BMW Introduces GINA Concept Car, Covered In Fabric

smithtuna33 writes "Ever wondered what the metal skin on your car is actually good for? Engineers at BMW have decided that fabric might work just as well. The doors literally peel away from the side of the car, the engine bay opens up down the middle, and pretty much everything (such as headlamps) is hidden until the fabric reveals it. It is a stunning concept that has already been influencing BMW's designs. The video is well worth watching."

Appropriate name

[badboy_tw2002]

I'd call a car made out of nice fabrics a 'gina too!

Finally..

[mrbluze]

the skinnable car!

It winked!

[mortonda]

Any car that winks at you has to be taken seriously... ;)

Re:It winked!

[mrbluze]

On the youtube link someone posted a comment I had to quote: people dont want a car that feels like a condom. ROFL

Re:Very cool

[mortonda]

Gives a new concept to Transformers, doesn't it? They can now wear clothes!

Re:Very cool

[mrbluze]

And how do you wash the car?

Take it to the dry cleaner?

Re:Very cool

[carlvlad]

And what's even cooler is when the colour fades out after years of washing, it's like having a repaint job!

Re:hope they thought this through

[Max Littlemore]

I can see this becoming the norm if all the kinks are worked out.

It's fabric. The kinks don't get worked out, they get ironed out. Pay attention.

Re:It winked!

[ozmanjusri]

people dont want a car that feels like a condom

BMW drivers do.

They're all dicks.

Re:Appropriate name

[dotancohen]

I'd call a car made out of nice fabrics a 'gina too!

A vagina analogy in a car forum! Welcome to dotslash!

I swear that technology like this is the reason that I am studying to become an engineer. Not only to help design them, which I would love to do, but to afford them when they become available. Expect to see me first in line when this technology becomes available in a consumer vehicle.

Re:Finally..

[Zymergy]

Great! Now the kids are gonna want designer 'clothes' for their cars.
A Ralph Lauren skin, or a Prada Skin, and even some of those ludicrous-speed expensive handbags.
I can see the fashion shows being conducted on *actual* runways.... 'Oh the humanity....

-I am sure Larry Flynt has some creative ideas for 'skin' designs for his new BMW 'GINA car too... a very slippery slope... LOL (Cool, I just made a Double Entendre!)

Re:hope they thought this through

[mrbluze]

So the chassis is still rigid right?

Yes, but after you've had it in overdrive for any length of time it suddenly goes limp for at least 10 minutes.

Re:It winked!

[A nonymous Coward]

What's the difference between a porcupine and a BMW?

The porcupine has its pricks on the outside.

Re:Very cool

[Digital Vomit]

"Bumblebee! Put some pants on! I can see your 'Cybertron'!"

Re:hope they thought this through

[dlevitan]

small animals while the car is parked

The car is parked in a driveway. A cat jumps onto the hood expecting a nice warm sunny place. Next thing it knows, the hood opens up, swallows the cat, the car emits a nice burp, and your gas tank increases by a few gallons. Sounds good to me :).

Re:Appropriate name

[enoz]

A vagina analogy in a car forum! Welcome to dotslash!

Actually I'd say it was a car analogy in a forum full of cunts.

Re:Appropriate name

[Tmack]

Well, they could have redesigned their logo to match, but another company already uses it [photobucket.com]...

Tm

Re:Appropriate name

[Moraelin]

Reminds me of one of Vince Ebert's jokes. He's a physicist turned commedian. So after explaining relativity a bit, he goes something like, "So the faster something goes, the shorter it gets. Also known as the Porsche Driver Syndrome." ;)

Re:Finally..

[bloodninja]

Just having watched the vid, it's quite a cool concept. Though I can well imagine a jealous walker-by accidentally slashing it with his pocket knife. That would ruin it a bit methinks.

Don't you know? BMW stands for "Break My Windows" not "slash my fabric".

Re:Appropriate name

[Phorion]

I wish it was developed by Volkswagen. I'd get into a VWGINA any day.

Re:Appropriate name

[L33THa0R69]

That fabric better be seriously waterproof - a moist 'gina could adversely affect handling.

Re:Finally..

[Omestes]

They would blend. :/

Corrected it for you.

Re:Appropriate name

[peragrin]

you can't the business degree includes a free lobotomy. a requirement to become a business manager.

Re:Finally..

[hkmarks]

Not until I get a super solenoid engine powered by chi that sheds feathers and sparkles as I drive my car which transforms into a fighting robot. ~_~

I'll take "National driver stereotypes" for $500

[Anonymous Coward]

German cars: Drivers are super-aggressive. They drive fast and push the car to its limits. Ignore them and they will accelerate away. Usually equipped with electronic countermeasures. If a German car is speeding, you can too. Never pass a German car. If it's going slow enough for you to keep up, there must be a reason. The German car driver is a fanatic -- willing to tolerate any amount of maintenance expense because of the joy of driving on those days when the car works properly.

Japanese cars: Drivers THINK they have a German car, when in fact they don't. These people have an inferiority complex -- anxious to prove that their Honda Accord is a drop-in replacement for a BMW 745LI, while secretly planning to buy a BMW next time. Well known taking risks that the German car drivers cannot afford to take. If you are passed at high speed by a Japanese car, rest assured they will draw out whatever law enforcement might be around. Be prepared to call 911 on your cell for an ambulance.

Korean cars: These people are trying to optimize the Total Cost of Ownership. They don't enjoy driving very much, but they spend very little money doing it. Similar to the Japanese car owner, the Korean owner is anxious to prove that his Hyundai Sonata is a drop-in replacement for a Honda Accord, while secretly planning to buy an Accord next time. Let's take a moment of silence to remember those early Korean car buyers and their dreadful machines.

American cars: Drivers are not paying attention. They didn't pay attention when they bought the car, why would you expect them to pay attention while driving it? Some will exceed the speed limit, but only in a straight line -- often beyond the limits of the brakes and suspension. The American car driver laughs about Korean cars, until he discovers that his own car is a lemon. Secretly planning to buy a Hyundai Sonata next time. American cars are the car of choice for people who like to complain about all the OTHER cars and drivers.

Re:hope they thought this through

[Provocateur]

You wear kevlar while browsing /. at work? Now *I feel underdressed.

ob. Simpsons

[sootman]

Homer: Marge, you can stand there finding faults or you can knit me some seatbelts. [snpp.com]

Re:Appropriate name

[budgenator]

I have many friends in the engineering profession and they all make over $80K, including the engineer at a silicone breast making facility.
What do they pay quality control :)

Re:Good god

[ashitaka]

Does he think his audience is in third grade?

No, just American.

[Ducks]

Re:Finally..

[nuzak]

Great, wrinkly cars. Heck you could leave 'em that way. From Chery Automotive, introducing the Shar-Pei.

Re:Appropriate name

[Anonymous Coward]

It's not they pay, but the perks.