Tuesday 27th March 2012

Meet the 'MicroStang'

Microsoft teams up with West Coast Customs to throw bits at a Mustang. Mmmm... tasteful...

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Ever wondered what would happen if Microsoft built a car? No, neither have we, but here's the answer. The software giant has teamed up with West Coast Customs, the tuning squad behind MTV's Pimp My Ride to create this tech-laden Mustang concept.

Dubbed 'Project Detroit', it's based on the running gear of a 2012 Ford Mustang but clothed in a '67-style shell. The interior is crammed with as much Microsoft gear as physically possible, including a web-connected head-up display which enables the driver to check the weather forecast or search for the nearest petrol station while on the move (reminds us of that Toyota Yaris advert - Ed).

Tablet in place of passenger 'bag? Safe...

The passenger-only display on the other side of the screen is connected to an Xbox 360 console, just in case anyone fancies a game of Call of Duty on the way to work. The touch-screen instrument panel can also toggle between skins, so it's possible to swap between the dash from a '67 Mustang, a contemporary model or even a Windows 8 interface (sounds worryingly like that old e-mail joke 'if Microsoft made cars').

The exterior's matt-black paintwork is offset by rather unsubtle neon blue lighting surrounding the grille and gigantic 10 spoke alloys. In the unlikely event of not being able to spot the 'Stang in your local multi-storey, it's possible to locate, unlock and fire it up remotely via a Windows phone (useful if you have an iPhone... Ed).

The Project Detroit concept is part of a larger marketing drive by Microsoft to showcase the potential for car-related apps using their software. Whether it's a smart concept or a case of more technology than taste, though, is a matter of opinion...

 

[dapearson]

If Microsoft made a car they'd hide the steering wheel in the glovebox - a bit like what they did with Word/Excel with the 2007 release. I can NEVER find what i'm looking for...