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BMW's series of Vision concepts have traditionally displayed ideas or technologies the automaker believes will be key to future automobiles. The new BMW Vision ConnectedDrive concept coming to the 2011 Geneva auto show appears to abide by that formula.
BMW hasn't released any powertrain specifications or mechanical details -- that's not surprising, as the ConnectedDrive is purely meant to push the boundaries of design, particularly when it comes to the human-machine interface (HMI). According to the Bavarian automaker, the concept "extrapolates the principle of intelligent networking of drive, vehicle, and the outside world." Roughly translated, there's some fanciful technology packed into the interior.
The ConnectedDrive's cabin design is remarkably simplistic, consisting largely of a single gauge binnacle, a shifter and iDrive controller on the center console, and a sweeping dashboard. This design is largely possible by adopting an advanced 3-D heads-up display, which can arrange information -- including navigation directions -- into the foreground and background, depending on the importance. A secondary display, located above the steering column, appears to house secondary information, including GPS maps, gear selection, and other items.
Although that feature may be more playful than prescient, the Vision ConnectedDrive may be rather rooted in reality. BMW may or may not be looking at adding a sub-Z4 roadster to its portfolio (particularly one with Z1-style sliding doors), but we hear a number of design cues -- particularly the front fascia and the L-shaped tail lights -- are precursors to design cues that will appear in future BMW models. Even the cabin's technological highlights -- including the fanciful 3-D HUD -- are already being pursued by several automakers for use in production vehicles. BMW suggests a similar display could potentially be incorporated into its future electric models, including the MegaCity commuter car and the i8 sports coupe.