GINA is the experimental car built by BMW that is…well, very experimental. The car is built with an aluminum skeletal frame. This is overlaid with a spandex based cloth that is very strong, but very flexible. The skeletal frame is powered with small electrical motors that allow the car to morph into different shapes. This is done during driving by a computer to maximize efficiency, but also can be controlled by the driver to produce certain looks.

The general look of the GINA is based on the production Z4 shape, but has much more to offer. The flexibility allows for many unique characteristics. For instance, the car is a front engine design. How do you pop the hood? You do it from in the car by selecting the appropriate command. The skeleton under the “hood” then splits down the middle and opens up to allow access. The same occurs for the headlights, trunks and doors of the car in one form or another. It is a beautiful design and so unique that the first question is where can I buy one?!

Alas, the BMW GINA is not a production car. It isn’t even a limited production car. The vehicle was designed by company to inspire its designers and engineers to think beyond the typical 3, 5 and 7 series looks. Put another way, you can look at it but you will never drive it unless you decide to buy the entire BMW Company or have some really interesting photos of the CEO! Read the rest of this entry »