Thursday 10th February 2011

Revealed: New BMW Roadster Concept

'Vision ConnectedDrive' Geneva show car heralds latest styling and tech developments

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It may have an ugly name, but BMW will be hoping we all like the look of its Vision ConnectedDrive roadster concept. It's going to be unveiled at the Geneva motor show, and is said to herald the styling themes for the production version of the Vision Efficient Dynamics sports car - and other models besides.

Although this set of pictures has been released today, BMW doesn't say much about the concept in its press release. To wit:

"The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive study demonstrates current and future methods of mobile networking in a particularly focused way. The design and technology of this spectacular roadster are aimed at making the vehicle an integral part of a networked world. Comfort, safety and the infotainment experience in the vehicle can be precisely optimised by the innovative functionality, individually tailored to suit the requirements of both the driver and passenger. New technologies and design concepts are employed to add even more facets to the unmistakable BMW driving pleasure."

Reports from Germany suggest that as well as featuring a new 3-D 'driver interface', the roadster concept has styling features that reflect the direction of travel for future BMW production models.

From where we're sitting, that looks like pretty good news - the roadster's got suitably sharky features that would bring a refreshing level of extra dynamism to the BMW family face, and those complex layered surfaces are eye-catching too. The roadster also features doors that slide into the sills, much like the old Z1.

On the technical front, the official graphics show a new 3-D Head-Up Display. Reports suggest this allows the driver to prioritise information by moving it closer or further away in their vision, but we're struggling to understand exactly what's going on in the image supplied...

[Mermaid]

Getting better

[pilchardthecat]

It's a bit too TRON for me.

I suppose it is a concept car though!

[Ozzie Osmond]

"The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive study demonstrates current and future methods of mobile networking in a particularly focused way. New technologies and design concepts are employed to add even more facets to the unmistakable BMW driving pleasure."

Pretentious drivel - both the writing and the design IMO!

[wackojacko]

I rather like the look of that.......

[ploz]

Are strips of teal mood lighting in concept cars compulsory now? The Jaguar CX-75 went overboard on it in my view and this might even be worse. I do hope the lighting never gets to market - ther rest of the car looks pretty good though.

[Driller]

wackojacko said:

I rather like the look of that.......

With a user name like that I wouldn't be surprised

[Agoogy]

A good direction, only bit that doesn't work IMO is the the bit in front of the front wheels, shrouding the lights...
..and yes the streams of blue lights are this year's must have concept identifier! Nissan sporty EV thing had them too...

[Black S2K]

Agoogy said:

...and yes the streams of blue lights are this year's must have concept identifier! Nissan sporty EV thing had them too...

Funny how stylists are always a few years behind the barry/rice boys...

[PaulMoor]

Asymetric cars. Hate them, even if they do have a bit of '50s 507 to them.

[James Dean]

Overstyled, trying way too hard. BMW's design certainly don't have the magic that it used it to. Looks like a toy car.

Not impressed.

[vintageracer01]

James Dean said:

Overstyled, trying way too hard. BMW's design certainly don't have the magic that it used it to. Looks like a toy car.

Not impressed.

Agreed !

[annodomini2]

[davepoth]

Looks an awful lot like the last Alfa roadster concept...

[James Dean]

davepoth said:

Looks an awful lot like the last Alfa roadster concept...

In which way?

vs.

[Chris-R]

James Dean said:

In which way?

vs.

An interesting comparison though. Does the BMW make the 'Alfa' look rudimentary, or is less more?

[georgetuk]

U G L Y you ain't got no alibi, you ugly!

[Hellbound]

I don't know if I like it. Strangely though, I want one.

[Sicob]

Any manufactured version is likely to look absolutely nothing like this. As much as I like a good concept car, it's a shame that it generally doesn't translate to the real world. Only so much as styling ques!

[Life Saab Itch]

They've nicked the bootlid directly from the 1955 Mille Miglia winning Mercedes 300SLR.

[Matt UK]

James Dean said:

Overstyled, trying way too hard. BMW's design certainly don't have the magic that it used it to.

I'm tempted to agree.

I often find I'm very unmoved by anything new from BMW. Which is a shame, as 10 yrs ago their designs were fantastic whilst at the same time remain subtle and purposeful.