New BMW GINA Light Visionary Model
BMW GINA Light Visionary Model - touching cloth
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 10 June 2008
BMW has teased the GINA Light Visionary Model - BMW’s new research vehicle and answer to Mercedes' F700 Research Car.
BMW has been working on the GINA Light Visionary for almost a decade and the model houses all of the German manufacturer's technology, design and research from that period.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the GINA is that its made not from steel, aluminium or even carbon fibre, but from cloth.
The polyethylene-coated Lycra fabric is stretched across a meshwork formed from metal wires, with moveable aluminium structures electro-hydraulically controllable to allow the flexible fabric skin take on new shapes. The fabric can resist water, high or low temperatures and doesn’t swell or shrink.
The driver can activate a sensor to lift the beltline slightly to form a more aggressive stance, while the GINA reacts to a door opening by swivelling the centre console and instrument panel towards the driver, while invisible headrests rise from the seats.
BMW design chief Chris Bangle says that the GINA foreshadows what car-buyers will expect in a decade's time, but the concept is already influencing new models such as the mini-SUV X1, due out in the near future.
The car is based on the Z8 roadster chassis and foresees a time when owners will be able to choose from a variety of outer shapes and functions surrounding a chassis.
We're not entirely sure of the necessity or significance of this design study from BMW, but Chris Bangle's gotta earn his keep somehow, and we don't think it's quite as ridiculous as the BMW X6.
BMW has released the first official pictures of the new X1 compact SUV concept, ahead of its debut this week at the Paris Show.
The revised versions of the BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring estate models for 2009 went on sale in the UK from 20 September.
The mid-life refresh for the BMW 3 Series saloon and Touring models ramps up performance and economy and cuts emissions, but how does the 3 Series measure up to the new C-Class and A4?
In a car industry struck by rising taxes and fuel costs, the introduction of a supercar convertible costing £55K might have been expected to dent BMW M3 Convertible sales.
The new BMW M3 Convertible review may cost a fortune to buy and run but offers staggering performance and awesome handling. If you're one of the few that can still afford it, you'd be advised to consider the M3 drop-top.
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