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Looking alee to its 2d century, BMW this week completed the vision for its four groups: BMW, BMW Motorrad (motorcycles), Mini, and Rolls-Royce. Tuesday in Santa Monica, CA, it was BMW Motorrad's turn, and it showed a conceptual wheel chosen the Vision Next 100 that keeps itself upright while driving or continuing.

While the BMW concept motorcycle of the time to come isn't cocky driving, it comes close. Information technology helps the rider stay upright and constantly adjusts to road weather condition. It's then prophylactic, BMW says, the rider doesn't need a helmet or protective wear.

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 become left or correct. It takes more than try to turn the bike at higher speeds, improving stability. With the Flexframe (BMW's term), there is also no interruption — no springs, no stupor absorbers, no swingarm. Instead, the two wheels absorb the bumps. (BMW'southward future vision apparently envisions the end to potholes.)

A engineering science suite of stability command, traction command, and anti-lock brakes mean the bike should stay upward at all times. It won't, BMW believes, ever fall over. That makes this an ideal bicycle for beginning riders and adds a measure out of rubber for long-term riders.

The powerplant has the look of BMW's archetype opposed-cylinder design, but it will exist some non-polluting, zero-emissions technology.

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BMW'southward Digital Companion for the rider

The cycle won't tip over. Information technology won't crash. And then in that location's no need for a helmet or protective leathers (in theory). The rider volition clothing special gear, a sleek trunk suit (so long as the rider inside is sleek), and a data-brandish visor. BMW calls it the Digital Companion. Unlike information appears when the driver looks and looks down; information shuts off completely when the commuter looks straight ahead.

What can the Digital Companion do? Suggest ideal lines and cyberbanking angles going through a plow, or advise of road hazards alee. If the passenger doesn't position the bike properly, the display suggests a better angle, and if the rider fails to respond, the bike corrects itself.

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

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Smart adjust warms, cools, informs

The rider's gear warms or cools the rider. The flexible, banded suit provides support for the body for long or grueling rides. Navigation instructions are transmitted as vibrations to the left or right arm, plus on the smart visor.

According to BMW, "The BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100 stands for the ultimate riding experience. Liberated from the need to wear a helmet and protective article of clothing, the passenger is able to enjoy the forces. Dispatch, wind, and nature as in touch on with the surrounding world, savoring every moment. The design of the BMW Motorrad Vision Adjacent 100 represents the essence of the motorcycle: the perfect synthesis between human and machine. Every particular is of the highest quality and the design incorporates all the most striking visual aspects of BMW Motorrad bikes across the ages."

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BMW's automotive vision

As a group, the BMW Vision Side by side 100 vehicles embrace zero emissions and alternative energy: electrical vehicles for sure, possibly hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (that generate electricity). Although the quartet of concepts has been rolled out outset in early 2016, they seem to have anticipated Germany'due south legislative push to end internal combustion-engine vehicles by 2030.

The BMW Vision Next 100 Bimmer, the concept representing the cadre brand, features a shape-shifting trunk and flexible skin sections. Hundreds of "Alive Geometry" triangles on the torso can pop up and turn red. The pop-ups might point a route risk, the path through a corner, or where you plow on your route. Fabric panels cover the wheels to meliorate aerodynamics, borrowing from BMW's 2008 GINA ("Geometry and functions In 'North' Adaptations").

This is the concept BMW virtually certain to have a steering bike into the time to come. In Heave style, the commuter drives, aided by driver assists to make certain the car stays in lane and at a safe following distance. The unabridged windshield would be an information display. In Ease mode, the steering wheels retracts into the dash. The driver and rider seats angle slightly toward each other for better conversation.

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Mini's automotive vision: the shared car

BMW has shaped Mini since 1994 and shares some common designs and components, such equally the forepart-bulldoze chassis as well plant on the BMW X1. This future Mini could well be a shared-buying vehicle or an on-demand rental. Driver/renters would maintain a profile in the deject that adjusts his/her preferences to the current vehicle, making the current Mini exist "my Mini."

The Mini Vision Next 100 Concept would be autonomous-drive and it would be battery powered. The roof and doors tin display colors and messages. Although it's autonomous, in that location would be a steering wheel and it could exist removed and reinstalled to switch from right- to left-hand drive.

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Rolls-Royce's automotive vision: totally autonomous

P90223060_highRes_rolls-royce-vision-nIn the Rolls-Royce Vision 100 concept, the spacious back seat is the only seat, or sofa. The car is fully automated: no steering wheel, no instrument panel. The motorcar volition collaborate via the web to volume hotels, suggest preferred routes, maybe even arrange tickets to "Hamilton."

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

Despite the single seat, the 103EX (this 1 has a name) measures nigh twenty feet bow to stern. Propulsion would be zero-emissions, most likely electric.