legal requirements introduce stricter noise emission limits. As early as the development phase, Sini simulates how the motorcycle will later sound with the help of his computer. The high-precision acoustic work is then carried out in secret on the silencers in the exhaust line.

Large displays in the instrument cluster and in the center console make drivers’ lives easier. Audi’s aim is to always offer its customers the right information at the right time. In the ergonomic laboratory, Schneid evaluates whether the displays and instruments are easy to read – and don’t just look good. Head-up displays, which project important information directly into the driver’s field of vision, represent a particular challenge. Usually, you need a prototype vehicle for this. If it does not exist yet, Schneid uses a virtual reality helmet to test whether a display is user-friendly.

Its production numbers are unmatched by any other model: every year, over six million Currywurst portions – a German specialty featuring sausages in a curry sauce – leave the in-house butcher in Wolfsburg for destinations all around the world. Its main customers are company restaurants at Volkswagen’s own plants. Wickboldt holds regular taste testing sessions with her master butchers and chefs to ensure that Volkswagen employees always get the very best quality. New creations from the test kitchen also find their way to the table. A fiery innovation recently passed the taste test – the extra spicy “Heaven & Hell” Currywurst sauce.

Seat comfort for drivers and passengers depends on the quality of a number of principle elements, one such example being upholstery. Only perfect selection, composition and workmanship provide the combination of comfort and firmness that underscores the exclusive British brand’s sporty, luxurious reputation. The adjustments integrated within the package by Irving work invisibly to ensure that the seat adapts itself individually to every occupant, even massaging them if they so wish. Irving’s office is deliberately positioned next to the production and prototype facilities. Daily seat testing is part of his job.

After sitting in a Bugatti Veyron¹ for the first time, Raphanel never wanted to get out again. Although the former Le Mans driver was used to driving at high speeds, never before had he felt so safe even when traveling at top speed. Ambitious Bugatti customers can also experience this feeling under Raphanel’s guidance. What does it feel like? This calls for full concentration, says Raphanel. And in this particular case that means eliminating all other senses that could distract the driver from savoring this incredible moment in all its perfection.