Thursday, April 19, 2012

The future: Our cars in 2030 | automotto

posted on http://www.automotto.com
At the rate things are going, we look to be making some good progress in automobile manufacturing. Hybrids and EVs have come out to offer future commuters green forms of transport. While the designs of futuristic vehicles may not be the best aesthetically, what they pack is far more important than mere looks. They aim not only to cut down carbon emissions but clean the air as well besides being designed for more than one purpose. True, all are in the conceptual stage but come 2030 and we may just see these innovative vehicles flooding the market.

GM SAIC YeZ Concept inhales C02, emits oxygen

Technology
While efforts are being made to cut down CO2 emissions, GM and Chinese-based SAIC have come up with an even better concept: a car that not only has zero emissions but produces oxygen as well. Called YeZ, the idea may seem farfetched but the two companies look determined to make the concept a reality. The roof will sport solar panels and the wheels will be fitted with small wind turbines. Energy harnessed from the two sources will be stored in batteries. A high-tech system will allow YeZ to literally inhale carbon dioxide from surrounding air and emit oxygen.
The impact
YeZ is the first concept looking to reverse carbon footprints. A laser generator takes the concentrated CO2 discharged during photoelectric conversion and turns it into vehicular lighting or an AC refrigerant. This means that nothing goes to waste and whatever pollutants are generated are used to produce something useful.

BMW Self-Driving Car Concept with Connected Drive tech

Technology
Soon, drivers may just be an addition to a car if BMW makes its Self-Driving Car Concept real. The automaker is in the process of developing an intelligent vehicle that makes use of an array of sensors, radars, scanners and ultrasonic. While the car does require the presence of a driver, BMW’s objective is to have the individual interfere as little as possible with the vehicle’s function. The self-driving car has already been research driven and the automaker says that for it to operate safely, routes will have to mapped out perfectly.
The impact
If such intelligent vehicles can be manufactured perfectly, then self-driving cars could soon replace conventional vehicles. Similar to how the now standard airbag was developed, computer-aided systems could become a life-saving technology.

Amphibious Amphi-X vehicle

Technology
Beichen Nan has designed an amphibious car concept called Amphi-X for the Dubai of 2030. Unlike other amphibious vehicles, Amphi-X doesn’t sport an awkward propeller poking out from the rear or a large hull. The futuristic looking concept has sought to merge the appearance of a boat and a land-based vehicle into one in a very interesting looking design. No technical specs have been provided so it’s anybody’s guess what Amphi-X will incorporate in order to function.
The impact
In view of increasing congestion on land, Amphi-X will provide commuters an option to travel on other mediums like rivers and waterways.

MAG concept run by magnetic power

Technology
Magnetically propelled vehicle concepts seem to be on the rise with fuel issues plaguing everyone’s mind. Matus Prochaczka has conceived the MAG magnetic vehicle concept which uses magnets for propulsion instead of conventional fuel. The two-seater three-wheeled vehicle won the award for Unseen Technology at the 2007 Interior Motives Design award.
The impact
While magnets for propulsion do seem a good substitutes for fuel-run cars, the infrastructure required to lay down sufficient plates of magnets will incur huge costs. However, the concept itself is pretty ingenious and is one of the many solutions designers are working on to find alternative means of transport.

Bentley SenseS to integrate driver with vehicle

Technology
Genetic engineering, AI and biotechnology combine to give birth to the Bentley SenseS concept, a futuristic car that seeks to integrate the driver with the vehicle. The car will learn to grow with its owner to recognize his wants and needs, in essence, becoming an extension of the user so that it can intelligently gauge feelings and emotions.
The impact
Bentley SenseS concept is an extremely futuristic car so we must not expect it to become a reality anytime soon. However, the idea itself is pretty fascinating and if it could become a reality, then our cars could think like us and predict what we need.

Mercedes-Benz BIOME Concept

Technology
Mercedes’ BIOME Concept is an intriguing take on a futuristic car. It weighs a mere 394 kg and features a body, chassis and fuel storage made of a material called BioFibre. The organic material is grown in a nursery using Bionecta, a nutrient-rich substance harvested from trees. BIOME’s body is grown from the seed, maturing into a fully finished body in just a day. BioFibre is stated to be stronger than steel but lighter than metal and can purify the air surrounding it.
The impact
Like the Bentley SenseS, the BIOME Concept is something out of a science fiction story. But the potential for production seems huge if it ever comes to fruition, giving us the chance to do some good for the environment.

Self parking Peugeot Metromorph Concept Car

Technology
A balcony that turns into a car? That’s precisely what Peugeot’s Metromorph concept can do. While the idea seems bizarre, it wasn’t conceived without an objective. Lack of parking space is being witnessed all over the globe and by 2030, you can expect to drive around hours looking for a parking space. The Metromorph seeks to address this issue by turning the car into a balcony which can be parked on the side of a building.
The impact
The idea is pretty ingenious in view of the number of commuters facing parking woes. Of course, it’ll take years for such a concept to come to fruition but we like the thought of Peugeot coming up with something so far out.

Toyota Fun Vii - Touch screen car

Technology
The 2011 Tokyo Motor Show saw Toyota lifting the curtains off its Fun Vii touchscreen car. Dubbed ‘a smartphone on wheels’, the concept features an exterior with a display that’s custom friendly. For instance, if you want to show the world your favorite picture or text message, the exterior projects the content. Fun Vii also communicates with other road users through augmented reality navigation information which will predict road hazards to heighten the safety of its occupants.
The impact
While the display aspect is nothing more than a whimsical concept, the intelligent navigation system could significantly reduce road accidents.

Scarab Concept Car minimizes the use of parking space

Technology
Looking like a cross with a vintage and a futuristic vehicle, the Scarab Concept Car is made up of modular parts that can be customized to change the car’s appearance. Designed by David Miguel Moreira Gonçalves, the car is powered by a battery pack fueled by three options - battery, fuel cell or biofuel. It also incorporates GPS, LiDAR, sensors, transponders and multiple driving modes to make your drive as safe as possible.
The impact
While the idea of such a safe car is appealing, we can’t help but wonder about the strain put on the battery to power all the technologies applied.

Rinspeed iChange with Adaptive Energy Concept

Technology
The Rinspeed iChange concept is a car that makes use of an adaptive body to suit the number of occupants. The one-seater car can transform into a three-seater in a matter of seconds. The EV is driven by an electric motor paired with a lithium-ion battery pack. Control functions can be accessed via iPhones.
The impact
The Rinspeed iChange looks to be the perfect answer for a small family who can’t afford to purchase multiple vehicles. Not to mention, congestion would be greatly reduced if adaptive bodied cars were to be produced.

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