BMW is known for its art cars, but apparently is taking the concept to a whole new level. During the recent CES 2022 consumer electronics show, BMW unveiled a vehicle exterior that changes color, technology that displays digital art in a vehicle’s interior, announced a 31-inch theater-style infotainment screen, and reported working with Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer on soundscapes for electric vehicles.
Once upon a time, BMW’s art cars were simply painted on the exterior by a series of famous artists. But with “E ink,” not only can the vehicle change color, it can display words and even flash brightly for easier discovery in a parking lot.
“My Modes allow the driver to tailor the atmosphere in the interior entirely to their personal mood and the driving experience they want,” BMW said of its interior features. “With the BMX iX Flow featuring E ink… the Munich-based premium car manufacturer is offering the prospect of a future technology that uses digitization to also adapt the exterior of a vehicle to different situations and individual wishes.”
The adjustable color and patterns are done through a specially developed body wrap that can be simulated by electric signals that bring different color pigments to the surface.
The Digital Art Mode was displayed within the new BMW iX M60 and was created by Chinese multimedia artist Cao Fei, who in 2017 was responsible for one of the acclaimed BMW art cars.
“The feature will be made available for other BMW series vehicles in 2022,” BMW said, adding the technology can “transform mobility into an individual, highly exclusive and emotional experience.”
Enhancing the experience is the My Mode Theatre screen with 8k resolution and with entertainment presented in conjunction with Amazon. Further, BMW and composer Zimmer will debut special soundscapes in the BMW i4 and iX models.
“I’ve always been a BMW enthusiast,” Zimmer is quoted. “As a child, I would recognize the sound of my mother’s BMW when she came home. I am delighted to have the opportunity to design the sound of future electric BMW models and create emotions for the electric driving experience of tomorrow.”
Toyota reveals Capstone Tundra
Now that Toyota has rolled out its all-new 2022 Tundra full-size pickup truck, the automaker seeks a piece of the high-end truck market with its new Tundra Capstone grade model.
The new premium version comes with 22-inch chrome wheels, semi-aniline leather seating in a “plush” interior, standard power running boards and BedStep, towing technology package and 10-inch color head-up display in addition to the 14-inch central touchscreen.
Turkish automaker makes debut
Togg says it’s a technology company, but it plans to showcase Turkey’s capabilities in automotive production by launching its brand of “advanced smart mobility” devices. Togg unveiled its concept vehicle at the recent CES event in Las Vegas.
“The transformation that occurred in the mobile phone industry in response to changing user expectations is occurring in the automotive industry today,” said chief executive Gurcan Karakas. “More agile, creative, collaborative, user-centric organizations, not necessarily the big and established brands, will be the most successful in the near future.
“The race in this field is just beginning, and we are in this race. Moreover, we have a significant advantage because we were born into this world.”
Togg says it plans electric vehicles in five segments by 2030, with production beginning in 2022 of a mid-size sport utility vehicle.
Vietnamese automaker sets pricing
Vietnam-based automaker VinFast made its US debut at the recent Los Angeles auto show to display its Italian-designed vehicles and was in Las Vegas at CES to announce it will go all-electric by the end of 2022 and plans to produce vehicles in each of five passenger car/crossover size segments.
VinFast also announced that its larger VF 8 model will have a base price of $41,000 and its largest, the VF 9, will start at $56,000.
Deere unveils new Gators
John Deere, which produces more than farm implements, has unveiled its new and auto-inspired Signature Edition Gator utility vehicles. The company said the XUV835R and XUV865R were “designed with premium, automotive inspired features that take John Deere’s line of utility vehicles to the next level for customers.”
Features include a climate-controlled cabin, easier shifting, revised instrumentation, and 4-wheel-drive and diff lock at the flip of a switch. The new vehicles also offer leather seating; a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration, satellite radio and rearview camera; 7-speaker Harmon sound system; sliding rear window; roof-mounted driving lights; and a new bumper pro-brush guard with rubber bumpers for such chores as pushing gates and a center screen to keep debris away from the radiator.
The vehicles will be available beginning in April, the company added.
