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Head-up display (HUD) is the future of the automotive industry

At the 2023 CES Las Vegas, BMW premiered the Vision Dee concept, which serves as a technology preview of the brand’s next-generation electric vehicles. The car is equipped with a large “head-up” display that stretches across the entire width of the windshield.

BMW is serious about replacing conventional screens in its cars with large HUDs, and the company’s CEO even believes that the days of large screens integrated into dashboards are numbered. So speaking during the press conference at this year’s CES, Oliver Zipse said that he is absolutely convinced that large screens on the center console will not be used anytime soon.

Zipse believes that large screens are a major distraction for drivers and that even regulations could force automakers to change interior design and ditch displays as a solution. “In 10 years there will be no such thing,” Zipse told media representatives.

The current HUD display meets the criteria set by BMW. “With our technology, everyone in the car can see the same information, even the people in the back,” said BMW design chief Domagoj Dukec. Oliver Zipse, for his part, added that this new system is “a quantum leap in terms of design, technology and sustainability”.

Source: BMW

EV, News

2024 Ram 1500 Revolution Concept

Rumors of an electric Ram pickup started three years ago, and now the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV concept has finally premiered at this year’s CES. It’s a concept, so the company hasn’t revealed all the details about the performance.

The 1500 Revolution Concept uses the Stellantis STLA body-on-chassis architecture. It’s equipped with 24-inch wheels with illuminated RAM trim covers, but the wide fenders also provide enough room for 35-inch off-road tires.

For now, it is known that the 1500 Revolution Concept is powered by two electric motors, one on each axle located in the electric drive module. These modules are designed to accommodate a range of engines, with Ram hinting at “high performance engines” and AWD. It is equipped with an 800-volt DC system that enables fast charging with a power of up to 350 kW. A 10-minute charge provides 160 kilometers of range.

Inside, the Revolution Concept can be customized for an additional four inches of legroom without changing the chassis size compared to current production models. Additional work space or even more seating can be provided thanks to the modular “Ram Track” system, whereby seats and consoles can be easily moved to the floor. A special atmosphere in the cabin is provided by the electrochromatic glass roof, which can be adjusted to let in as much light as you want.

Gallery:

2024 Ram 1500 Revolution Concept

Source: RAM

EV, News

2023 Peugeot Inception Concept

At this year’s CES, many car makers took the opportunity to present their new concepts and cars, such as the French manufacturer Peugeot, which premiered the Inception Concept. It is an electric car that will be the basis for future models whose arrival is expected at the beginning of 2025.

The car is based on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, with a length of 5 meters and a height of 1.34 meters. One of the biggest features of Inception’s design is the glass, which has an area of as much as 7.25 square meters. Peugeot uses Narima glass, which has undergone a metal oxide treatment that was originally designed to coat the helmet visors for NASA astronauts. It gives the windows a yellow tint while maintaining their thermal qualities. This advanced technology will be used in cars from 2025 and it is part of the company’s long-term plan to become the leading electric brand by the end of the decade.

Inception features a next-generation i-Cockpit with a new Hypersquare control system that replaces mechanical controls with a drive-by-wire control system. The centerpiece of the technology is the rectangular steering wheel that we see in video games. Various vehicle controls such as climate and radio volume are accessible just by moving your thumb and keeping your hand on the steering wheel. Thanks to this, the cockpit is transformed from a space intended for the driver to a space oriented to comfort. So in the Inception Hypersquare, the steering wheel can be retracted, while the control panel can be hidden to create a more comfortable cabin. The car also has level 4 autonomous driving thanks to STLA AutoDrive technology.

It is powered by two electric motors with almost 680 hp, and has AWD. That’s enough power to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than three seconds. It uses 800 Volt technology, has a large 100 kWh battery and offers a range of up to 800 kilometers with a single charge. Thanks to its induction charging system, the battery can be recharged to offer a new 150 km of range in just five minutes.

Gallery:

2023 Peugeot Inception Concept

Source: Peugeot

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