This morning BMW took the virtual wraps off of the Vision ConnectedDrive concept car.The two-seat roadster concept gives BMW a platform for not only design but technology. Specifically the concept shows the car as afully integrated part of the networked world.It is with this concept that BMW presents the potential of current and future in-car technology for optimizing comfort, safety and infotainment.

But it ‘s design where we tend to focus first and the ConnectedDrive Concept gives us a unique glimpse into the future of BMW. Most notable is the shark-nose that is eerily reminiscent of 1980 ‘s BMWs. With the headlights nestled below the hood and in the grille this concept, more than any in recent memory, reinterprets some of BMW ‘s classic design language. But it ‘s not merely a retro statement as these design elements help the car work within EU pedestrian impact regulations while keeping the car as slippery as possible.

Perhaps just as important it looks great. In fact the original drawings (which promise something even a bit more aggressive) give us even a further glimpse into what could come in the future. Yes the connected elements of this concept are fascinating. But for us it ‘s the packaging and the design that give us something to look forward to.

Official Release: The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive employs a layering principal in its design, demonstrating the bond between the driver, passenger, vehicle and the surrounding environment.This is visualised by the complex light installation which shows the path of data exchange with the driver and passenger as the start and end point of each interaction. (Full gallery after the break)

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The interior is divided into three layers – comfort, infotainment and safety – each with a corresponding light installation. Each layer is defined by a colour, rhythm, motion and texture and, through the transparent surfaces the path taken by the information can be seen via fiber optic lighting.

The first layer focuses on safety, with a red light wrapping around the driver and coming together in a cone on the bonnet.This represents the flow of safety-specific information and the driver’s focus on the road ahead.The second layer encompasses the safety layer and extends to the passenger cell, focusing on infotainment.This layer promotes active social exchangement between the driver and passenger and is outlined by the blue ribbon of light.The final layer, defined by the green light flow, concentrates on the interaction of the vehicle with the world around it.The emphasis is on the outside of the vehicle, starting and ending with the two antennas, in place of wing mirrors, providing the data link to the surrounding environment.

The layering principal in the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive requires individual components to perform a number of roles.This can be seen in the headlights and rear lights with their integrated sensors monitoring the traffic and external environment which feed information directly to the driver allowing him to take appropriate action.

The concept embodies the dynamic BMW design language with its long wheelbase, set back seating position and long bonnet but combines it with taut surfaces and distinctive flowing lines.This results in an interesting play of light and shadow making the car appear as if it is accelerating even at a standstill.The sliding doors, inspired by those on the BMW Z1, disappear into the body of the car.This allows the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive to be driven with the doors open, emphasising the link between the vehicle and its environment.

The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive showcases the current and future capabilities of BMW’s ConnectedDrive technologies.Advanced Head-Up Display takes the technology currently available in production BMWs even further, placing a three-dimensional display of key information in the direct sight line of the driver, eliminating the need for the driver’s eyes to refocus.The three-dimensional display allows the real view to be overlaid with virtual information, highlighting hazards allowing the driver to assimilate all of the information quickly and take appropriate action.

In addition to Advanced Head-Up Display the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive is equipped with a freely programmable instrument cluster to provide the driver with additional information, optically emphasised to a greater or lesser degree.While for the first time passengers get their own information display, out of the driver’s field of vision, allowing them to evaluate information, music or navigation details and pass them onto the driver with a simple touch of a finger.

The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive demonstrates the interaction between the driver and the passenger and shows how networking with the environment can reach new levels.For more information please visit www.visionconnecteddrive.de.