Is BMW's i8 the Most Beautiful & Futuristic Hybrid Car Right Now?
BMW revealed the i8 Spyder at this year's CES, which turned heads and generated a lot of attention to its concept hybrid car.
The car looks straight out of "Tron: Legacy" and according to Mashable, the BMW i8 is the German car maker's embodiment of ideas for the future of automobiles.
As noted, the i8 nixed traditional mirrors in favor of cameras and screens. The car's dashboard has a 21-inch panoramic display mounted that is used to control the functions of the car. Moreover, it boasts a high-resolution display and a 3D instrument cluster, and what it does depends on the three different drive modes: Pure, Assist and Auto Mode.
Stuff reported the differences between the three modes. The Pure Mode provides optimum performance and lets the driver operate the i8 like a normal car. However, even if you're the one doing the driving, the safety systems are still on, but won't interfere.
Assist Mode on the other hand, relies on networking solutions to provide the driver the fastest journey time based on real time traffic, while also "shunting" an accident.
The Auto Mode, which the name suggests, fully controls the car. The car will accelerate, brake and steer independently, without the driver's intervention.
Moreover, when set to Auto Mode using the switch next to its steering wheel, the BMW i8 can manage highway driving all on its own. It also changes color and moves forward to give the "driver" more room and the seat takes on a "lounge profile" so it is easier to relax and interact with its giant display.
The Verge reported that it is still unclear whether this kind of interface setup would really be less distracting in practice compare to a traditional touchscreen. However, it may not be factor considering that the BMW i8's Vision Future Interaction concept is "highly automated" on command, which can be compared to Tesla Motor's "Autopilot" feature.
In addition, the luxury car company is also trying to figure out exactly how the user can interact with the car when it's driving itself.
BMW is also further developing its "AirTouch" technology that provides smooth human-machine control for all communication, information and entertainment function of the display unit. What's more, it lets the user operate it like a typical touch screen -- without actually touching its screen.
It remains to be seen when will the BMW i8 be officially released, but it won't be surprising if it comes sooner rather than later. With various car manufacturer working on its own versions of the driverless cars, it seems like the future is now and it's amazing.
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