Concept cars: The cars of the future
December 6, 2003 | 12:00am
Want to have a glimpse of the future? Car makers take us to the not-too-distant future via the International Car Show in Frankfurt, where the so-called concept cars were recently unveiled.
What is a concept car? A concept car is a design study, reflecting the car makers’ vision of the future, which is based on the changing lifestyles and recreational needs of a future society. The production of a concept car does not necessarily mean that it will go into series production. So why then all that investment and money infusion into something that is not sure to be produced? Because a concept car also presents the direction the car maker is taking in the future in terms of the overall concept as well as the design and technology of their car models.
Personalization and customization are the growing consumer trends.Today, car makers give their customers the opportunity to personalize their cars in terms of body colors, special wheels, interior colors and trim schemes to give their cars a distinctive look. Personalization also means the expansion of the model range of car manufacturers within the last 20 years. This translates to the equipment package as well. The cockpit can now be composed of different designs and technologies. State-of-the-art in-vehicle entertainment systems transform the car into one’s mobile living room or office. Different technologies offer many benefits – from fuel reduction to being environment-friendly. Safety mechanisms protect the pedestrians more than ever.
Take a look at how the automotive industry today is setting new standards in terms of functionality, design, safety, package contents and weight:
Toyota presents its CS & S concept car, which is powered by the hybrid syn-ergy drive, the new concept for all Toyota hybrids to come, for example, in the second-generation Prius. This new concept now gives the electric motor a more important role when powering the vehicle, both for fuel efficiency or peak performance. With this, Toyota proves that hybrid cars can also be sports cars.
Being 100 percent environment-friendly with zero emissions, fuel cell technology is touted to be the key to the future of personal transport. Mercedes Benz engineers foresee the vehicle drive system of the future to be centered on fuel cells. Daimler Chrysler is a pioneer in the development of fuel cell technology and has demonstrated the feasibility of this groundbreaking drive principle in a total of some 20 prototypes. Since the early days, both the size and weight of the drive unit have been dramatically reduced and the performance of the vehicles consistently improved.The Mercedes Benz A-Class Fuel Cell runs on pure hydrogen, which the fuel cell then uses to create electrical energy through a chemical reaction with oxygen. This energy, in turn, drives an electric motor, making the A-Class Fuel Cell a zero-emission vehicle.
The car’s fuel tanks contain hydrogen, compressed under 350-bar pressure, and give the A-Class Fuel Cell an operating range of some 150 kilometers. Hydrogen consumption is equivalent to 4.2 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. The electric motor generates 65 kW, accelerating the compact Mercedes from 0 to 100 km/h in 16 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 140 km/h – enough power to equip the Fuel Cell for everyday conditions on the road.
The major automotive suppliers, such as American Delphi Technology and German Siemens VDO Automotive, are now offering what will bring about lower fuel consumption – the Piezo direct injection. Delphi expects to generate a reduction of up to 25-30 percent in emissions in diesel engines while Siemens guarantees over 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption in gas engines.
The CS&S unveils a new IT concept – the Toyo-ta Space Touch, an inte-grated multimedia, user-friendly system that is operated via a series of holographic projections that the user touches to make a selection of functions. This includes air-conditioning, audio and satellite navigation. It also allows the user to browse though the Internet, sending and receiving e-mails.
Chevrolet Tahoe offers an in-car entertainment system — with its optional DVD-based Infotainment program for rear passengers. The Panasonic system comprises a DVD player that runs off the on-board power supply, an 18-cm. monitor that flips down from the roof, two sets of wireless headphones and infrared remote control.
The Saab 9-3 display developed by Delphi offers an Internet radio and TV that allows access to audio and video content from a variety of Web-based sources; premium audio with an 11-channel speaker system and even online gaming that allows passengers to play video games with people in other locations.
Mobile television is a key feature in the European cars of the future, like the Daimler Chrysler. Delphi will offer a hybrid reception system that’s capable of receiving both digital and analog TV signals, allowing a continued signal reception. Moreover, digital video broadcast television is now being developed by Delphi, which Mercedes Benz and BMW will offer in their future models. It will connect to the existing analog TV receiver to provide coverage of analog or digital broadcasts.
Bertone worked with Bose to install two bass modules in small cavities under the front seats. Bose outfitted the car with 11 neodymium speakers that deliver a powerful, lifelike sound. However, German auto supplier Recaro has developed a seat that comprises a complete surround system instead of placing it traditionally on the door trim panels, which frees up this installation space for other applications.
What can you expect from a stereo surround system? Besides the DVCD playback, other features are integrated into the acoustics system such as the intercom function, mobile telephony (hands-free function), playback of navigation system announcements, playback of acoustic warning signals in the vehicles with the appropriate spatial arrangement.
The Bertone Birusa makes voice control possible in a car. It is equipped with the Loquendo VoxDrive system, which allows the driver, or anyone else recognized by the system, to execute certain functions on the car using his voice. If they are connected to a mobile communications system, information and mobility services could be requested.
Siemens VDO Automative integrates handwriting recognition into the automobile to create clear operating structures via touch pad. Drivers can access navigation destinations or telephone numbers without taking their eyes off the road since the system reads the character entries out loud. This also means that e-mails can be read out loud.
In the future, hinges and headlamps will be passé. All lights will be coming from LEDs – light deflected in various directions by prisms. The advantage of this new technology is that it is long-lasting and does not require a lot of space, compared to conventional lights.
The second-generation tire pressure monitoring system from Siemens VDO Automotive informs the driver about the condition of his tires. This system consists of a sensor that’s integrated in the tire and operates with an indirect power supply. This means that in just a few milliseconds, the fiber optic sensor contained in the bumper can detect a pedestrian accident. Protection measures, such as gentle lifting of the hood, can therefore be activated immediately.
Delphi technology has implemented for Mercedes Benz a smart safety system through its integrated camera located in the rear view of the mirror. Its lane departure warning system uses a digital camera that can track up to 25 meters ahead of the vehicle. Warning modes such as visual, audible and tactical alerts can warn the driver to correct his path and maintain a safe course.
Bertone, a car design and production company from Turin, Italy, and BMW have been working together since 1960. Their latest concept car, Bertone Birusa – the ultimate Italian sports car – has voice controls to open doors and a double sunroof made of heat-resistant glass laminated with PV8 film, a stereo surround system, semi-adaptive headlights and an infrared night-time vision system, a Segway stored in the boot.
What makes it distinct is its wedge-shaped profile with its graphic treatment of the windscreen, whose upper crossbeam is linked to the roof and to the rear window by a single pencil stroke. The side window is sculpted like a diamond and protrudes from the side like a light cut through by an aluminum blade. The gull wing doors are made of carbon fiber and hinged below the windscreen with electrical power assist. The front section employs clear linear styling. The bonnet is scarred by two deep ribs that correspond to the engine inlet lungs. The rearview mirrors are replaced by two telecameras. The large rear window of heat-resistant glass is actually a sunroof made of two panels that slide under the boot lid.
The Audi Le Mans Quattro has a wide stance and a bullish appearance. It has a wheelbase of 2.65 meters, accommodating a spacious cockpit and the longitudinally installed V10 "biturbo" engine with FSI direct fuel injection behind it. It uses flat-strip led headlights which have clear-glass covers. Compared to other sports cars, Le Mans Quattro offers generous interior space.
Audi’s Aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) forms the central structure of this concept study. The outer skin and add-on parts use a weight-saving mixed aluminium and carbon-fibre concept, thus satisfying the demand for utmost rigidity at a simultaneously low weight of 1,530 kg.
At the 37th Tokyo Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz presented its new F 500 research vehicle with innovations such as a night vision system with infrared laser headlamps, two-way doors and a programmable multivision display in the cockpit. Electronic accelerator and brake pedals, an interior pillar which provides structural rigidity and an ultrasound driver information system are other features being tested by Mercedes-Benz in the F 500 Mind.
The multivision display in the cockpit offers the driver more flexible information delivery and at the same time reduces fatigue. The dials and displays in the instrument cluster are programmable and their images can be optically combined with the aid of a semitransparent mirror. It has an advanced voice-operated control system and an ultrasound-based driver information that targets the sound at the driver so that only he/she can hear the information from the navigation system, the traffic news and other sound-based information sources, while the front passenger and rear passengers remain undisturbed.
Nissan presents its vision of the perfect family car: An innovative seven-seater, mid-sized SUV, which combines the roominess and versatility of an MPV with the off-road and on-road performance of an SUV. It offers the second generation all-mode 4x4 system, electronic analysis of traction modes, rear-view cameras, effortless interior versatility and led lighting.
Dunehawk has genuine off-road ability, thanks to its rugged chassis, ground clearance and advanced, electronically controlled all-mode 4x4 system. It also has an exceptionally roomy interior full of useful features, making it perfect for active families who need a versatile car to use for their broad range of activities. The rugged ladder frame chassis, short front and rear overhangs and dramatic 20-inch wheels allow Dunehawk to cross difficult terrain with ease. The ladder frame also provides the additional strength and rigidity which is essential for towing performance.
On either side of the console, the roof is glazed to help create an airy interior ambience. It also houses ventilation outlets and a DVD screen for rear seat entertainment. Dunehawk has a fully flexible seating arrangement. All seven seats can be folded electrically by remote control using a push button pad, to lower, fold flat or raise the seats individually or collectively. All the seats have full three-point harnesses for maximum family safety.
Roomster is a concept for a compact family vehicle. With its greater width and height, larger wheelbase and original interior arrangement, Roomster achieves roominess comparable with significantly larger vehicles. The rear door is made completely of glass and extends all the way to the rear bumper. The rear seats can be moved lengthwise by 750 mm and can also be folded, thus creating a luggage space equal to that of a small van.
What distinguishes the Citroën C-Airlounge from the rest is its aerodynamic design and new forms of lighting, which literally make the car come to life as soon as one opens its doors. This is in addition to its panoramic glazed roof, which diffuses a gentle light that warms the shadowy tones of the vehicle interior.
Its optimized aerodynamic design enhances acoustic comfort and cuts fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. Citroën showcases its drive-by-wire technology by exploring a new area of expertise: All-electric controls for braking and steering functions. Using the benefits of drive-by-wire technology, C-Airdream reinvents the driving position. All driving controls are placed on the fixed hub of the steering wheel within easy reach.
Mazda presents a futuristic four-seat sports, sub-compact car through its Kusabi concept car, which looks like a modern-day Samurai car. It is designed to be the perfect city car with its revolutionary twin-lift hatchback door system, stylish and aggressive exterior and interior functionality, and a 1.6-liter common-rail diesel engine with six-speed transmission.
The look is aggressive with its rearward slanting, flat roof which the Mazda designers refer to as the flat top – as the 50s popular haircut in the US was called. It has a wedge design in the upper sections of the car. Its roof has pronounced edges and slopes down to the rear end which, when combined with the side and rear windows, creates an X-shaped C pillar in the shape of two wedges.
Its interior is characterized by a simple, geometric design and uses aluminum around the foot wells and in the luggage area. It is also flexible — the rear seats could be folded down to accommodate one’s luggage or better yet, the aluminum rear strut tower stiffeners located behind the rear sears could be removed.
The 1.6-liter MZ-CD powertrain achieves a sporty performance since it also has a six-speed automatic shift manual transmission, which enables the driver to maximize the engine’s torque and power. It also has a high level of environmental compatibility since it is equipped with a highly rigid block, a common-rail fuel injection and a DPF system for excellent emissions performance in a city that has a lot of traffic.
Do not mistake it for a toy — it isn’t. It’s Daihatsu’s unique styling concept for a modern-day city car that is easy to maneuver. It is what they recommend to just about anyone who just wants to maneuver the traffic with ease, what with its maximum speed. The Ai’s turning cycle is 6.8 m, which is the smallest for any compact car on the market. It means that making a U-turn or pulling over a narrow street could be managed with ease. It also has a sliding door on the passenger side, which makes it easy for the back seat passengers to go in and out when the car is parked on a narrow street.
For comments and suggestions, e-mail the author at yasminehidalgo@ yahoo.com.
What is a concept car? A concept car is a design study, reflecting the car makers’ vision of the future, which is based on the changing lifestyles and recreational needs of a future society. The production of a concept car does not necessarily mean that it will go into series production. So why then all that investment and money infusion into something that is not sure to be produced? Because a concept car also presents the direction the car maker is taking in the future in terms of the overall concept as well as the design and technology of their car models.
Take a look at how the automotive industry today is setting new standards in terms of functionality, design, safety, package contents and weight:
The car’s fuel tanks contain hydrogen, compressed under 350-bar pressure, and give the A-Class Fuel Cell an operating range of some 150 kilometers. Hydrogen consumption is equivalent to 4.2 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. The electric motor generates 65 kW, accelerating the compact Mercedes from 0 to 100 km/h in 16 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 140 km/h – enough power to equip the Fuel Cell for everyday conditions on the road.
Chevrolet Tahoe offers an in-car entertainment system — with its optional DVD-based Infotainment program for rear passengers. The Panasonic system comprises a DVD player that runs off the on-board power supply, an 18-cm. monitor that flips down from the roof, two sets of wireless headphones and infrared remote control.
The Saab 9-3 display developed by Delphi offers an Internet radio and TV that allows access to audio and video content from a variety of Web-based sources; premium audio with an 11-channel speaker system and even online gaming that allows passengers to play video games with people in other locations.
What can you expect from a stereo surround system? Besides the DVCD playback, other features are integrated into the acoustics system such as the intercom function, mobile telephony (hands-free function), playback of navigation system announcements, playback of acoustic warning signals in the vehicles with the appropriate spatial arrangement.
What makes it distinct is its wedge-shaped profile with its graphic treatment of the windscreen, whose upper crossbeam is linked to the roof and to the rear window by a single pencil stroke. The side window is sculpted like a diamond and protrudes from the side like a light cut through by an aluminum blade. The gull wing doors are made of carbon fiber and hinged below the windscreen with electrical power assist. The front section employs clear linear styling. The bonnet is scarred by two deep ribs that correspond to the engine inlet lungs. The rearview mirrors are replaced by two telecameras. The large rear window of heat-resistant glass is actually a sunroof made of two panels that slide under the boot lid.
The Audi Le Mans Quattro has a wide stance and a bullish appearance. It has a wheelbase of 2.65 meters, accommodating a spacious cockpit and the longitudinally installed V10 "biturbo" engine with FSI direct fuel injection behind it. It uses flat-strip led headlights which have clear-glass covers. Compared to other sports cars, Le Mans Quattro offers generous interior space.
Audi’s Aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) forms the central structure of this concept study. The outer skin and add-on parts use a weight-saving mixed aluminium and carbon-fibre concept, thus satisfying the demand for utmost rigidity at a simultaneously low weight of 1,530 kg.
The multivision display in the cockpit offers the driver more flexible information delivery and at the same time reduces fatigue. The dials and displays in the instrument cluster are programmable and their images can be optically combined with the aid of a semitransparent mirror. It has an advanced voice-operated control system and an ultrasound-based driver information that targets the sound at the driver so that only he/she can hear the information from the navigation system, the traffic news and other sound-based information sources, while the front passenger and rear passengers remain undisturbed.
Dunehawk has genuine off-road ability, thanks to its rugged chassis, ground clearance and advanced, electronically controlled all-mode 4x4 system. It also has an exceptionally roomy interior full of useful features, making it perfect for active families who need a versatile car to use for their broad range of activities. The rugged ladder frame chassis, short front and rear overhangs and dramatic 20-inch wheels allow Dunehawk to cross difficult terrain with ease. The ladder frame also provides the additional strength and rigidity which is essential for towing performance.
On either side of the console, the roof is glazed to help create an airy interior ambience. It also houses ventilation outlets and a DVD screen for rear seat entertainment. Dunehawk has a fully flexible seating arrangement. All seven seats can be folded electrically by remote control using a push button pad, to lower, fold flat or raise the seats individually or collectively. All the seats have full three-point harnesses for maximum family safety.
Roomster is a concept for a compact family vehicle. With its greater width and height, larger wheelbase and original interior arrangement, Roomster achieves roominess comparable with significantly larger vehicles. The rear door is made completely of glass and extends all the way to the rear bumper. The rear seats can be moved lengthwise by 750 mm and can also be folded, thus creating a luggage space equal to that of a small van.
Its optimized aerodynamic design enhances acoustic comfort and cuts fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. Citroën showcases its drive-by-wire technology by exploring a new area of expertise: All-electric controls for braking and steering functions. Using the benefits of drive-by-wire technology, C-Airdream reinvents the driving position. All driving controls are placed on the fixed hub of the steering wheel within easy reach.
The look is aggressive with its rearward slanting, flat roof which the Mazda designers refer to as the flat top – as the 50s popular haircut in the US was called. It has a wedge design in the upper sections of the car. Its roof has pronounced edges and slopes down to the rear end which, when combined with the side and rear windows, creates an X-shaped C pillar in the shape of two wedges.
Its interior is characterized by a simple, geometric design and uses aluminum around the foot wells and in the luggage area. It is also flexible — the rear seats could be folded down to accommodate one’s luggage or better yet, the aluminum rear strut tower stiffeners located behind the rear sears could be removed.
The 1.6-liter MZ-CD powertrain achieves a sporty performance since it also has a six-speed automatic shift manual transmission, which enables the driver to maximize the engine’s torque and power. It also has a high level of environmental compatibility since it is equipped with a highly rigid block, a common-rail fuel injection and a DPF system for excellent emissions performance in a city that has a lot of traffic.
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