BMW GINA (Light Visionary Concept)

Hello all. I just had to post this because it blew my mind. Basically, there is a substantially simpler structure underneath the high-tech synthetic skin of the vehicle. I say skin because the frame is sheathed in a flexible, water/heat-repellent fabric that allows for a whole new ballgame in how cars are built and designed.

The headlights "open" like a living animal as does the engine bay... there are dynamic parts throughout that flex and change to better suit the driving condition... I am blown away.

Check it out for yourself:

A video of the concept with BMW Director Chris Bangle:

tw.youtube.com...

A site with many pictures and the details behind the concept:

www.netcarshow.com...

ENJOY!



[edit on 10-6-2008 by astronomine]

[edit on 10-6-2008 by astronomine]

[edit on 10-6-2008 by astronomine]

Excellent thinking outside the box from BMW.

Advantages
Lighter
Morphing surfaces could improve aerodynamics

Disadvantages
Durability
Wrinkles
Higher order spline lofting in only one dimension

The last point deserves some explanation. Many sheet metal parts in modern cars are modeled with complex curved surfaces called spline patches. These splines can specify curves that extend in both dimensions of the 2D metal surface, and each direction can have different shapes of curves. With a fabric over a frame, the fabric is going to 'flatten' along at least one dimension, or facet (have a flat surface) over a grid-like portion of the frame. This reduces the opportunities for aerodynamic and aesthetic optimization.

Also: GINA stands for "Geometry and Functions In 'N' Adaptions"? Someone needs to work on their bacronyms. Perhaps its more clever in German.


[edit on 10-6-2008 by Ian McLean]

I particularly like the "virtually seamless" body that is allowed by this tech, but I would have to agree that the inevitable wrinkles from the opening of the doors is pretty bad, but looks amazing when closing once again to form back into its beautiful shape.

Another big plus would be the ability to hide components until needed, which invokes a sculptural purity that is uninterrupted by graphics. Also, the ability for the kidney grill to be stretched open for more airflow and various other structures to pull and stretch... it will be interesting to see where they can go with this one.

BMW states that this concept's manufacturing process (in regards to future production feasibility) "requires fewer model-specific tools, and more highly-qualified skilled specialists".

I am intrigued!

Perhaps with some pratical applications of nanotech or just high tech fabrics it might not wrinkle or fade. I saw this concept on autoblog and thought it was one of those quite simple ideas nobody had thought about. It makes sense, build the car with just the engine and occupant cell and the rest is modular spines. Another advantage of the design is oversized luggage can be swallowed up much like a snake eating bigger pray. If this catches on expect to see "pregnant" cars on the road.

Loved the idea, it should get built, the idea of replacing fabric in fender benders alone is worth it. It's one of those things that is probably too good to be actually made by the autoindustry, as they are hellbent on giving us the worse crap possible.

The genius is the way that it can potentially change the way cars are manufactured. Outside of the styling and the moldability of such a design, it makes it possible to cut out millions from the manufacturing process so that cars can be built cheaper, with less machines and more manpower.

A car that keeps components hidden until they are needed is quite genius to me. I have not been a fan of how big headlights and taillights are getting. They are often shaped in such a way that it is hard to tell the rear of a BMW from a Subaru for example, or a Mercedes E class from the last Toyota Camry. They are ugly and, for the most part (and due to regulations) intrude the design by breaking up lines and creating hot spots that draw away from the car as a form.

I think this idea would have really cool applications inside the household too. I wonder how easy it is to clean that fabric

I have to say that is pretty stunning, Bangle took a lot of flack for the more angular/folded designs of recent BMW's, but now, seeing the GINA, I think perhaps he was priming the market for his mixture of curves and straight lines.

GINA just looks like an evolution of the Z4 to me

LOVE the way the eyes open