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BMW has always been slightly ahead of its time when it comes to merging new technologies in their vehicles.

Ahead of the 2011 Geneva Auto Show debut next month, BMW has released images of their new concept vehicle called the Vision ConnectedDrive which takes information technology advancements to whole new level.

Closely resembling a Vision EfficientDynamics roadster, the VCD adopts BMW’s “layering” design theme which attempts to break up large surfaces to give the vehicle a lighter, more organic appearance. Most notably, the car has electro- mechanical retracting doors which recall the Z1 and are perfectly road-legal in the retracted position.

The interior of the concept aims to allow driver and passenger to equally engage and share information. The driver can view 3d navigation and alert information on an enhanced head-up display overlaid on the road ahead, similar to an augmented reality display. The benefit here is taking navigation information typically displayed on a separate screen currently and merging that into a real world view. Located below is a customizable instrument cluster which presents information in 3d and can be optimized to present information based on relevance to the current driving conditions.

Even your phone will have a role in the VCD. BMW envisions that your smartphone will instantly link to the vehicle as soon as you enter. This will ensure drivers have full access to all of their apps, notifications, messages and contacts. While that sounds a bit 20th century, the system also boasts an augmented reality interface which can be shown on the head-up display and used to automatically drive the car without human interaction. Per BMW’s example, you’d go to a restaurant, exit the car and the vehicle would use the internet to locate a parking garage, drive to it, and park.

Another interesting feature is the Emotional Browser. Using a series of sensors located in the headlights, taillights and side mirrors, the car can gather information in real time during each journey.

If this is the way the car of tomorrow is headed, you may as well take out the steering wheel and just let the car do its thing.

[Cheers bmwblog.com]