How to design communication for self-driving cars
Interview with safety expert Mikael Ljung Aust on how to design communication for self-driving cars
The exterior design of the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer brings lifestyle attributes and aesthetic sophistication together into a modern crossover character profile. The clean, reduced surface treatment exudes sporting prowess and assured presence. At the front end of the car, these qualities are expressed most prominently by the striking BMW kidney grille, with its increased dimensions, and the slim contours of the headlights. The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer comes as standard with full-LED headlights. Adaptive LED Headlights with cornering light function, non-dazzling matrix high beam, urban lights, a motorway beam pattern and bad weather light are on the options list. Much more heavily raked A-pillars compared to the predecessor model, a stretched side window graphic, flush-fitting door handles and slim C-pillars also play their part in the new car’s dynamic silhouette. The newly designed door shoulders around the A-pillars create much improved all-round visibility. With its broad shoulders and slim LED light units, the rear of the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer cuts a particularly muscular figure. The exhaust tailpipes are integrated into the rear apron out of sight on all model variants. Depending on the model variant, 16-inch or 17-inch light-alloy wheels are fitted as standard. Light-alloy wheels up to 19 inches in size are available as an option. The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer can also be ordered in Luxury Line trim or with an M Sport package as alternatives to basic specification. Two non-metallic and nine metallic paint finishes are available for the exterior.
Interview with safety expert Mikael Ljung Aust on how to design communication for self-driving cars
The Giulia GTA is instantly recognizable courtesy of an exclusive characterization that is both aesthetic and functional, confirming it is not an exercise in style but instead a high-performance vehicle derived from a mass-produced car, the exceptional Giulia Quadrifoglio. With the widespread use of ultralight materials, the Giulia GTA’s weight is reduced by up to 100 kg compared to the Giulia Quadrifoglio, and is powered by an upgraded version of the 540-hp Alfa Romeo 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo engine with a best-in-class weight-to-power ratio of 187 hp/L. It also delivers extraordinary performance, in terms of both its lap times on the track and its acceleration. With the Launch Mode system, it goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. Alfa Romeo engineers have worked to improve its aerodynamics and handling, but above all to reduce the weight, following the same guidelines as for the 1965 Giulia GTA. To achieve these objectives, widespread use has been made of components in carbon fiber and composite materials. The aerodynamics have been specially designed to increase downforce. These solutions embody technical expertise that comes straight from Formula 1, courtesy of the synergy with Sauber Engineering. They were entrusted with the aerodynamic appendages, the new rear spoiler – adjustable to 4 positions in the GTAm, and the active front splitter, which can be extended for use on the track by up to 40 mm on the GTAm. Other features developed include the Akrapovič central exhaust system in titanium, built into the rear diffuser in carbon fiber, and the 20-inch wheel rims with single locking nut, seen for the first time in a sedan, paired with specially selected Pilot Sport Cup 2 Michelin tires. The aerodynamic research in the wind tunnel was not limited to the aerodynamic appendages, it also focused on the specially developed fully faired underbody. The GTA and GTAm also benefit from a special new air extractor capable of increasing the car’s ground effect, thus guaranteeing excellent road holding at high speeds. More specifically, on the Giulia GTAm the most intense aerodynamic configuration mounts triple the increase compared to the Giulia Quadrifoglio, previously the benchmark in its class.
The EQE features a sporty 'purpose design' with all the characteristic elements of Mercedes-EQ, one-bow lines and cab-forward design. Sensual Purity is reflected in generously modelled surfaces, reduced joints and seamless transitions (seamless design). The overhangs and the front end are kept short, the rear provides the dynamic accent with a sharp rear spoiler. Flush with the outer edge of the body, the 19- to 21‑inch wheels, together with a pronounced muscular shoulder section, give the EQE an athletic character. Compared to the luxury liner EQS, the EQE is even more streamlined, with a slightly shorter wheelbase, shorter overhangs and more recessed flanks - it carries the concept of the business saloon into the future. The sporty, low and slim front of the EQE forms a coupé-like silhouette with a bow (one bow) stretched tightly over the greenhouse. The A-pillar, which has been moved far forward, and the C-pillar at the rear create space for a generous passenger compartment. Unique in this segment is the cab-forward design: The overhangs and the front-end assembly are short, the rear forms a dynamic accent with a sharp rear spoiler. Flush with the outer edge of the body, wheels of around 725 mm in size on 19- to 21-inch rims, together with a muscular shoulder section, give the EQE an athletic character.
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