Sony GTS 4.0; Vision-s; Mini Sidewalk Porsche 718 Convertible; Lamborghini Huracán Evo RWD; Mazda2; Toyota GR Supra 2,0T and GR Yaris; Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition; Upcoming models; Mercedes-benz Vision AVTR

Sony looks to the electric vehicle future with its bold Vision-s concept

EYES EVERYWHERE

The Vision-s is studded with a bewildering array of sensors, inside and out. A total of 33 CMOS digital image sensors help the car create a precise 3D spatial model of its surroundings but also create a matrix within which occupants can interact with the car using a wide array of gesture controls. This is complemented by a solidstate LIDAR system that vastly improves obstacle recognition in challenging conditions such as fog and glare.

ALL-WHEEL OOMPH

Sony has kept information surrounding the car’s drivetrain and performance light, with details extending only as far as a platform with a floor integrated lithium-ion battery array feeding 200 kw electric motors on the front and rear axles. Performance is impressive; this system propels the 2 350 kg car to 100 km/h in less than five seconds.

SEATED IN SOUND

Being a Sony product, the Vision-s simply had to have an audio system bristling with tech. The cabin sports a 360-degree reality audio system that utilises more than 30 speakers, including units integrated into all four seats to provide an immersive audio experience.

WIDESCREEN WONDER

Analogue controls are nowhere to be seen in the cabin, with all inputs and displays accommodated on an HD video screen spanning the entire dash. Not only does this provide the passenger with entertainment and information, but it’s also bookended by virtual wing-mirror screens in lieu of aerodynamically more compromised physical mirrors.

NOT WALKING AWAY FROM THE WALKMAN

While it looks tantalisingly production-viable, the Vision-s concept will mark the extent of Sony’s foray into fully developed EV territory. Head of Sony’s robotics division and Vision-s project leader, Izumi Kawanishi, has stated the company has no intention of becoming a vehicle maker; the Vision-s is instead a showcase of “Sony’s contribution to the evolution of cars”.

HEAVY-DUTY HELPERS

With its expertise largely centred on the consumer electronics industry, Sony has understandably called on some heavy-hitting collaborators to help develop the Vision-s. BOSCH: electrical architecture. CONTINENTAL: tyres and wheels. MAGNA-STEYR: vehicle platform architecture. NVIDIA: operating system and interfaces.

QUALCOMM: onboard processors and chipsets.

ZF GROUP: transmission and drivetrain.

FAST FACTS

Length: 4 895 mm Wheelbase: 3 000 mm Width: 1 900 mm Height: 1 450 mm Weight: 2 350 kg Power: 200 kw x 2 (front and rear axles) 0-100 km/h: 4,8 seconds Top speed: 240 km/h