New BMW GINA Light Visionary Concept

BMW's latest concept car shatters all the tried and true conventions about automobile design. For Head of BMW Group Design, Christopher E. Bangle, it's all about "breaking paradigms." A year in the making, the GINA Light Visionary Concept abandons the usual concepts of side panels, roof, front aprons, and doors in favor of a clean, seamless form with four main components.

Contrary to rumour, the car is not named after some hot, mystery woman, instead the name actually stands for Geometry and Functions In "N" Adaptions, which speaks to BMW's new design philosophy focusing on maximum freedom and creativity. The two-seater roadster is created from an expansion resistant fabric spread across a metal structure, giving it that smooth, sculpted look.

Coolest Feature: Skin is definitely in on the GINA. The flexible material allows the concept to move in ways that were previously only conceived of through movie magic. Together with its metal frame, this car is able to adapt to all situations through its ability to change shape.

When moving at high speeds, the GINA automatically creates a rear spoiler by raising a built in component on the frame. The ultra flexible skin lets the spoiler form with nary a wrinkle, and the car's headlights remain hidden beneath the flexible skin.

After being activated by the driver, the skin cover opens revealing the headlights and thereby creates the illusion of a car opening its eyes. All of these transformations are controlled by a combination of electronics and hydraulics. As for the skin's makeup, it's a hybrid composed of mesh-netting support. It's resistant to low and high temperatures as well as water-resistant.

Demographic: YouTube videos of the GINA in action have set the Internet ablaze with fans and detractors alike. The car's appeal would translate well to the tech and arts scenes as well as early adopters who have to be seen driving the next big thing.

Expected Pricing: It's a pretty safe bet that GINA's current model won't make it to the production line. Bangle says, "The GINA Light Visionary model just shows ONE possible answer to the whole approach of materials." Expect to find GINA-like features in future BMW models.