Sony surprised the CES audience today with a new concept electric car, the VISION-S prototype.
Sony shared a few details of the prototype, which is meant as a showcase for Sony’s technologies for the automotive industry.
Sony focused on three aspects on the car’s technology in its presentation – safety, entertainment, and adaptability.
Under the safety category, the VISION-S prototype includes 33 sensors to monitor the outside and inside of the car. Sony wanted to “prove the viability of sensing features” by including its sensors on the car, and demonstrate the capabilities of Sony’s solutions for the automotive industry.
Sony’s second focus was to demonstrate how its technologies can benefit in-car entertainment systems. The VISION-S includes “360 reality audio” for an “immersive audio experience” inside the car. There is also a giant panoramic screen across the dash, similar to the Byton which is also being showcased at CES. This pairs with two screens attached to the back of the front seats, for rear passengers.
Sony intends the car to be adaptable as well, with a “software-oriented design.” The car can be accessed via smartphone app, updated through over-the-air updates, and the car’s interface can be personalized for each driver. This adaptability also applies to the car platform, which could be used for various car types in the future, including SUVs and vans.
As for specs, Sony claims the car is capable of delivering 400kW (536hp) of power through an all-wheel-drive system powered by two electric motors. This allows 0-100km/h (0-62mph) acceleration of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 240km/h (149mph).
Sony developed the prototype in cooperation several companies, who they thanked during their presentation. These included Magna, Benteler, Bosch, NVIDIA, Continental, Qualcomm, ZF, Elektrobit, Blackberry, Gentex, and HERE.
Sony mentioned nothing about availability or price in the presentation.
