What Cars Will Demand in the Era of Autonomous Driving

Italdesign Giugiaro's concept model unveiled at this year's Geneva Motor Show is named "GEA." Developed with the theme of what luxury can be offered when autonomous driving becomes a reality, rather than focusing on performance as a car, the design centers on the rear and passenger seats, rather than the driver's area.

According to Wolfgang Egger, head of the styling area at Italdesign Giugiaro, "In the near future, true luxury will be time. When designing GEA, we envisioned the 'businessman and businesswoman of tomorrow' who can dedicate even travel time to creative activities. GEA offers three scenarios—Office, Wellness, and Dream—by switching modes via a central 'Control Sphere.' This is our vision of future luxury mobility."

The GEA's exterior is divided into black and navy sections, separated by a chrome line just below the glass area. It rides on massive 26-inch wheels with 60 spokes, each featuring a red "G" at the center. The doors are suicide-style, opening remotely without a B-pillar. As passengers alight, a red LED light, dubbed the "Virtual Red Carpet," illuminates from beneath the sill, guiding them into the lounge-like interior.

The interior is unified in a similar tone, primarily using leather and silk. The upper half of the inner door panels features hand-woven parchment leather, a traditional Italian craft, adding an accent to the GEA's cabin.

A "Sphere," serving as a control box, is positioned in the center of both the front and rear seats. This accommodates the LG Electronics "G-Flex" smartphone, characterized by its distinctive curved design. All vehicle controls can be managed through a dedicated app.

Three Modes: Business, Wellness, and Dream

The GEA's most distinctive feature is its three modes, which can be switched according to the scene during autonomous driving.

The first is "Business," configured as a mobile office. The interior LED lighting, including the door panels, is uniformly white. Two 19-inch transparent LED displays descend from the ceiling, enabling document viewing and digital work. The front passenger seat can rotate 180 degrees, allowing for face-to-face conversations with business partners, and its backrest can fold flat to serve as a table.

Business

Wellness

Dream

The "Wellness" mode features a system co-developed with Technogym, enabling isometric exercises while seated. A 19-inch monitor displays tutorial videos for guidance. A small refrigerator in the rear center seat provides cold beverages, and a small drawer above it contains cosmetics and aromatherapy pouches. In this mode, the interior lighting is amber, evoking warmth and relaxation.

The final "Dream" mode is for complete relaxation. The windows darken, interior LEDs shift to a calming blue, and the monitor and dashboard display cosmic landscapes and starry skies, creating a serene ambiance. Footrests emerge from the rear seat floor and can be rotated 180 degrees to connect with the passenger seat, forming an extended bed.

A Steering Wheel That Turns Only Two Degrees

While the GEA is designed for autonomous driving, it does not negate the pleasure of sporty driving. It is powered by four electric motors, each producing 147 kW, for a total output of 570 kW and a top speed of 250 km/h. Despite its substantial dimensions—5.37 meters long, 1.98 meters wide, and 1.46 meters high, with a 3.33-meter wheelbase—the body and chassis utilize aluminum, carbon fiber, and magnesium alloys for weight reduction, keeping the total weight to just over 2,000 kg.

The driver's instrument panel is a 12-inch display showing essential driving information such as speed, motor RPM, navigation, battery level, and range. On the left and right edges of the panel are six touch-sensitive buttons, reminiscent of satellite buttons.

Images from cameras embedded in the car's body, replacing side mirrors, are displayed on 3.5-inch screens on either side of the instrument panel. The rearview mirror also uses Audi's "rear-view mirror" system, which relies on camera images. This rear camera also assists with parking.

The aircraft-like steering wheel, fittingly called a cockpit, features three mechanical buttons for crucial functions: the vehicle's power switch, speed setting, and autonomous driving on/off.

This ergonomically designed steering wheel actually turns only two degrees. Instead of a steering column, an internal sensor (potentiometer) detects the driver's applied force, allowing for larger or smaller front wheel angles based on the intensity of the twist. While the action of turning the wheel remains, the principle shifts from 'amount of turn' to 'force of turn,' representing a new control system.

The GEA, running solely on electric power, dedicates 375 liters to its battery. Charging is done wirelessly via electromagnetic induction. This eliminates the need for a charging socket cutout in the body, preserving the car's elegant silhouette.