Ford caught experimenting with virtual bonnet sticker

Ford has applied for a patent for an all-new technology that can create images on body panels by either burning an emblem through rain or snow, or creating one out of condensation.

Leaked by trademark blog, freepatentsonline.com, the new US patent application was made last week by Ford.

Using the latest Ford Mustang as an example, the US car maker goes to elaborate lengths to achieve its aim of 'painting' the Mustang logo on to a bonnet.

In snowy conditions the system works by sandwiching an additional layer within the two metal panels that make up a car’s bonnet.

This new layer incorporates sensors that measure both the temperature and humidity of the outer layer.

If the system detects snow the inner layer can draw current from the car's electrical system to melt a logo into the bonnet using a heating element.

The same effect works when it's raining as the heated outer part of the bonnet 'burns off' any water.

The system can also works in reverse if an additional cooling line is added that draws from the vehicle's air conditioning.

When parked in a hot climate Ford claims the tech will trace an outline of a logo using condensation alone.

Perhaps more effective is the tech has been designed to work with thermochromatic paints that could see a red Mustang appear on a blue car.

Expect to see the new tech starring at next year's SEMA custom car show.

The same water and snow repellent technology, meanwhile, could also reappear later on pure-electric vehicles to help clear snow and rain from solar body panels that will be used to charge vehicles when parked.