BMW lighten up
August 15, 2008 Posted by: Faye Sunderland
A good end to the week now, with a picture of BMW’s extraordinary concept, the GINA Light.
BMW proclaim that customers looking to buy in the premium segment demand cars that stir emotions and allow them to “express their individuality”. If the GINA Light’s key ideas ever escape into mainstream manufacture, you will have no trouble standing out.
The GINA (Geometry and Functions In “N” Adaptions) principle grants more freedom for car design. It allows the creation of products with a design and functional range that express individuality and meet the wide variety of requirements of those who are using them.
BMW dare to ask; does a car roof really have to rest on pillars and be bordered by windows? Do all functions have to be visible at all times, even when they are not needed? How many personalisation options can we offer? Are there any possible alternatives to the rigid body shell made of steel or plastic?
The GINA Light answers these questions, with a fabric outer shell which reveals the headlights when needed. The engine is exposed when needed. A flexible, Neoprene-covered instrument panel as featured on the BMW CS1 concept car of 2002, allows the driver’s attention to focus on the required functions, while covering others. This situation-oriented variability of form and function invites the driver to interact with his car.
The GINA philosophy could mean less reliance on scarce and expensive mineral material and an easier and less energy-intensive manufacturing process. A minimalist approach to the use of components and production stages would yield ecological and economic benefits. A lighter overall body weight of the car would improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions. Nothing is yet known about when we will see more of this eccentric idea, but it could prove to be an important and ground-breaking idea for BMW.
