Report: Volkswagen Launches Free GTI IPod Racing App With Chance to Win One of Six Custom GTIs

Ever seen a Volkswagen with a little white Mac apple decal on the back? Of course you have. VWs and Macs go together like Beer and bratwurst. Volkswagen has decided to work with its fan base and launch the new 2010 GTI using Mac’s App Store, where you can now download a free racing video game featuring the new 2010 GTI.

As though that wasn’t already cooler than a Weezer t-shirt and some dark rimmed Emo glasses, Volkswagen will give away one special edition GTI each week for the next six weeks. Ever time you play the Real Racing GTI App you get the chance to win one of the custom cars, which feature black 18-inch wheels, a carbon-look interior trim, unique stitching on the headrests and a numbered plaque.

The Real Racing GTI App also lets competitors send message to other drivers via Twitter, as well as upload videos onto YouTube.

The game is offered for the iPhone and iPod touch and is free. Just visit the App Store on your phone of visit www.itunes.com/appstore.

And be sure to read our review of the 2010 GTI here:

2010 Volkswagen GTI First Drive

Official release after the jump:

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ — Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the launch of the all-new 2010 GTI via the App Store by making available a free version of the popular Firemint Real Racing game that exclusively features the all-new 2010 GTI. This is the first time an automotive manufacturer has used the App Store to launch a new vehicle. Additionally, users of the Real Racing GTI App in the U.S. can compete for the chance to win one of six, limited-edition 2010 GTIs that are fully-customized inside and out.

The free Real Racing GTI App is available worldwide and spares no detail, allowing players to experience every thrilling aspect of the all-new 2010 GTI right in the palms of their hands on iPhone and iPod touch. From the redesigned exterior with more aggressive headlights and the famous red-striped grille, to the sporty interior with a race-inspired steering wheel, the all-new 2010 GTI races its way to life on the screen for a thrilling gaming experience.

“With the personalization of media and the challenges inherent with reaching constantly connected consumers, we tasked ourselves to rethink the way we launch vehicles in order to engage our consumers in a meaningful way,” said Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The GTI customer is a tech-savvy consumer who enjoys social networking, playing games and spending time on mobile devices – most often an iPhone. Launching the all-new 2010 GTI via the Real Racing GTI App allows us to connect with this savvy GTI consumer within his or her everyday life in a way that no 30-second spot ever could.”

U.S.-registered players enjoying the action of the Real Racing GTI App will be challenged to put their skills to the test for a chance to win one of six limited-edition 2010 GTI models. The more they play, the more chances they have to win. Each week for six consecutive weeks beginning today, one player will be chosen to win the ultimate racing prize: the exclusive GTI MkVI, an individually-numbered, specially-tuned version of the legendary hatchback. Each model includes the GTI’s 2.0T 200hp four-cylinder engine, a performance tuned suspension finished with black, Volkswagen motorsport 18-inch all-new wheels, and special interior touches, including carbon fiber-look trim, a numbered dash plaque, and unique stitching in the front headrests. For more information on the competition please visit: www.vw.com/RealRacingGTI.

Given the ever-increasing prominence of social networking in the lives of the games’ target consumers, Real Racing GTI includes several features designed to foster social connectivity. These include the ability of players to send messages to their competitors via Twitter and to capture and upload videos of their best laps to the game’s YouTube channel for international bragging rights. Additionally, GTI MkVI buyers will also be able to configure their vehicles, modeled after the six prize cars, at participating Volkswagen dealerships throughout the U.S.

The Real Racing GTI App is available for free from the App Store on the iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. No purchase is necessary to enter the contest, which officially ends on December 2 at 11:59PM.

For more about the 2010 Volkswagen GTI, the Real Racing GTI game, and an in-depth look at the six GTI prize editions that are waiting to hit the streets, please visit www.media.vw.com.