Image: BMW Group
If you’re lucky enough to be attending this year’s Geneva Auto Show, stop by the BMW exhibit and feast your eyes on their latest concept, called the “BMW Vision ConnectedDrive”. Vaguely reminiscent of a cross between a current Z4 and a channel catfish, the Island-Of-Dr.-Moreau creation is meant to serve as a platform to highlight advanced telematics systems. The concept is electric powered, although BMW has deliberately avoided giving specifics on range or capabilities since the Vision ConnectedDrive concept is merely a design study.
Image: BMW Group
As far as I can tell from BMW’s vaguely worded press release, the car is meant to highlight BMW’s idea of a connected future. They don’t give details, but it’s safe to assume the car will include voice-command operated internet access; real-time traffic, weather and sports; voice to text e-mail and social media updates; vehicle status and service monitoring and an interface with smartphone calenders. Most of this is just my educated guess, because here’s what BMW’s press release had to say:
The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive study demonstrates current and future methods of mobile networking in a particularly focused way. The design and technology of this spectacular roadster are aimed at making the vehicle an integral part of a networked world. Comfort, safety and the infotainment experience in the vehicle can be precisely optimised by the innovative functionality, individually tailored to suit the requirements of both the driver and passenger. New technologies and design concepts are employed to add even more facets to the unmistakable BMW driving pleasure.
Image: BMW Group
Does anyone else find it ironic that BMW is highlighting a concept car with advanced telematics, yet still charging extra for such things as Bluetooth and iPod integration on their 2011 cars?
Source: BMW Group
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
