Did you ever imagine a car made out of fabric? Who will think about such crazy idea?
The guys at BMW R&D have been pondering about the standard manufacturing process,the standard material that all cars use and came up with some questions, wondering about the possibilities of using an alternate material for the car's body, how will a new material cope up with the safety and regulations, what materials can be used? Does a car roof really have to rest on pillars and be bordered by windows? Do all functions have to be visible at all times, even when they are not needed(like the tail lights and head light)? How many customization options does a car offer? Are there any possible alternatives to the rigid body usually made of steel or plastic?and all sorts of questions that were never even thought of before.Soon they came up with an answer.They wanted to build a concept car, that would let them try all their ideas.The result -The GINA ,which is a light Visionary Model and it is a fabric -skinned sports car built by BMW. GINA stands for "Geometry and functions In 'N' Adaptions". It was designed by a team led by BMW’s head of design, Chris Bangle, who says GINA allowed his team to "challenge existing principles and conventional processes."other designers include Anders Warming.It is an innovative new exploration in car design. instead of the traditional steel and plastic body shell, the GINA concept uses a textile fabric sheets over a wire frame. This unique idea allows the car’s skin to change shape, stretching to match the position and curve of the wire frame.The car is currently on show at the BMW museum in Munich, Germany.
The futuristic design and the study they made from it shows how BMW designers are thinking outside the box when it comes to the materials that make up a car and how can the car be made friendly to the customer.But after viewing the extensive gallery of images of the car, you'll be amazed how much the outer skin looks like normal sheet-metal. Until, that is, you see how the doors open. They lift up in butterfly fashion and since there are no hinges on the doors, the fabric binds up beautifully as the door swings open.BMW says the flexible, stretchable water resistant and translucent artificial fabric skin is polyurethane-coated 'Spandex', is tough and durable. It resists high or low temperatures, does not swell or shrink when under pressure and the movement of the car, over time does not loosen or damage the fabric. The body changes its shape according to the car's speeds, and it also allows the driver to change its shape at his/her own accord. The fabric is supported by a movable frame.The shape altering are done using the movement of these frames.The shape of the frame is controlled by a number of electric motors and hydraulics, for example, the tail lights are revealed when small motors pull the fabric away, revealing the tail light. As the fabric is translucent the taillights shine through it.The car is a concept car, as said before.Hence it's made only to inspire the engineers in automobile industry and not the public, but already people are wondering when will this fabric skinned, shape changing car will be launched to the public.
The team that designed and built Gina wanted to challenge themselves by trying new ergonomics for the car, moving away from the standard car design, both exterior and interior were designed new like never before.They wanted to impliment the new technologies available in the material industryu, rather than the old sheet metal or alloys of metal.This paved way for revolutionary design and a revolutionary concept. The design of the car was due to BMW's group called Designworks USA, a subsidary company of BMW.It operates globally and has greatly inspired the design team at BMW Group Design.
Sometimes visions like these occur, that are not to be adopted, rather be inspired to,they are meant to steer creativity and research into new directions. This approach helps to tap into formerly inconceivable, innovative potential that reaches far beyond the appearance of future cars and takes into account not only materials and structures but also functions and manufacturing processes.In addition to the looks, the GINA also deals with ergonomics, the functional range and all other factors that affect customers' emotional relationship with their car.Like the head rest, the hud / display,the height of ride, the spoiler,etc.,
With the development of the GINA concept Model, the BMW has given exemplary solutions and inspirations to other designers and engineers around the world. Also this concept car has revolutionised how engineers and designers approach in creating a car-especially a future car.This concept ars showcases the potintial of the material industry and the possibilities of future innovations. All innovations that this car presents some factors like the ergonomics and aesthetics, the individual desire factor etc, which were all not considered important previously.Usually the safety and standards and looks will be more concentrated upon.
