Movements in Mobility.
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Tracking Notable Moments in Mobility.
We live in an era of unprecedented innovation and transformation in the mobility sector. Movement highlights key developments in the field, drawing on designbivouac’s three decades of expertise in mobility.
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CES 2021
Notables from CES 2021: Brand Halo vehicles, hyper screens, and the next generation of iDrive.
MOVEMENT: TRACKING NOTABLE MOVEMENTS IN MOBILITY
HALO Vehicles, Hyperscreens Next Generation Drive. CES always brings along a range of forward-looking vision work. Below are a few concepts and advancements that stood out from the 2021 CES events, which were held virtually this year due to the Coronavirus.
Originally published: January 31, 2021
GM Keynote and Cadillac Halo Vehicles
Cadillac Halo eVTOL and autonomous people mover
This year, Cadillac and GM offered future visions of air and ground mobility. See more in the GM Exhibit Zero keynote. VTOL offerings from Liliam, Kitty Hawk, and several others are starting to take off. The entire VTOL segment is achieving more funding and public awareness. With companies like GM jumping on board, things are likely to gain more momentum over the next few years. Many experts agree that it is far easier to produce autonomous air vehicles than those intended for use on the ground. Keeping these high-flying visions grounded in reality, advancements in fuel cells, battery technology, and airspace regulation will be essential.
The Mercedes-Benz UX Hyperscreen
Mercedes-Benz MBUX Hyperscreen
The trend toward using full-width displays was further reinforced by Mercedes-Benz's debut of its MBUX Hyperscreen. It employs a “zero layer” approach, placing content within easy reach rather than under a traditional menu structure. Pioneered in large part by Tesla, it will be interesting to see if this interface approach continues to be adopted by other automotive manufacturers, who have more display surface area to work with. More attention is being paid to passenger-side user experiences as displays become more affordable.
BMW Next Generation iDrive
BWM’s next generation iDrive
BWM introduced its soon-to-be-launched next-generation iDrive experience. The broader display trend continues here too, along with the integration of latest-generation connectivity and intelligent personal assistance. It's hard to believe that it has been 20 years since the initial version debuted in 2001 in the 7 Series (E65).
MORE MOVEMENT
Lucid Air Debuts Television Advertisement Campaign
Lucid introduces its first nationwide televised advertisements this month, highlighting their luxury electric sedan, the Lucid Air. The future may not be what we expected after all.
GM Redesigns
Its Logo
GM debuted a redesign of its corporate logo to reinforce its zero mission (zero crashes, zero emissions, zero congestion).
As part of their “Everybody In” campaign, they have also featured Malcolm Gladwell, author of The Tipping Point, to highlight the moment the company is in as it transitions to electrified vehicle design and production.
More via The Detroit News
Trump Pardons Anthony Levandowski
Levandowski, a former Google engineer, pleaded guilty to stealing secret technology related to self-driving cars from the company before becoming the head of Uber’s rival unit. In August, a judge in San Francisco sentenced Levandowski to 18 months in prison but said he could enter custody once the COVID-19 pandemic had subsided.
The judge, William Alsup, who has been involved in Silicon Valley litigation for nearly five decades, described Levandowski’s conviction as “the biggest trade secret crime I have ever seen.” He has been pardoned.
View the full list of Trump pardons
Source: The Guardian.
GM Introduces BrightDrop Service
As part of their Exhibit Zero keynote at CES this year, GM shared their vision of connected and electrified products and services that are built to help improve first-to-last-mile delivery operations. They are developing a range of solutions tailored to individual business needs.
The BrightDrop fleet will include an electrified pallet (EP1) for warehouse use, a mid-distance transport, and the BrightDrop EV 600, a larger electrified delivery truck. A rapid load vehicle concept that could distribute EP1s was also shared.
Take a closer look at the BrightDrop Vision.
Image credits: GM, Mercedes-Benz, BMW
Hummer EV: Recharging an Icon
GM’s latest push for zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion future includes an iconic and ironic entry. GMC recently announced that the GMW Hummer EV will be available in Fall 2021.
GM’s ambitious vision for a future of zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion includes a bold—and somewhat ironic—addition to its lineup. In a striking blend of heritage and innovation, GMC announced that the all-electric Hummer EV would be available starting Fall 2021. Once known as a symbol of excess and fuel consumption, the Hummer has been reimagined as a cutting-edge electric supertruck, capable of delivering both off-road prowess and zero-emission performance.
This reintroduction of the Hummer underscores GM’s strategy to electrify even its most iconic and rugged vehicles, demonstrating that sustainability and performance can coexist. With features like CrabWalk mode, an adaptive air suspension, and up to 1,000 horsepower, the Hummer EV isn’t just a nod to the past—it’s a leap into the future of mobility, wrapped in unmistakable style and power.
When the GMC Hummer EV goes on sale in the Fall of 2021, it will be a bold step in reshaping the Hummer brand. The concept vehicle is impressive, touting an estimated all-electric range of over 350 miles per charge. Production vehicles will charge to a range of nearly 100 miles in 10 minutes using high-capacity charging stations. An impressive suspension supports the latest electric incarnation of the Hummer. The Hummer EV’s “extract mode” can raise the vehicle 6 inches to overcome obstacles. Like the Jeep Wrangler and the soon-to-be-launched Ford Bronco, the Hummer EV will offer an open-air roof capability. Given that it is an EV, it achieves this with more utility, thanks to a generous storage area located up front, where an internal combustion engine once was. This large “frunk” conveniently accommodates the glass roof panels.
The HummerEv’s Extract Mode should raises the bar for super trucks.
A water fording capability of 32” is impressive for an electric vehicle.
A “Watts to Freedom” mode lowers the vehicle's suspension, conditions the batteries, and accelerates the Hummer EV to 60 mph in approximately 3 seconds. That is remarkable for a vehicle of this size and weight, which is partially how the Hummer EV earns its “Super Truck” status. Other innovative features include a “crab mode” that allows the vehicle to travel diagonally. This is a helpful capability to have in some off-road situations. The latter feature is made possible through the platform’s four-wheel steering capability, which should also help with any turning radius challenges in parking lots. GM’s “Ultravision” placement of cameras underneath the vehicle and extensive underbody protection also aid in off-roading activity. It will be interesting to see how Rivian and Tesla counter with their offerings.
Using “Crab Mode” the HummerEV can avoid obstacles in new ways.
Four wheel steering should significantly aid the vehicle’s turning radius.
Negotiating tough trails should be as easy as having a spotter when using Ultravision’s included underbody mounted cameras.
The concept vehicle is well executed visually. The lines are solid; overall, the truck looks substantial and anchored. The overall aesthetic could be described as “attainably futuristic,” or perhaps what one would expect from a few cycles of truck evolution. Tesla’s Cybertruck, by comparison, is radical and polarizing but very unexpected. Rivian’s entry appears somewhat conservative in comparison to the Hummer EV. Overall, GM appears to have done its homework here, positioning the Hummer EV between these two, adding entries to the electric truck market with progressive styling.
GMW HummerEV display showing a technical aesthetic and Super Cruise functionality.
Innovation continues inside the vehicle. The display visuals are more advanced than the exterior. They are reminiscent of what one would expect in Bladerunner vehicles; perhaps this is partly due to their partnership with Epic Games and the use of the Unreal Engine to render graphics. The visuals are more dynamic and video game-like than many human-machine interfaces in vehicles today. Just how close GM will come to delivering on the concept vehicle interfaces remains to be seen. They have previously farmed some of this work with varied results.
Then again, there is evidence that perhaps GM has realized just how essential interfaces are regarding the relationship with a vehicle. For example, in addition to the Hummer EV interface work, significant interface progress is evident in other divisions, including Cadillac. The concept displayed in their Cadillac Lyric is leaps ahead of what the company is shipping today. Let’s hope that this is more than just concept work. Similarly, if the interior quality of the Hummer EV is as solid as that of the new Corvette C8, it should be an impressive truck. The Corvette C8 interface is arguably superior to that found in the latest Ferrari Roma. All these qualities will undoubtedly be needed, given that the Hummer EV Edition 1 will run around $112,595.
Cadillac Lyriq is set to launch in late 2022 as a 2023 model
Cadillac Lyriq concept vehicle interface is a dramatic step ahead in terms of instrumentation graphics for General Motors.
GM’s new Ultium battery system will scale to accommodate a range of vehicle architectures. In the case of the Hummer EV, the battery pack will consist of two stacks of battery compartments. Each battery compartment holds thin packets of battery chemistry, thus eliminating the weight of traditional cell battery enclosures.
Overall, it is great to see companies embracing the benefits of electric mobility and committing to a more sustainable future. In addition to new vehicles launching over the next few years that will utilize the Ultium platform, GM plans to adopt more sustainable ground distribution. Their BrightDrop freight management offering and the electric delivery fleet are already being prototyped with FedEx. Along with their new corporate identity, GM seems to be on a new mission, pursuing sustainable mobility at a faster pace. Depending on how their Ultium platform is applied across their fleet, and if Hummer EV pricing can help subsidize innovations for other vehicles, it could be a future that is not only great for trucks but also for the planet.
Images | GM
2020 C8 Corvette: A New Era for the American Sports Car
The extensive Corvette Academy video outlines the design and engineering process behind the 2020 C8 Corvette. With this much change, the effort harkens back to other great evolution efforts in mobility and other engineering domains, balancing innovation with core elements of the brand.
The extensive Corvette Academy video outlines the design and engineering process behind the 2020 C8 Corvette. At the announced price and with the performance characteristics stated to date, this could be a real game changer in the sports car market. With this much change, the effort harkens back to other great evolution efforts in mobility and other engineering domains, balancing innovation with core elements of the brand. Exciting times and roads lie ahead for Corvette fans.
The 2020 C8 Corvette launch was a historic moment in the world of sports cars. Chevrolet introduced a groundbreaking change in the Corvette's legacy by moving the engine from the front to the middle of the car, marking a significant departure from the traditional design. This mid-engine layout offered improved handling, balance, and performance, making the C8 Corvette more competitive with exotic sports cars while maintaining a relatively affordable price point. The car was powered by a potent 6.2-liter V8 engine that produced up to 495 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for rapid gear changes. The launch of the 2020 C8 Corvette generated considerable excitement among enthusiasts and critics alike, as it represented a bold step forward in the Corvette's evolution while staying true to its high-performance heritage.
2019 EyesOn Design Awards
"Eyes on Design" is an esteemed annual event that celebrates and recognizes outstanding automotive design and innovation achievements.
It was a pleasure participating again this year as an EyesOn Design judge at the North American International Auto Show. Congratulations to the award winners on their inspirational work.
"Eyes on Design" is an esteemed annual event that celebrates and recognizes outstanding achievements in automotive design and innovation. Hosted by the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, this unique event focuses on the visual aesthetics and design aspects of automobiles, including form, function, and the integration of advanced technologies. "Eyes on Design" attracts car designers, enthusiasts, and industry professionals worldwide to showcase vehicles with exceptional design principles. The event also serves as a fundraising opportunity to support the visually impaired through the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology. It underscores the vital role of design in the automotive industry and how it influences the overall user experience, making it a significant gathering for those passionate about the intersection of art and engineering in the automotive world.
Best Concept Vehicle - Infiniti QX 3 Inspiration Concept
- Presented by Dassault Systèmes
The judges say: "A new and fresh look that shows extraordinary sophistication and simplicity."
Best Designed Interior - Infiniti QX 3 Inspiration Concept
- Presented by ABC Technologies
The judges say: "True inspiration and functionality."
Innovative Use of Color, Graphics or Materials - Infiniti QX 3 Inspiration Concept
- Presented by Axalta
The judges say: "Embodies a modern take on materials while retaining a clean Japanese sensibility."
Best Production Vehicle - Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500
- Presented by Covestro LLC
The judges say: "The next best tribute to the Mustang ... what the car really represents."