Sony unveils an electric concept car
Forget PlayStation, Japanese maker goes for Vision-S at Consumer Electronics Show
Sony has unveiled an electric car, pulling off what has to be the biggest surprise of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
The concept sedan, called the Sony Vision-S, was unexpectedly driven out on stage at the end of the company’s news conference, which was otherwise dedicated to the more familiar versions of its products, including the new PlayStation 5.
The Japanese company provides several components to automakers, including camera sensors and infotainment products, and the Vision-S seems intended as a showcase for them. But there was no hint that such a car will go into production.
The car’s platform was created by Magna, with other pieces provided by such companies as Bosch, Genetex, and Continental. It’s powered by two electric motors that will take it from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and to a top speed of 240 km/h.
The Vision-S includes ultrawide display screens, gesture control, and some 33 sensors inside and out. The company also said it is investing in technologies such as solid-state Lidar, considered a necessary component of fully autonomous driving, and Time-of-Flight cameras that can identify people and objects in the vehicle to personalize safety and entertainment systems to them.
It doesn’t seem likely the car will go beyond the concept stage, at least in terms of going down to your local Sony store for a test drive. But with Magna having produced an all-new platform for it, we’re wondering if any automotive players will pick up on it, and give us a Sony-filled electric sedan of their own.