I usually try not to re-post things that have already been covered widely, but this is just too cool not to show off. BMW’s recently unveiled concept car the GINA Light Visionary Model is designed with stretched fabric in place of the traditional metal skin. This allows the shape of the vehicle to be shifted by moving the metal sub-structure on which the fabric rests.
The central pillar on the windscreen is an interesting choice, and lends a nautical feel to the shape of the windshield which is the only thing that doesn’t really work for me about this design.
At first blush, there would appear to be several problems to overcome with this technique including long-term durability, and perhaps more importantly keeping the fabric rigid enough to counteract deformation and harmonic vibration caused by wind when at speed. Nevertheless, concept cars are meant to inspire, and this one certainly does. If nothing else, one would hope that we see this concept co-opted by some art designers in Hollywood for vehicles in an upcoming scifi film. More info on the car here.
