Visteon and 3M have come together to produce a concept car showcasing more than fifty innovative technologies from the two tier one suppliers, writes Ian Adcock.
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Based on a BMW X3, the ‘X-Wave’ is the second vehicle the pair has developed and is aimed at appealing to European OEMs and was recently debuted at Visteon’s Kerpen, Germany, headquarters.
Visteon and 3M combined the results with insights from advanced trends analysis to establish a future driven concept vehicle with developments concentrated in six main areas: comfort, connectivity, convenience, health, flexibility or individualism and sensorial experiences to establish key trends impacting future automotive design.
Dominating the interior is Visteon’s Integrated Centre Panel. The ultra-thin, twisted helix shaped panel incorporates field-effect controls for climate, audio and multimedia functions that only became visible when the operators hand or finger came within close proximity. On touching the control there is a haptic feedback, such as a pulse, to let the operator know the command is being processed.
Wireless connectivity technologies embedded into the interior also allows personal devices such as iPods, mobile ‘phones and other devices to be connected to the vehicle’s audio system and controls using USB or Bluetooth.
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By GlobalDataTo help accommodate these devices Visteon has developed a console lid that permits access from both the front and rear seats, featuring a multi-axis hinge that allows the lid to flip and fold.
X-Wave also featured two Visteon Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems that uses application ready R744 refrigerant which consumes up to 25 per cent less fuel, reducing tail pipe CO2 emissions by 7g/kms. The Straight Airflow Path (SAP) HVAC and the flat auxiliary HVAC free up valuable interior space allowing the design team to shift the instrument panel forward improving interior accommodation and creating room for a dual storage glove box. Whilst the compact nature of the Flat HVAC means it can be located under the driver’s seat providing softer air diffusion for rear seat passengers and incorporates an Ion generator to improve overall air quality.
Among the highlights presented by 3M are innovations to enhance the visualisation of information using a 3D driver information cluster, 3D virtual imaging and transmissive film.
The 3M 3D driver information cluster provides a ‘true’ 3D display with a stereoscopic effect that can be seen without the need for special glasses. The innovative film technology can be used for a variety of display applications including the instrumentation as well as navigation systems. The information can vary according to the occupant’s location, e.g. driver and passenger, whilst it can also revert to two-dimensional if desired. It also features adjustable depth effect and viewing angle and is expected to be production ready by 2010.
“3D feeling” will be further enhanced by virtual imagining on interior surfaces with both light reflecting as well as light transmitting films that could be used to produce 3D graphical representations of the manufacturer’s logo or a multicoloured speedometer, for example. Whilst 3M’s innovative Transmissive Film enables designers to create large uncluttered surfaces behind which are hidden displays that only come to life when needed.
“3M and Visteon intend to use the demonstration vehicle as a centrepiece in discussions with automakers about future technologies,” said John Jackson, technical director 3M Deutschland GmbH. Visteon’s vice president of global electronics and innovation, Steve Meszaros described this type of collaborative approach as a “cornerstone” in Visteon’s innovation strategy.
Ian Adcock
