“The automobile will not only be better, but also more exciting than ever before,” is one of Volkswagen’s future prospects. This should now embody a study that drives electrically and fully autonomously (Level 5). The Wolfsburg-based company describes the Gen.Travel as an “iconic, innovative study that represents a completely new vehicle category in the premium portfolio between sedan and MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle)”.
However, it is not clear what is exciting about it, because this is about completely relaxed rather than exciting travel. The Gen.Travel aims to “turn the driver into a relaxed passenger who has time for other things: work. Relaxation. Entertainment,” says group design boss Klaus Zyciora. He stages the mobility of the future as “form follows freedom” instead of “form follows function”. The modular interior can be individually adapted for each trip and booked as a “mobility-as-a-service offer”. Depending on the configuration, up to four people can be transported in a conference setup with four comfortable armchairs and a large table in the middle. Dynamic light sources are designed to create a pleasant working environment and help prevent motion sickness. Two seats can be converted into fully fold-out beds. A special occupant restraint system is designed to enable safe travel even when lying down. The light system influences melatonin release, helping passengers to fall asleep and wake up naturally. For family trips, the Gen.Travel can be configured with front seats for children’s entertainment via augmented reality (AR). The interior is bright and naturally designed. All HMI elements (Human-Machine Interface) are made from sustainable materials, combined with recycled or natural raw materials. Two-part structure The futuristic exterior of the GEN.TRAVEL is divided into two parts: The transparent, glass cabin is embedded in the lower part, the accommodates all technical features. The edge of the window is on the waistline and therefore very low to maximize the view to the outside. At the same time, passengers do not feel any external influences when lying flat in the car. The wing doors allow better entry and exit. For maximum comfort, the Gen.Travel has the active chassis system eABC (Electric Active Body Control), which anticipates vertical and lateral movements such as acceleration, braking or cornering and optimizes the driving style and trajectory. Artificial intelligence (AI) and platooning – automated driving in a convoy – are used to further increase the range for long-distance journeys. The real prototype is intended to give a realistic outlook on mobility in the next decade. As a research vehicle, it is used to test the concept and new functionalities for customer feedback. VW announces that it will later transfer individual features to production vehicles based on the results of such studies.
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