People always ask us about the latest news, what our sources say and what will come to fruition. Even with the greatest sources and information some things that are in design never make it to production or even designs are so secretive only a few people know about them.
The GINA concept is the latter. No one has ever indicated its existence. The funny thing is it has shaped much of the current model design of BMW and has been around for a long time. It will be at the BMW museum not as a new concept but as part of the history of the brand.
That period of design is history so BMW has decided to “declassify” it to the rest of us.
Geometry and function in an infinite number of adaptations is what GINA (supposedly) stands for. This concept studies the use of non-rigid materials (fabric) over a space frame to create a different manner of “skinning” a car.
Essentially this is about being flexible in the making of a bespoke suit for a vehicle. It looks and moves quite differently than we are used to. It is lighter and requires less time and energy to produce. The front fabric moves to reveal the headlights when they are turned on, the rear wing is only visible as it is required. This concept would allow designers to create cars with any shape and even be able to allow the shape to be manipulated. My only concern is about durability in weather and the sun.
Watch the video and let Chris Bangle explain this concept further.
According to Auto News via our friends over at AutoBlog Karmann may be up for sale sooner than later. Karmann is a German coach builder that also happens to produce the top for the BMW 1 series convertible. Audi had pulled their contract for the since departed A4 Cab earlier in the year disrupting a much needed source of income.
It is a family run business and they are currently weighing all of their options. The workforce has been slashed by 500 already and 1000 of the 5000 workers are slated to get cut as well in order to keep the company afloat.
The convertible roof business has been steady (partly thanks to the 1) but the real issue is in the vehicle assembly for automakers. They operate much like Magna does for BMW in producing vehicles via contract. Cars that have recently been produced by the company include the Audi A4 Cab, and the MB CLK. They also assemble kits and produce chassis.
Part of the reason for the decrease is the fact they basically designed the Chrysler Crossfire from the ground up, and needless to say that was not a huge hit.
Karmann for years produced many VW products, from the cabrio Beetle and Ghia to the much aclaimed Corrado. The BMW 635 CSI was also produced in significant numbers by the company.
What will the sale of the company mean for BMW is still up in the air, but hopefully it will not impact the production of the 1er roof.
The Canadian Grand Prix will take place this Sunday with qualifying on Saturday. You can watch the race 1pm on FOX this time around, the qualifying will be on Speed but may not be shown in all areas due to the Grand Am Rolex series race at Watkin’s Glen (the Daytona Prototypes will have BMW entries from Rum Bum Racing and SAMAX).
Kubica has been running well of late and within the last practice session so he of the two drivers is the one to watch and as always BMW will be in the hunt for a victory.
Weather for qualifying will be be clear, but scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast for the race on Sunday.
Take a lap with BMW/Sauber F1 pilot Nick Heidfeld around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.
