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Style and Substance
Lear's TransG for maturing baby boomers
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Lear's TransG interior concept for maturing baby boomers has rotating front seats and adjustable instrument pod, accelerator, brake, and dead pedals.
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Supplier Lear Corp. designed its TransG interior concept with an array of features for maturing baby boomers' changing needs. The concept's front seat features powered rotation to 45°—the best angle for entering and exiting a vehicle, according to Lear. The leather-trimmed seat provides less friction and makes it easier to slide into and out of the seat. The six-way power seat features built-in memory, power recliner, power cushion lift, and power headrest, in addition to a Backcycler lumbar system, temperature controls with seat cooling and heating, and inboard armrests. Beyond seat design, lower step-up height and virtually flat load floor of the concept enhance ease of ingress and egress. Instead of moving the seat fore or aft, the instrument pod moves toward the driver to a position programmed by the driver. In addition, the accelerator, brake, and dead pedals are adjustable.
Safety features on the seat system include a restraint under the seat cushion to keep an occupant from sliding under the seat belts, side bolster airbags, and a four-point, all-belts-to-seats restraint system with an integrated air collar to protect the head and neck in a crash. The four-point belts are said to be easy to reach and buckle and secure occupants better.
The console systems and instrument pod were carefully designed, with the physical and psychological requirements of the targeted users in mind. Designers kept controls simple, uncluttered, and formatted according to usage, frequency and sequence of use, and function; eliminated background noise and used louder low frequencies; minimized reach by keeping all controls within a zone of elbow to fingertips; and provided large buttons and levers, adequate hand clearance, and ease of effort for all controls.
The TransG's rear liftgate area offers some interesting solutions. A slide-out load floor allows for easy loading and unloading of items at the back of the compartment. Underneath this shelf is an additional "lazy susan" storage system. Next to the shelf is a removable utility cart with collapsible undercarriage that is easily loaded and unloaded. When the cart is pulled out, its wheeled legs extend to move heavy loads or multiple items in one trip.
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