Vision ConnectedDrive (Germany, 2011)

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, BMW presents a new two-seater sports car concept, the Vision ConnectedDrive. The study vehicle showcases a new design language and advanced technologies that give a preview of the brand’s future range-topping hybrid sports car planned for 2013.

The Vision ConnectedDrive BMW is testing ground for new ideas on design, electrically assisted driveline architecture and programmable information displays, including a new three-dimensional driver interface. These technologies are also featured on the Megacity electric-car. Giving a glimpse of how future BMW production models might look like, BMW design boss, Adrian van Hooydonk gave the Vision ConnectedDrive round headlamps and traditional L-shaped tail lamps.

The looks of the Vision ConnectDrive have been inspired in former BMW cars. While the long hood and short tail have been part of the brand’s philosophy since the iconic 507, the nose front end, with a forward-leaning kidney grille and headlamps hidden underneath the leading edge of the hood, were inspired on the 3.0 CSi. Like the Vision EfficientDynamics concept shown in 2009, the Vision ConnectedDrive also uses the so-called layered surface elements.

The cabin on the Vision EfficientDynamics has been placed well back in a lengthy wheelbase with short overhangs. The driving seat is surrounded by a high-rising center console which separates the left-hand side of the cabin from the right. The traditional mirrors are replaced by rear-facing cameras on antennas, which have been designed to provide a high-speed mobile Internet connection.

To add a little bit of drama to the concept car, the design team added a frameless windscreen, which provides basic protection from the elements. Two domes have also been added over the trunk lid. Inspired by the Z1, the high doors have no hinges. Instead, they automatically drop into the bodywork when the door is opened, enabling entry over a high sill.

The use of LED has been liberalized on the Vision ConnectedDrive and is an integral part of its design. Besides the headlamps and tail lamps, BMW design team has included three streams of light that travels along the bodywork and the cabin. Each stream has different color with red indicating, safety, blue infotainment and green comfort.