Wolfsburg: Wiederholt

Yesterday afternoon, after my final for Composition I, I went back to the Autostadt in Wolfsburg.  I spent almost six hours traveling to spend two hours there, but it was worth it.  I went with a friend, so we used the train time to prepare for our Conversation I final, and then took advantage of the discounted "Evening Ticket."

Our first stop was the Premium Clubhouse, built into a hillside for one purpose: showcase the Bugatti Veyron inside.  The world's fastet supercar (top speed: 400km/h, 1001 HP), the Veyron is valued at 1.6 Million Euros (taxes included).  The Bugatti on display at the Autostadt has been covered in a mirrored silver nitrate finish, and so is an even more beautiful work of art.

The Volkswagen pavilion, under renovation at the time of my first visit, was now open.  Inside was a very techy (iPads, iPod Touches, flat screens, etc.) exhibition of the new VW Up!, their new sub-compact model.  On display were special-edition White and Black Up!s, special because they have different and more-expensive trim than the base model.

I'm pretty sure that the Autostadt is different every time you go there.  We looked through the ZeitHaus, which displayed pretty much the same cars, but in different places, and with different supporting exhibits (original advertisements, concept designs and sketches, etc.).  We spent a little time in Level Green (below), an interactive floor in the GroupForum which displays the automotive industry's effect on the environment and what Volkswagen is doing to make their vehicles more sustainable in every aspect.  One floor above were some displays describing Volkswagen's corporate structure and design process.  On the ground floor was a play area with pedal cars for young children, a few restaurants, and a few stores.

In the floor of the GroupForum's entrance lobby are globes, each depicting a different method for dividing  the world.  For example, mobile phone networks, trade routes, population, and of course political borders.  Because we were there until closing time (well after dark), we got to see them illuminated as well.

The Autostadt is such a cool place!  There really is something for everyone there.  Obviously, if you're interested in cars, then you can spend hours and hours there.  There are interactive exhibits for inquisitive kids, and stores and shops for the less-automotive-minded.  I'm really glad that Wolfsburg is close enough that I was able to go twice!