High-Performance Computers: The Electronic Brain 

A Car as Intuitive as a Smartphone

Wouldn’t it be great if your car were as smart and easy to use as your smartphone — where you could install apps, receive updates, and enjoy new functions whenever you want?
With the new Volkswagen ID.3, that vision has become reality.

A Test Drive into the Future

Slovenian auto journalist and vlogger Ciril Komotar recently took the all-electric ID.3 for a test drive to explore not only its driving dynamics but also the technology that powers it — right down to its specially designed tyres. His conclusion: the ID.3 represents a major step forward in how cars think, connect, and perform.

Modern Cars as Electronic Hubs

Today’s vehicles are more connected than ever.
Voice commands, touchscreens, and integrated infotainment systems have transformed the way we interact with cars. But behind these conveniences lies an extraordinary demand for computing power. Managing navigation, entertainment, driver assistance, and connectivity simultaneously requires advanced electronics capable of processing massive amounts of data in real time.

Modern vehicle electronics transmit data at lightning speed — laying the groundwork for autonomous driving.

The Car of the Future Demands More

As the automotive industry moves toward electromobility and autonomous driving, the complexity of vehicle systems grows exponentially.
Self-driving technology, in particular, generates enormous volumes of data. The hardware and software architectures of traditional cars simply can’t keep up with these new requirements.

Volkswagen’s ID.3 addresses this challenge head-on with an entirely new electronic architecture — powered by high-performance computing technology from Continental.

The Innovative “Super Brain”

At the heart of the ID.3 are two high-performance computers, one of which serves as the car’s “electronic brain.” Developed by Continental, this intelligent system coordinates countless vehicle functions and data streams — much like the human brain coordinates movement and perception.

• The central computer, about the size of an A4 sheet of paper, manages data transmission at speeds many times faster than traditional wiring systems.

• It enables real-time communication between the vehicle’s sensors, software modules, and control units.

“It’s a great success that our server concept has entered series production with Volkswagen. This marks not only a new era in vehicle electronics, but also a milestone in digital transformation.”
— Helmut Matschi, Head of Vehicle Networking and Information, Continental

What This Means for Drivers

The benefits for the driver are clear: almost limitless flexibility.

• Over-the-air updates: Software improvements, security patches, and even new driving functions can be installed remotely — just like smartphone updates.

• App integration: Drivers can easily add or remove apps and services on demand.

• Future-proof performance: The car’s systems stay current long after purchase, reducing the need for dealership visits and costly recalls caused by software errors.

In short, the ID.3 is a car that keeps improving with time.

Tailor-Made Tyres for an All-Electric Future

Advanced electronics aren’t the only innovation in the ID.3. Continental also supplies bespoke tyres engineered specifically for the unique demands of electric mobility.

Optimised Features for the ID.3

• Low rolling resistance for maximum energy efficiency and driving range

• Reduced tyre/road noise for superior cabin comfort

• Aerodynamic sidewall design to minimise drag and enhance efficiency

• ContiSeal™ technology for continued mobility even after punctures

ContiSeal™: Safety Without Interruption

Continental’s ContiSeal™ system automatically seals punctures up to 5 mm in diameter — for example, from a nail — instantly and safely.

Benefits:

• No immediate roadside tyre change required

• Continuous mobility without loss of performance

• Identical handling and mileage to a non-sealed tyre under normal conditions

The result? Peace of mind for ID.3 drivers — wherever the road leads.

Electrifying Performance Meets Intelligent Design

Tyres equipped on the Volkswagen ID.3 carry the Volkswagen ⊕ marking on the sidewall, confirming they’ve undergone rigorous testing and are certified to meet the vehicle’s high standards for safety, comfort, and efficiency.

• EcoContact™ 6 – a summer tyre optimised for maximum range and low rolling resistance

• WinterContact™ TS 850 P – a winter tyre providing excellent traction and efficiency in cold conditions

Together, they ensure the ID.3 delivers both electrifying performance and continued mobility — whatever the season.

In Summary

The Volkswagen ID.3 isn’t just another electric car — it’s a glimpse into the digital future of mobility.
With its high-performance computing architecture and precision-engineered Continental tyres, the ID.3 brings together the best of software, hardware, and sustainability.

It’s a vehicle that learns, evolves, and keeps you connected — as easy to update as your smartphone, yet as thrilling to drive as a Volkswagen should be.