1. Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe
Mercedes-Benz has always been the brand that sets the standard first in innovative technology that proliferates throughout the automotive world, particularly in the flagship S-Class.
Their latest concept, the S-Class Coupe, continues that trend. The concept is packed with “intelligent drive” tech such as “6DVision” that monitors the surroundings of the car with a combination of cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors. Among other uses, the coupe will pair this data with the suspension system, scanning the surface ahead and adjusting the suspension in advance to deliver the best control setup.
The infotainment system will be programmed with MoodGrid, a music recognition service that will make the ultimate driving playlist from a catalog of 18 million tracks based on your taste and mood.
BMW
2. BMW i8
BMW heralds the i8 as the sports car of the future, and they do so with good reason. The plug-in hybrid is out of the concept stage and is going into production with every inch of it being a technological marvel.
At its core, the i8 combines TwinPower Turbo and eDrive technology that results in a car that produces 362 horsepower, goes from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds, and gets 94 mpg. The striking body is made up of lightweight elements such as carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, aluminum, and magnesium panels.
The instrument display in the i8 is fully digital, and will have all BMW ConnectedDrive features available, such as collision detection, a heads-up display, and connection to concierge services. Expect to see the i8 in US showrooms next spring.
GENERAL MOTORS
3. Opel Monza Concept
Connectivity was a main focal point when Opel designed their vision of the future, and how they plan to achieve this is to change how we look at displays completely.
Doing away with traditional instrument clusters and infotainment systems, the Monza Concept instead uses the dashboard surface and combines it with 18 LED projectors, creating an adaptable and customizable multi-function display that stretches from door to door. This will provide typical important driving information and will also be the source for internet and communication functions. The whole setup can be individually configured and will work via voice commands and steering wheel control inputs.
VOLVO
4. Volvo Concept Coupe
Volvo teased a dynamic shift in their styling direction prior to the Frankfurt show, and they did not disappoint with the reveal of the Volvo Concept Coupe. With a new looks often come new features, and again Volvo provided.
The Concept Coupe’s take on user interface is the portrait touch screen. This screen is an adaptive display where all traditional center console functions will take place. The touch screen will also interact with the driver’s digital displays and heads-up display as well. Volvo’s dream coupe has at its heart, a very real and tangible Drive-E engine that will potentially give a four-cylinder engine the power of a V-8. Drive-E combines a two-liter petrol engine (affixed with a supercharger and turbo), with an electric motor on the rear axle that touts an output of about 400 hp and 600 Nm of torque.
NISSAN
5. Nissan Nismo Watch
Strapping Bluetooth-paired devices to our wrists to see how fit we can be has become commonplace, but Nissan adapts this concept into a unique method of interfacing with your car with the Nismo Watch. The only concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show that you can wear, the Nismo Watch takes driver and car connection to the next level.
The watch will log your track performance data and, if it’s something to brag about, the watch will pair with your phone so you can post your lap times online. The Nismo Watch will allow you to both monitor the efficiency of the car and your own as the built-in heart rate monitor captures your biometric data to help you pinpoint which corner made your heart skip a beat.