Products & Solutions

Innovative use of space in concept car

i3 Interior Demonstrator
The alignment of the interior to the needs of the driver played a particularly important role in the i3 interior demonstrator: The area behind the first row of seats was designed for individual use, offered storage space and created a new feeling of spaciousness. This was made possible by the Slim Seat, which had a unique slim backrest and yet was just as safe and comfortable as conventional seats. In addition, the second row of seats also played a part: In its normal position it was invisible so that the free space could be used for storage. If necessary, the rear seat row folded out for two passengers at the touch of a button. This was enabled by the Mechatronic Release mechanism rather than by motors. Furthermore, a special technology allowed the seats to provide contour and side support in their upright position, while the side bolsters were pulled into the backrest when stowed, thus reducing height. New seat foam in the rear and front seats reduceed vibration and provided long-lasting comfort.

Both comfort and ergonomics continued to be of the essence.

Electronic innovations for enhanced ergonomics and comfort
A hybrid cluster optimized the interface between humans and machines, meaning less time was needed for processing information which diverted drivers’ attention. This was achieved by using superimposed digital information which was linked up to an analog instrument cluster. To the right and left of the instrument cluster were two smaller segmented displays which enabled the representation of different information. The information views changed as the displays were shifted upwards or downwards.

A new, highly convenient interface solution linked mobile devices to the vehicle. It allowed, for example, mobile communication units and navigation systems as well as MP3 players to communicate with the vehicle. The advantage was that the driver no longer needed to operate the small buttons of the mobile devices since they could be controlled via voice, the multicontroller or operating controls in the steering wheel. The information could then be easily read from the display in the instrument cluster or instrument panel. The external devices were stowed out of sight and connected to the vehicle in a separate compartment in the armrest.

New processes for better surfaces
The armrests and the seats were fitted with soft nubuck leather. All other surfaces were manufactured using new processes: Johnson Controls used the two-color RIM alpha process to manufacture the instrument panel. The advantage of this process is that wall thickness can be controlled, making it particularly suitable for airbag integration. The new PP Thin Film technology was used to create the other surfaces, offering a high quality look for all products in the vehicle interior.

Environmental protection a top priority
The focus was on environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions. For example, a plug-in hybrid battery in the trunk of the concept car provided for low-emission operation making it less dependent on crude-oil-based resources. It was not only the battery, however, that was based on an environmentally friendly approach: The company set great store by the fact that the concept car already fulfilled the requirements of the 2015 ELV directive that stipulates 95 percent recyclability.
VIRTUAL CONCEPT CAR
VIRTUAL CONCEPT CAR
PRESS CONFERENCE 2007
Press conference 2007
I3 INTERIOR DEMONSTRATOR
Seating
- Slim Seat
- Rear Seat Flexibility
Interiors
- PP Thin Film
- RIM alpha 2 color
Electronics
- Hybrid Instrument Cluster
- Mobile Device Gateway
i3 (2007)
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