Cars are getting more and more assistance systems and are expected to drive fully autonomously in the future. It will still take some time until then, but with the Gen.Travel concept vehicle, VW is already showing how a car of the future should work. The premium vehicle, which is in the class between sedan and MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle), drives autonomously according to level 5. The system should be able to predict vertical and lateral movements such as acceleration, braking or cornering and optimize the driving style and trajectory. It also uses AI and platooning for automated driving in a convoy.
The concept vehicle thus has the highest level of autonomous driving, which means that it can drive completely independently in all areas. The driver no longer has a driving task. With the Gen.Travel, Volkswagen wants to make the driver “a relaxed passenger”.
In addition, the car should be “customizable for each trip”. It has armchairs and a central table that can seat up to four people. Dynamic light sources should create a pleasant working atmosphere and prevent motion sickness. As an alternative to creative use, an entertainment program for children can be configured with the front seats via augmented reality (AR), in which digital elements are inserted into the real world. If the occupants want to rest or sleep while driving, two seats can be folded out into beds. A special light system is intended to stimulate the release of the hormone melatonin, which has a sleep-inducing effect. As a result, a sleeping zone should be created in which falling asleep and waking up naturally is made possible.
Overall, the Gen.Travel uses various technical options, as well as an innovative occupant restraint system that is intended to guarantee “highest level of safety”. In addition, the glass vehicle cabin should contribute to a pleasant journey: the windows reach down to the waistline in order to offer the best possible view of the outside. But if you lie down, you shouldn’t notice anything from the outside environment. The design study also has gullwing doors that are intended to make it easier to get in and out.
Klaus Zyciora, Head of Volkswagen Group Design, says: “[…] The Gen.Travel embodies the visionary design of the day after tomorrow for the mobility of tomorrow. The efficient shape characterizes the extremely distinctive design […].” Zyciora promises: “The automobile will not only be better, but also more exciting than ever before.” Nikolai Ardey, Head of Volkswagen Group Innovation, continues: “In Group-wide innovation research, we are developing this idea further and showing how our customers can experience mobility in the future – for example as a service. With the Gen.Travel you can already experience what is in will be possible with innovative technology in the near future.”
The Gen.Travel should not replace the classic car, but can be rented for a trip, even if the market launch of the prototype is not planned. Instead, however, individual features are to be transferred to production vehicles on its basis in the future. VW does not give details about engine performance and drive type. However, it can be assumed that comparable vehicle models with an electric motor will appear, since the Wolfsburg-based company speaks of an “emission-free” car. In addition, VW is expanding electromobility and has set itself the goal of increasing the share of electric cars on the market to 70 percent by 2030.
The car manufacturer does not reveal when an autonomous travel car from VW is to come onto the market. So far, however, it has not been possible to clearly predict when fully autonomous vehicles will go into series production. In Germany, level 3 autonomous driving has only been permitted since June 2021. On Saturday (September 24th) VW will first present the Gen.Travel at the “Chantilly Arts
