It’s a bit hard to define exactly what Autostadt – which sprawls over a 70-acre site next to Volkswagen’s massive factory in Wolfsburg, Germany – is. For example, the website describes it, somewhat grandly, as a "journey into the world of mobility".
Picture special: Autostadt – inside VW's theme park for cars
No, I’m not quite sure what that means either. So how would I define it? Well, imagine a slightly off mash-up between a car museum, a manufacturer experience centre, a theme park, a motor show and an expo site, all fused together with some slick presentation and a slightly surreal sheen. Okay, it’s not a very catchy description, but I think it works.
I had a quick tour round Autostadt on a recent trip to VW and it was hard not to be impressed by the scope of the place. Exhibits in the GroupForum try to place the car in a wider context, including a huge ‘Level Green’ exhibit focused on sustainability (which, given VW’s recent history, comes across as a little too self-serving).
Each VW Group brand gets its own pavilion, which contains a motor show-esque celebration of the brand's heritage and new models. Then there are the huge AutoTerme towers, where new cars are stacked up ready for collection by customers.
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A visit to Autostart is high on my list of places to visit asap.
I do love air cooled VWs but would love a Golf Country. They look great fun.
If anyone is thinking of going, tie it in with a visit to the classic car show in Essen.
Went earlier this year, epic.
The Zeithaus is great...
But the AutoMuseum Volkswagen on Dieselstrasse (within bimbling distance of AutoStadt) is more interesting for the serious VW fanatic.
Yes, interesting pics, but no
Yes, interesting pics, but no Scirocco Mk 1 (Giugaro at his absolute best!), no NSU Ro80, no Karmann Ghia ?
Give Autocar some credit,
Give Autocar some credit, there is actually a 1975 Scirocco in there.
@ abkq
There are 2 pics which have the same Mk1 Scirocco (in one it's in the background) and there is an NSU Ro80 in the background of the photo of the XL1.