With the introduction of folding metal hardtops we thought the days of using canvas on cars were numbered. But if a new concept by BMW is anything to go by this couldn’t be further from the truth – as the car’s entire body has been made of fabric.
The extraordinary thing about the GINA Light Visionary model, which we previewed last week, is that individual functions such as lights are only revealed when necessary. The car also dispenses with traditional panels and doors; instead the body is made of a flexible textile cover that stretches across a moveable substructure.
The lights blink open when operated and in place of a bonnet the skin stretches open to reveal the engine. Other parts of the body can move to meet certain conditions.
For example instead of a rear spoiler the entire back of the car lifts seamlessly to create extra downforce. The fabric that makes up the outer layer is water-repellent and resistant to extreme temperatures, and because it stretches over a structure replicates metal panels.
BMW used the expertise of seat pattern designers to help sculpt the bodywork and make sure it keeps tension in all conditions. The special fabric is supported by a metal wire structure.
At specific points, the high-strength metal is enhanced by carbon struts with a higher flexibility. The interior is as innovative as the exterior and whenever the driver parks the steering wheel and instruments go into ‘idle position’, making it easier to get in and out.
When the driver is in place the seat’s backrest rises, the steering wheel and instrument panel move towards the driver and car is started with a start/stop button. Part of the thinking behind GINA is to cut down on tooling and consume less resources and energy than in traditional car making.
The car is made up of an aluminium space frame and rides on 20” wheels. Chris Bangle, head of BMW design, says that GINA is a design philosophy that will be used to meet the challenges of the future. ‘Personal customer requirements will broaden the context of our products and change the core values that define our industry along the way,’ he added.
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 4 3"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1 1"%3E%3C/svg%3E)