BMW will present Vision ConnectedDrive at 2011 Geneva Auto Show

The two-seater features doors that slide into the framework, à la the short-lived Z1 roadster, enabling true open-air motoring. But that's not the least of this car's sole and unique features.

To demonstrate vision of the connected car of the future visually, BMW engineers have created a triple layer of fiber-optic lighting, which each layer corresponding to one of three values — safety, comfort and infotainment. Red lights flow around the driver, carrying a flow of safety-related data and information. Blue lights, denoting infotainment, encompass the passenger and promote "active social exchange" between driver and passenger. Green lights are focused on "the interaction of the vehicle with the world around it."

To enable the flow of information, the headlamps and taillamps have integrated sensors that monitor traffic and the environment. Some of that data is fed to a new 3D head-up display, which overlays the driver's real-time view with virtual information. The instrument cluster can be programmed to provide additional data.

The passenger also is provided with a separate information display, and the data — navigation, music and so on — can be shared with the driver.