Motorola and Pininfarina, the design company behind such iconic cars as Maserati and Ferrari, has announced together with Maserati the world premiere of a technological concept car equipped with futuristic automotive and mobile technologies at the 2005 Geneva International Motor Show.
The prototype demonstrates Motorola's concept of "seamless mobility". The integration of Motorola's technology in the car realizes the seamless mobility theory: the car itself becomes an intelligent moving network, able to interact with its passengers and keep them constantly and seamlessly connected to all the aspects of their lives. This concept is translated even into the car's interior, which is physically seamless.
The technologies integrated into the Maserati dream car include a transparent heads-up display revealing the intelligent core of the vehicle. Through a central mounted navigation device, drivers can navigate through a personalized array of functions and menus. The numerous cameras positioned on the car allow drivers to share their driving experience with others. The car was created completely from renewable resources, using recycled components rather than natural materials. It also features a swappable drive system that transfers from gasoline to hybrid drive in six minutes.
The idea to build a technological dream car with Motorola came as Pininfarina Extra, the division of the Pininfarina Group, began designing Motorola's latest line of iDEN handsets. Pininfarina Extra, which has partnered with Motorola on the design of its latest mobile phones, thought about how they could integrate Motorola's concept of 'seamless mobility' within a technologically advanced car. This challenge was taken up and carried forward by Pininfarina Extra through its cooperation in the design of the cabin and the accessories of the concept car.
"This Maserati illustrates some of Motorola's future technologies in a way that visitors to the Geneva International Motor Show can experience first-hand," said Sam Desai, senior vice president and general manager, Motorola's iDEN Networks and Handsets. "It is another example of how Motorola and Pininfarina are working together to bring exciting designs to new products." Motorola and Pininfarina also demonstrated several cutting-edge products designed for automotive enthusiasts, including the Pininfarina Limited Edition Motorola i833 handset as well as Motorola's line of NASCAR phones, mobile phone car kits, and other phones and accessories."
Posted to the site on 2nd March 2005
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