BMW Shape-shifting car with stretchy skin

[StrainedEyes]

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/aut...3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLXRvZGF5BHNsawNibXctZ2luYQ--

The Light Visionary Model is striking not only because of its fabric outer skin, but also its utility in form following function. Because of the flexible skin, the headlights can be hidden or exposed when necessary. The side markers to signal lane changes are not visible on the outside until they are turned on during use — their light shines though the translucent (but not transparent) cover. Airflow around the car can be managed actively as the skin can be closed, opened or stretched based on need; the rocker-panel shape can be adjusted for better aerodynamics. And because the rear deck is covered by one single piece of fabric, the spoiler can be completely hidden when it is not in use.

 

[Crook]

All I've seen are cg renders. I wanna see the actual thing in action, and to see if it doesn't come off as cheap.

 

[hpwiz89]

I just love BMWs!

 

[StrainedEyes]

I hope that skin is knife-proof, or else keying will take on a whole new, more expensive, meaning.

 

[Motown Marvel]

that just looks stupid.

 

[Dark Donnie]

Don't get hit by anyone....

 

[Leto Atrides]

I hope that skin is knife-proof, or else keying will take on a whole new, more expensive, meaning.

That was my thought, I'm sure it will be some fairly strong fabric, but still what happens if it does rip? Do you patch it so it looks ugly as hell, or do you have to replace a whole fabric panel? Plus, metal or even fiberglass bodies absorb a lot of the impact during accidents. It seems like in an accident you'll have all the force go directly to the frame of the car, that sounds extremely dangerous.

 

[Imaginary]

that just looks stupid.

I agree. It looks like its covered in duct-tape or a grey car covering.

 

[StrainedEyes]

That was my thought, I'm sure it will be some fairly strong fabric, but still what happens if it does rip? Do you patch it so it looks ugly as hell, or do you have to replace a whole fabric panel? Plus, metal or even fiberglass bodies absorb a lot of the impact during accidents. It seems like in an accident you'll have all the force go directly to the frame of the car, that sounds extremely dangerous.

Ok, well I never watched the video on the link till just now. It says that todays fabrics aren't really strong enough, but it's a concept that could be used towards the future.

 

[The Senator]

Strikes me as useless and unnecessary, regardless of how cool it looks.

 

[Imaginary]

Strikes me as useless and unnecessary, regardless of how cool it looks.

Like ipod adapters, multiple cd changers, spinners, and after-market spoilers?

 

[fu manchu]

I guess it be cool to be able to customize your car within minutes, but I would rather have car makers spend their time on making flying cars.

 

[StrainedEyes]

I guess it be cool to be able to customize your car within minutes, but I would rather have car makers spend their time on making flying cars.

I honestly never see flying cars being manufactured.

Roads are crazy enough as it is without that insanity spreading to free flying hunks of steel. I do not think humanity would ever be ready for such a thing. How would you regulate flying cars? Speed limits and laws and such, it seems impossible.

 

[Imaginary]

I honestly never see flying cars being manufactured.

Roads are crazy enough as it is without that insanity spreading to free flying hunks of steel. I do not think humanity would ever be ready for such a thing. How would you regulate flying cars? Speed limits and laws and such, it seems impossible.

Plus, what about amish people?

 

[Colossal Spoons]

that just looks stupid.

Pretty much. Who wants a symbiote-car?

 

[Colossal Spoons]

I honestly never see flying cars being manufactured.

Roads are crazy enough as it is without that insanity spreading to free flying hunks of steel. I do not think humanity would ever be ready for such a thing. How would you regulate flying cars? Speed limits and laws and such, it seems impossible.

Tighter restrictions on who gets to drive them

 

[StrainedEyes]

Tighter restrictions on who gets to drive them

Very tight, it'd have to be like an airplane license.

 

[Colossal Spoons]

Very tight, it'd have to be like an airplane license.

Breathalizer in the steering wheel. Required to start the car
Retina scan. Required to start the car
Very sophisticated auto-pilot mode
Only the more experienced drivers/flyers can increase to the next "level" of elevation
Check-up tests EVERY YEAR. Road, not written. Written is BS anyway

 

[The Senator]

Like ipod adapters, multiple cd changers, spinners, and after-market spoilers?

Yes.

 

[union_jak]

lol I mentioned this car only yesterday, it's certainly different but I can't help but wonder what'd happen if the fabric got caught on something and was completely ripped off- a nude car?

It's been said that the GINA is like Tim Burton's Batmobile with the shielding, mixed in with Christopher Nolan's Batsuit with the memory-cloth cape.

 

[Leto Atrides]

Like ipod adapters, multiple cd changers, spinners, and after-market spoilers?

You don't take off structural and safety parts to install them.

Breathalizer in the steering wheel. Required to start the car
Retina scan. Required to start the car
Very sophisticated auto-pilot mode
Only the more experienced drivers/flyers can increase to the next "level" of elevation
Check-up tests EVERY YEAR. Road, not written. Written is BS anyway

This is all you need right here. Make a new kind of pilots license if people want to fly themselves anywhere.

 

[Leto Atrides]

I guess it be cool to be able to customize your car within minutes, but I would rather have car makers spend their time on making flying cars.

No car companies are trying to make flying cars, they'd be a totally different product. That's like saying Boeing's time would be better spent developing submarines.

 

[Crowforge]

Hmmm I wonder if they use a composite frame? This could be a very light car...