GINA Light Visionary

[Apex 693]

leftlanenews.com

As promised, BMW today revealed photos and more information on its GINA Light Visionary Model sports car concept that features fabric body panels. Various motors and rib-like structures sit underneath the stretch-resistant synthetic fabric and change the shape and function of various aspects of the car based on conditions or driver wishes.

Built on the discontinued BMW Z8 platform — complete with its 5.0-liter V8 — the GINA Light Visionary shares design cues from BMW's current production models and appears to be a preview of the next-generation Z4. BMW's design chief, Chris Bangle, hopes the car is a showcase of what could be possible in 10 years' time, when drivers could choose a shape for their vehicle at the touch of a button.

The GINA's innovative body is underpinned by wires or flexible carbon struts where movement is needed, such as in ducts, doors and rear spoiler. There are no gaps between body and door, for example, as the flexible fabric acts like a hinge itself. When not needed, the headlights are covered by the fabric skin, and turn signals are likewise invisible until they are switched on, revealing only their light source through the translucent skin.

At higher speed, the rear trunk lid spoiler grows for additional stability. The size of the intake can also be adjusted, providing more cooling or induction air for the engine, as needed. Doing so means the material needs to go somewhere, and extra character lines, as BMW puts it — we say folds — give the car a slightly different look. The movements extend into the interior as well, with the steering wheel and instruments sitting idle until settling into position around the driver, after a button is pressed.

While a production car with such stretchable body panels is not likely to make it into production any time soon, Bangle says the experience helped BMW's stylists push the envelope with steel forming in its products.

GINA loosely stands for Geometry and Functions in "N" Adaptations.

Source: http://www.leftlanenews.com/bmw-gina.html

Edited June 11, 2008 by Apex

[bravo 34]

I like the idea. It is good to see designers thinking outside the box. For all the crap directed at Bangle, more and more and more people (this forum included) have started saying things like "that's hot" etc to mildly modified Bangle designs.

Obviously production cars like this are a long way off, but I wouldn't be surprised to see aspects of this philosophy filter through in some of the next models.

I see a few possibly problems if we assume that the car comes through the design process relatively in tact - cleaning and caring for the "skin". Accident repairs etc could all make it impractical to make its way to production. Very cool idea.

[Apex 693]

It looks like a Z4 on ecstasy.. I like it.

funny that you make reference to the Chris Bangle designs, I for one actually like them and see them mimicked in so many ways by different manufacturers now. Ugly no. Innovative yes.

[Yuen 16]

It's pretty cool - I really like the 'eyes'. Also wonder how much it would cost to get a new skin, say if someone vandalises yours, etc. I'm guessing they will come up with a tough fabric, will be interesting to see how this develops.

If textiles take off, it might spell the death of the car polishing industry in the long term. Maybe they'll make skincare products for cars.

[Fai+H777 0]

I was about to post this

Heres a link with video: http://jonsibal.com/blog/?p=166

[Fai+H777 0]

Ah video was in your link...

[Apex 693]

Hey I could embroider & screen-print cars.. Could work out good for people in my trade.

[Fai+H777 0]

Hey I could embroider & screen-print cars.. Could work out good for people in my trade.

Graham, sew me a Gallardo