The 2008 Volkswagen R32 hatchback

Wolfgang Schreiber is smart like you wouldn't believe. Scary smart. I-vill-crush-you-like-bugs smart. Best known as the technical director of the Bugatti Veyron program, Schreiber is one of Volkswagen Group's most prolific engineers (ultra-exotic Bugatti is owned by VW). It is rumored that Schreiber -- whom I met on a recent trip to Europe -- has the power to affect the tides with his mind, listen in on encrypted wireless signals by cocking his ear to the wind and cause women to spontaneously disrobe. Personally, I am very glad VW has harnessed this German super-genius' abilities for good, assuming it has.

By DAN NEIL

February 6, 2008