|
Following its world debut in April at the Auto Shanghai 2007, the BMW Concept CS
has been confirmed to appear at the Australian International Motor Show from
October 11.
“We are thrilled to be able to present this car in Sydney,” said Tom Noble,
general manager of marketing, BMW Group Australia.
“It’s appearance at the motor show marks the very first time the Concept CS
will be seen in the Southern Hemisphere and is a clear demonstration of BMW’s
commitment to the Australian market.
“We expect it will generate the same level of excitement here as it did when
it was first unveiled in April.”
Showcasing a new design philosophy for BMW, the Concept CS is based on a
bespoke platform, with this unique car offering a vision of future BMW design
rather than the first look at a new product. The BMW Concept CS is a four-seat
premium vehicle that takes sophistication and luxury to a new level in the shape
of a four-door coupé.
The BMW Concept CS was created by a team at BMW Design Development in Munich
and comes with several exterior and interior design touches that could make
their way on to future models. Its body width increases towards the rear to
emphasise the sporting pretensions and wide track of the car. The BMW Concept CS
is 400mm wider (1,978mm excl mirrors) and 67mm longer (5,106mm) compared to a
standard wheelbase BMW 7 Series. Its sleek profile hinting at the low centre of
gravity is confirmed by a roof line that, at its zenith, is just 1,367mm – 124mm
lower than a BMW 7 Series.
While the Concept CS is a vision of one possible future, it still retains its
core BMW DNA.
A reworking of the classic kidney grille design aimed at improving air flow
to the engine is incorporated, while the Concept CS features the traditional
Hofmeister kink on the C-pillar and dual corona ring headlights.
For the design study the double BMW headlamp arrangement features innovative
LED reverse projection technology to provide the illumination. Rearward facing
lights project a beam onto a smooth reflective surface, which in turn conveys a
precise beam on the road ahead.
Such technology provides a wide expanse of illumination without dazzling
oncoming motorists. To the side of the car flared wheel arches house
uniquely-styled 21-inch light alloy wheels. The shoulder line present in all
BMWs for visual effect is differentiated on the Concept CS with a break in this
line at the rear quarter. A trailing shoulder line at the rear curves to mirror
the line of the rear wheel arch.
The door handles are fitted flush to the lower window ledge so the bodywork
remains clean and without interruption. Access to the car is controlled via
sensors which, when activated, move the door handles proud of the bodywork for
use. Inside and the BMW Concept CS is distinctive for the layered interior
surfaces that create a unique interior style.
The clearly defined joints between different pieces of the interior jigsaw
serve a functional purpose. Gone are the traditional air vents present on
current car centre consoles. These are replaced by slender gaps in between the
centre console’s materials from where air is distributed. The same openings also
provide an aperture for discreet lighting.
The layered interior design concept, applied to the design of the double
circular dials, provides clearly structured information on several visual
levels. A driver-oriented cockpit is consistent with BMW’s ethos of building
drivers’ cars while a fresh look at ergonomics makes for superior comfort in the
controls and displays.
Ceramics as the material for the controls and instruments have also been
introduced to BMW for the first time, while the driver and his three occupants
are cocooned in innovative sports seats with a height-adjustable collar element.
The new design of seat houses elements of the car’s entertainment and
communication features for enhanced personalisation. The BMW Concept CS is a
design study. However, it is likely that key elements of the car could appear on
forthcoming new models
|
