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Looking ahead to its 2nd century, BMW this week completed the vision for its four groups: BMW, BMW Motorrad (motorcycles), Mini, and Rolls-Royce. Tuesday in Santa Monica, CA, information technology was BMW Motorrad's plow, and it showed a conceptual bike called the Vision Adjacent 100 that keeps itself upright while driving or standing.

While the BMW concept motorcycle of the future isn't self driving, information technology comes close. Information technology helps the rider stay upright and constantly adjusts to road conditions. It's then safe, BMW says, the passenger doesn't need a helmet or protective clothing.

Turn the wheel, the entire frame flexes left or right

When the driver turns the handlebar, the frame itself flexes and changes shape, allowing the bike to go left or correct. It takes more try to turn the bike at higher speeds, improving stability. With the Flexframe (BMW'south term), there is too no suspension — no springs, no shock absorbers, no swingarm. Instead, the two wheels absorb the bumps. (BMW'south future vision apparently envisions the end to potholes.)

A applied science suite of stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes mean the bike should stay upward at all times. It won't, BMW believes, e'er fall over. That makes this an platonic bicycle for beginning riders and adds a mensurate of safety for long-term riders.

The powerplant has the wait of BMW's classic opposed-cylinder design, only it volition be some non-polluting, zero-emissions technology.

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BMW'due south Digital Companion for the rider

The wheel won't tip over. It won't crash. So in that location's no demand for a helmet or protective leathers (in theory). The rider will habiliment special gear, a sleek body adjust (then long equally the passenger inside is sleek), and a information-display visor. BMW calls it the Digital Companion. Dissimilar information appears when the driver looks and looks downwards; information shuts off completely when the driver looks straight alee.

What can the Digital Companion do? Advise ideal lines and banking angles going through a turn, or advise of road hazards ahead. If the rider doesn't position the cycle properly, the display suggests a better angle, and if the rider fails to respond, the cycle corrects itself.

Looking upwards brings a rear view camera into play. The bike has no musical instrument panel to speak of other than a crimson throttle grip on the right.

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Smart accommodate warms, cools, informs

The rider'south gear warms or cools the rider. The flexible, banded accommodate provides support for the body for long or grueling rides. Navigation instructions are transmitted every bit vibrations to the left or correct arm, plus on the smart visor.

According to BMW, "The BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100 stands for the ultimate riding feel. Liberated from the need to wear a helmet and protective vesture, the rider is able to enjoy the forces. Acceleration, wind, and nature as in impact with the surrounding world, savoring every moment. The design of the BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100 represents the essence of the motorcycle: the perfect synthesis between homo and auto. Every item is of the highest quality and the design incorporates all the virtually hitting visual aspects of BMW Motorrad bikes beyond the ages."

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BMW's automotive vision

Every bit a group, the BMW Vision Next 100 vehicles cover nil emissions and alternative energy: electric vehicles for certain, perhaps hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (that generate electricity). Although the quartet of concepts has been rolled out beginning in early 2022, they seem to accept predictable Germany's legislative button to finish internal combustion-engine vehicles by 2030.

The BMW Vision Adjacent 100 Bimmer, the concept representing the core brand, features a shape-shifting body and flexible skin sections. Hundreds of "Alive Geometry" triangles on the body tin can pop up and turn red. The pop-ups might point a route hazard, the path through a corner, or where you plough on your road. Fabric panels comprehend the wheels to ameliorate aerodynamics, borrowing from BMW's 2008 GINA ("Geometry and functions In 'Northward' Adaptations").

This is the concept BMW most sure to accept a steering wheel into the time to come. In Boost fashion, the driver drives, aided by driver assists to make sure the car stays in lane and at a condom post-obit altitude. The unabridged windshield would be an information brandish. In Ease mode, the steering wheels retracts into the dash. The driver and passenger seats angle slightly toward each other for better chat.

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Mini's automotive vision: the shared car

BMW has shaped Mini since 1994 and shares some mutual designs and components, such as the front-drive chassis besides institute on the BMW X1. This future Mini could well exist a shared-ownership vehicle or an on-need rental. Driver/renters would maintain a profile in the cloud that adjusts his/her preferences to the current vehicle, making the current Mini exist "my Mini."

The Mini Vision Next 100 Concept would exist autonomous-drive and information technology would be battery powered. The roof and doors can display colors and messages. Although it's democratic, there would be a steering wheel and information technology could be removed and reinstalled to switch from right- to left-manus drive.

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Rolls-Royce's automotive vision: totally democratic

P90223060_highRes_rolls-royce-vision-nIn the Rolls-Royce Vision 100 concept, the spacious back seat is the only seat, or sofa. The auto is fully automated: no steering cycle, no instrument console. The motorcar will collaborate via the web to book hotels, propose preferred routes, maybe even arrange tickets to "Hamilton."

Fitted luggage slides out of custom holders simply aft of the shrouded front wheels. A furled umbrella pulls from the side of the body when the upswinging doors are raised.

Despite the single seat, the 103EX (this one has a name) measures near 20 anxiety bow to stern. Propulsion would be zilch-emissions, most likely electric.