NAIAS Highlights: Concepts
Information ring for Oldsmobile's O4
In what must be the last Oldsmobile auto show introduction, the GM division showcased a sporty four-seater that reflects its "architectonic" house style. The "O" stands for oxygen and open air and "4" for its four-place seating and its ability to adapt for the four seasons. Oldsmobile's design studio worked with Bertone Design on the vehicle, which uses components from GM's global partners. The O4's chassis and turbocharged 142-kW (190-hp) engine are borrowed from Opel.
O4 is a new way to do an open-air car, according to Jeff Perkins, Brand Character Chief Designer for Oldsmobile. Twin targa tops made of strong and lightweight carbon fiber snap off and are stowed behind the rear seats. The rear window retracts into a space behind the rear seats as well, leaving a targa airfoil. The driver can then choose whether to leave the spoiler in place or remove and stow it.
Designers looked to ergonomically designed tools and the latest personal data assistants (PDAs) for interior design inspiration. The resulting "Information Ring" around the steering column replaces a traditional instrument panel and center console with a single point for all important driver information. The entire liquid-crystal display can be configured to show the information the driver wants. Ten buttons around the outer perimeter are used to control the ring. Most of the buttons simply toggle from one function to the next, Perkins said, and all can be reached within just a few inches of the steering wheel. The controls can be operated by feel so that the driver's attention stays on the road.
The car's occupants can carry a large amount of data into the car through integrated docking ports for a PDA and a Sony Memory Stick data-storage device on a key-chain fob. BlueTooth wireless-device technology allows electronic devices to be integrated easily with the car.
- Kevin Jost
