The self-driving car opens up new avenues for creativity, responding to new uses.
With PEUGEOT INSTINCT CONCEPT and its Responsive i-Cockpit, we are building on the factors that have made the brand’s latest models so successful. We are creating new forms of driving pleasure. These may come from the interfaces, the architecture or the styling. There is no reason why a selfdriving car should be dull to look at or to experience.
Matthias Hossann, head of PEUGEOT concept cars
The driver’s environment boasts a sleek kinematic system that comes into play when switching between Drive and Autonomous modes. The compact steering wheel and the panel housing the toggle switches fold into the dashboard. At the same time, the accelerator pedal pulls back into the pedal unit.
Regardless of the mode activated, the driver retains control over the vehicle. While this is obvious in Drive mode, this feature of PEUGEOT’s self-driving car is more surprising in Autonomous mode. The i-Device sits next to the 9.7-inch screen on the central console and can be used to command the car at any time. Simply tap to overtake the car in front or to switch from Soft to Sharp mode.
In Drive mode, the holographic cluster displays the operating data: vehicle speed, the split between the two energies used in the PHEV power chain, battery level, and so on. The digital rear-view function notifies the driver of the presence of a vehicle in the blind spot.
In Autonomous mode, these features include other information such as the distance covered so far and the remaining journey time. In fact, with the driver now able to relax, time is the only notion that really counts!
The on-board atmosphere changes as you change driving mode. Other than the information displayed, the seat positions, lighting and sound options are adapted.
The Responsive i-Cockpit gives each passenger their own individual space, even on-board a compact vehicle. To make sure everyone is comfortable, the seats take inspiration from aeronautic design. The structures and areas that come into contact with the body – seat base, seat back and headrest – are all treated individually. The base is enhanced with aluminium and remains fixed. The back, however, is mobile, pivoting around the transversal Y axis. The occupant is free to select the position they like – horizontal if they want to rest, upright to drive or in-between to watch a film or work.
Passengers can all communicate with the car via a chatbot, a speech-driven personal assistant offering a vast array of services. For example, you can use naturally expressed commands to book cinema seats or buy online.
The materials also incite you to make the most of this extra free time. The floor is finished with a thin concrete layer that has a silky feel, inviting you to slip off your shoes and relax. A 3D mesh is shaped to fit and support the body. The same material also trims the side panels around the central console and the door panels, the seat bases and seat backs. The headrest provides neck support and is trimmed with a flexible 3D mesh and leather.