Still remarkable by today’s standards, can you believe that BMW unveiled the GINA Light Visionary Model in 2008 after seven years of development?
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These days the primary innovations showcased by concept cars tend to centre around electric powertrains and AI-augmented infotainment systems, perhaps with some ludicrous rims and design touches that are never destined to get past the accounts department or pedestrian safety testing. But every now and then, a manufacturer would decide to suspend all budget and practicality-related considerations and travel way out into the left field. This was certainly the case when BMW started developing the GINA Light Visionary Model in 2001, before its official unveiling in 2008.
GINA is an acronym for “Geometry and functions In ‘N’ Adaptions” which meant that the car could change the shape of certain body and interior parts to adapt to different driving situations. The concept featured a body comprising just four panels (bonnet, a pair of side panels and the boot) made from polyurethane-coated Spandex stretched over a moveable metal frame comprising flexible carbon-fibre struts and aluminium wires.
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This arrangement not only gave GINA a smooth, almost seamless shape, but it also allowed the car to morph as required. Travelling at high speeds would see the rear deck stretch into a spoiler to improve stability, while the car’s frontal aspect would change to improve airflow to the engine bay – which revealed itself in an ‘unzipping’ fashion. Similarly, elements such as the kidney grille and headlamps could be concealed when not in use; the latter winking open and shut in a manner mimicking a human eyelid. Perhaps the most eye-catching aspect of the concept’s design were the butterfly-style doors, which were incorporated into a single piece of fabric that stretched from the nose of the car to their trailing edges.
According to BMW, the material was water-resistant, durable, and capable of resisting temperature changes without losing elasticity. A further plus was the fabric’s translucency, which meant the design didn’t require cut-outs for the brakelamps; the arrays simply shone through the material, further adding to the car’s seamless appearance.
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Although practical considerations meant the GINA’s material skin and morphing bodywork were relegated to concept-only status, it did spawn some interesting developments. The material was used to clothe an early design prototype of the E90 3 Series Coupé – something that shocked the BMW board when its ‘skirts’ were lifted – and former BMW design chief Chris Bangle (well-known for his radical creations) claimed that the concept gave the firm’s designers greater freedom in ideating body shapes and materials for upcoming designs. It’s also believed that GINA inspired the E89 Z4, which was the first BMW to be penned by female designers, Juliane Blasi and Nadya Arnaout… not bad for a fabric-skinned flight of fancy!
Find the full feature in the February issue of CAR Magazine.
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