Tesla's Next Competitor Unveiled - Now From Sony

2023 Author: Natalie MacDonald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 13:59

At the CES-2020 consumer electronics show in Las Vegas, Sony suddenly distinguished itself by unveiling the Vision-S electric car. At the moment it is listed as a concept, but the relatively "down-to-earth" design and sophisticated technical stuffing suggest that this is something more than an abstract fantasy of an electronic company on an automotive theme.

• With a length of 4985 millimeters, the Sony Vision-S falls exactly between the TeslModel 3 and Model S, but surpasses them in a wheelbase of exactly three meters. The platform was developed by the Austrian company MagnSteyr: the "sonimobile" received double wishbone suspension and pneumatic bellows "in a circle".

  • The Vision-S is a four-wheel drive vehicle with the same 272-horsepower electric motors on both axles. Acceleration to hundreds takes 4.8 seconds, and the maximum speed is 240 kilometers per hour. The Japanese do not report data on the battery capacity and power reserve.

    • Much attention has been paid to safety: on board the Sony Vision-S there are 12 cameras, 17 radars and three lidars, but the creators avoid loud words about autopilot. At the moment, level 2+ autonomy is declared, that is, the concept can independently accelerate, brake and follow the markings, but requires constant attention from the driver. And only in the future, after a series of software updates, the fourth level can be reached - when the person behind the wheel is even allowed to sleep.

      • In the front of the cabin, the Sony Vision-S has seven displays: three replace the traditional rear-view mirrors, three more are instruments and an infotainment system, and the seventh, like Audi and Jaguar Land Rover, is put under climate control. It is noteworthy that a physical washer controller is provided for multimedia. The rear passengers have a similar one - to interact with their personal displays.

        • Separate pride of Sony - a sophisticated audio system with 33 speakers, some of which are built in pairs in the headrests of the seats. In addition, the car is constantly connected to the Internet and closely integrated with the owner's smartphone. For example, he knows how to "pick up" the current navigation and music as soon as you sit inside.

          • Some semblance of artificial intelligence is also announced: Vision-S remembers people's preferences like music, temperature in the cabin, driving dynamics, route selection, etc. - and adjusts to them.

            • Previously, the manufacturer of vacuum cleaners Dyson worked on its own electric car, but in the fall of 2019 the project was declared unprofitable and was phased out. Something automotive Apple has been exploring for a year, but there is no reliable information about the details and status of development at the moment.