Wednesday 2nd March 2011

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive

Stylish roadster holds clues to future production models

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This is BMW's Vision ConnectedDrive, a two-seat roadster concept that previews both new styling ideas and the kind of driver information technology we might be able to expect from the company in the future.

BMW design has calmed down a lot post-Bangle, but this car shows they still know how to boldly wield the crayons in Munich. The main theme of the vehicle is the separate layers that constitute the bodywork, but the headlamps and tail lamps are supposed to offer a strong clue as to what we might be seeing on the production cars sometime soon. Intriguingly, it also has doors that fold away allowing the car to be driven with them up or down - just like the BMW Z1 of 1989.

The layering theme continues with the 3D heads-up display that positions information directly in the driver's line of sight, eliminating the need for the eye to refocus. In addition to data about the car, the system can also bring in sat nav or traffic hazard information, superimposing it momentarily depending on the priority. Passengers get their own separate display for car information, navigation and music, but can highlight them over to the driver with a touch of their finger. Brings a new meaning to the phrase 'back seat driver'...

[alexpa]

Are those Z1 doors without the pop up bit?

[Crusoe]

Front lights look good, back to an agressive shark nose front end

[ewenm]

I'm glad "BMW design has clamed down" - maybe they've been a bit sluggish about it but the world is now their oyster.


Sorry, terrible mollusc-based puns.


Edit: And a Star Trek split infinitive too (to boldly wield). Lovely Any jobs going as a proof-reader?

Edited by ewenm on Tuesday 1st March 14:07

[Salom]

ewenm said:

I'm glad "BMW design has clamed down" - maybe they've been a bit sluggish about it but the world is now their oyster.


Sorry, terrible mollusc-based puns.


Edit: And a Star Trek split infinitive too (to boldly wield). Lovely Any jobs going as a proof-reader?

Edited by ewenm on Tuesday 1st March 14:07

Nah, don't think so, don't give up the day job...

[New Scot]

Salom said:

ewenm said:

I'm glad "BMW design has clamed down" - maybe they've been a bit sluggish about it but the world is now their oyster.


Sorry, terrible mollusc-based puns.

And no side scallops either? Something's a bit fishy here?

[soad]

Sorry, but that's way too fussy looking

[will261058]

It is a bit fussy but I do like some bits in particular the shark nose, would love to see that back.

[BDR529]

Crusoe said:

Front lights look good, back to an agressive shark nose front end

I miss the E24..

[vintageracer01]

So what ???