For Lincoln, the autonomous car of the future will not have a steering wheel in the driver’s seat.
The automaker unveiled its latest creation in honor of its 100th anniversary. The concept car, which for now is a computer-generated model, is meant to pay homage to the Model L, the brand’s first luxury vehicle, although the resemblance is more theoretical than directly inspired.
While the original L model had all the hallmarks of stately vehicles of the era, the new L100, which debuted at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, is described as a silver blob without any harsh angles.
A glimpse of the future?
There’s a lot to take away from a design perspective, but what’s interesting is that we’re getting a glimpse of how automakers might look at the cars of the future. The L100 is strictly a concept, not a production vehicle, but it’s an important glimpse into the driverless future. It has no driving instrumentation, which is a profound departure from contemporary autonomous vehicles. It also doesn’t have a steering wheel, but a “chess piece” type crystal joystick in the center console.
“Concept vehicles allow us to re-imagine and illustrate how new experiences can be brought to life using advanced technologies and give our designers greater creative freedom than ever before,” said Anthony Lo, Director of design of Ford Motor Company, which owns the Lincoln brand.
“With the L100, we’ve been able to push the boundaries in a way that evolves our Quiet Flight brand DNA and changes the way we think about Lincoln designs of tomorrow. »
Rethinking the role of vehicles and the customer experience
Other automakers have unveiled imaginative self-driving vehicles, including Cadillac, which this year showcased its InnerSpace concept, part of its Halo concept portfolio, at CES, the influential annual tech event.
“Electrification and autonomous driving will fundamentally change the role of vehicles and the experience customers have with them,” said Bryan Nesbitt, GM’s executive director, Global Advanced Design and Global Architecture Studio. “We are exploring the direction this will take with these innovative concepts, envisioning mobility as an ally of well-being, offering customers the ultimate luxury, more personal time, rather than taking it. »
One interesting thing to note about these concepts is the fact that they rethink the way driving will work in society. Car manufacturers are looking very clearly at the future of driving habits, and carpooling in particular. Lincoln’s concept is massive and luxurious, with room for multiple passengers, the automotive equivalent of business class.
Moreover, the presentation video evokes a “space to recharge and connect… a sanctuary”.
Source: ZDNet.com