Facts About BMW Gina

The BMW Gina is a concept car that set the auto industry afire. In this article, we take a look at facts about the BMW Gina as well as some videos of the amazing concept.

The BMW Gina is a concept car with the real name of GINA Light Visionary Model. Rumors have run rampant that GINA stands for something feminine or a mysterious woman or two. Alas, the romanticized idea is simply wrong. GINA stands for "Geometry and functions In 'N' Adaptions". Huh? It refers to the design theme of challenging every design principle used with the BMW cars.

The BMW Gina is unique in that it has a body that can shape shift to meet certain performance goals. The body is essentially comprised of a moving skeleton that is covered by a fabric skin. As certain performance parameters are required, the skeleton moves and the fabric fold to provide them. For instance, the car has no headlights during the day. As evening approaches, the skeleton would modify itself and pull the fabric back in a manner that would reveal the headlights that otherwise are underneath it. Frankly, it is pretty cool.

Here's a video of Gina:

As for specific facts about the BMW Gina, the design team was led by Chris Bangle. He is also the head of BMW design. The body of the car is loosely designed on the Z4 model. The fabric skin takes about 2 hours to put on the car. The fabric is a polyurethane-coated Spandex of all things. The skeleton of the car under the fabric is actually an aluminum frame. The frame moves automatically to increase efficiency when the car is in motion, but the driver may also change it manually. The frame is moved with small hydraulic and electrical devices. The model is a two door with the doors opening up and out.

So, will we see a BMW Gina at the local dealer anytime soon? Unfortunately, it is very unlikely. The car was really meant as a tool to inspire the BMW designers and engineers and is not meant to be street legal. Although the design could be tailored to that end, the idea of making this big a leap in car design is not something BMW is currently willing to take on.

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