From the vaults o' the bookmarks comes this gem I flagged a few weeks back: BMW's GINA Light Visionary Model has an exterior made of cloth!
The polyurethane-coated fiber is stretched over a movable wire mesh frame, allowing the driver to literally custom-shape his car according to his whim. The engine is accessed by "ripping" the hood down the middle - even the seats and dashboard can be molded into form as the owner wishes!
BMW notes there is a practical point to this concept, as well: the fibrous material is both lighter and more rigid than traditional car body metals. It is more fuel-efficient and requires less energy to produce. The frame provides all the safety features you expect from a more traditional model, as well.
The GINA is on display at the BMW museum in Munich, but won't be hitting showroom floors anytime soon.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
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