BMW is fast-tracking its imagination into the future with this concept car, called the Vision ConnectedDrive and it's set to mesmerise (or disappoint) the crowds at the Geneva motor show in March.
According to sources from abroad, this concept gives us a good glimpse into BMW's styling future, although the jury's still out on whether that's really a good thing.
As its name implies, this design study is well connected in electronic terms. In fact, BMW sees this two-seat roadster as a "mobile component in a networked world, both in design as well as by virtue of extensive technological innovations."
The company believes there are boundless opportunities to attain even more driving pleasure (and ease of use, clearly) by means of intelligent networks.
A perfect example is the system of sensors integrated into the headlights and the rear lights, which assist in monitoring the traffic situation and the environment. Antennas replace the wing mirrors and transmit information to the outside world and capture navigation data.
Easily its coolest feature is a super-enhanced head-up display system that delivers a three-dimensional display of information and icons, blending virtual content with your actual view of the road ahead.
For instance, it can project information about the route precisely onto the location of a possible turn-off - in relation to your actual field of view. Information is displayed either in the foreground or in the background, depending upon its relevance and the current traffic situation.
In addition, the concept vehicle is equipped with a freely programmable instrument cluster; its display adding to the projections generated by the Head-Up Display. The range and breadth of its functionality exceeds by far the display capabilities of classic cockpit instruments, says BMW.
By means of a display, which also presents information in three dimensions, individual pieces of information can be optically emphasized to a greater or lesser degree depending upon the driving situation, in order to gain the appropriate amount of attention.
The passenger is not left out of the action by any means, he or she being able to evaluate information or address details for the navigation system received online and forward them to the driver's instrument panel if necessary.
Another interesting party trick is the Emotional Browser. During the journey, this system captures and filters additional information about the environment through which the vehicle is currently travelling, in terms of people, mood or location.
This personal configuration can be set at the start of the journey, but can also be adjusted on the road to be more or less detailed, to suit individual requirements.