Autoblog wrote:The BMW GINA Light Visionary Model that was seen via video being installed in the BMW Museum in Munich last week has finally been revealed, and the futuristic design study shows how BMW designers are thinking outside of the box when it comes to the materials that make up a car and also how the car relates to the driver. GINA stands for "Geometry and Functions in 'N' Adaptations", which basically means that designers from both BMW and BMW Group DesignworksUSA were allowed to throw out the rulebook. This is most evident in the GINA Light Visionary Model's outer skin, which is made entirely out of textile fabric that's pulled taut around a frame of metal and carbon fiber wires. The skeleton of the car is controlled by electro-hydraulic devices and can actually move and change shape beneath the fabric skin. For instance, the headlights of the concept can be exposed or hidden by the car's skin just like blinking eyes, and the hood opens from the center as the fabric parts to expose the engine.
ElZorro wrote:Now, of course, the engineer kicks in and I wonder how safe it is, weather proofing, etc...
Seeing as how the skin on our cars really doesn't add that much, they probably just add a couple of extra ribs under the skin for more protection. Even with the extra ribs, the new skin will save on weight.
Looks awesome, very cool idea... but I do wonder how it will hold up after a couple of seasons here or to the North. Also, will it tear easily? etc. etc.
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
ElZorro wrote:Now, of course, the engineer kicks in and I wonder how safe it is, weather proofing, etc...
Seeing as how the skin on our cars really doesn't add that much
Also, will it tear easily? etc. etc.
Yea, thats my point... ever have a bird hit your car? or a deer? or any sort of road debris? Look at the ding a small rock can make in your metal hood... If they've made a fabric that is that flexible and stretchable, that can return to its original shape, that can protect against flying rocks at 70mph, they have also invented low impact body armour for motorcycles and military use.
Jason "El Zorro" Fox '17 Subaru Forester 2.0XT
DCAWD - old coots in fast scoots.
ElZorro wrote:Now, of course, the engineer kicks in and I wonder how safe it is, weather proofing, etc...
Seeing as how the skin on our cars really doesn't add that much
Also, will it tear easily? etc. etc.
Yea, thats my point... ever have a bird hit your car? or a deer? or any sort of road debris? Look at the ding a small rock can make in your metal hood... If they've made a fabric that is that flexible and stretchable, that can return to its original shape, that can protect against flying rocks at 70mph, they have also invented low impact body armour for motorcycles and military use.
i really like the concept. But I think they would have to make the fabric cost-effective too. Certainly no worse than carbon fiber on a per-panel basis. Even the slightest tear is going to be worse than a scratch or ding on metal/plastic panesl. If someone keys my Bimmer, I don't want to spend $15K on a new pool liner.
legasleeper wrote:I'm just trying to refocus my attention away from the obvious target of my juvenile sense of humor.
You mean the fact that the hood looks like a vagina?
WHAT!?!
Yeah, I saw the hood with what looked like fingers opening it first. Twas only then I realized they named the thing the GINA. Somebody at BMW has a sense of humor.
i really like the concept. But I think they would have to make the fabric cost-effective too. Certainly no worse than carbon fiber on a per-panel basis. Even the slightest tear is going to be worse than a scratch or ding on metal/plastic panesl. If someone keys my Bimmer, I don't want to spend $15K on a new pool liner.
