Volkswagen Kombi demos future cabin tech

Continental has catapulted the Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi into the future with a new concept that showcases sustainable materials and innovative solutions for next-generation vehicles.

Unveiled at this week’s Munich motor show – where VW’s own reborn Kombi EV was also presented via the near-production Volkswagen ID. Buzz concept – the Continental AMBIENC3 is a converted T2 microvan that the global automotive supplier says “focuses on sustainability, design, functionality, third space and customer orientation”.

The concept features three dedicated zones – Drive, Work and Lounge – each with specially tailored “surface materials and design concepts” that suit a Level 4 autonomous vehicle.

As such, the AMBIENC3 has a steering wheel (and some old-school pedals and hand brake) but is clearly designed around full self-driving capability.

There’s an obvious absence of switchgear in the cabin, with Continental’s designers incorporating digital ‘buttons’ into interior surfaces to make them “invisible at first glance”.

Materials with abrasion resistance and the ability to ‘self-heal’ also feature, as does a breathable artificial leather made from a vinyl and polyurethane combination.

Said to allow air and water vapour to pass through, the faux leather is soft and can self-regulate temperatures.

The driver’s seat is wrapped in a dirt and stain resistant material dubbed ‘staynu’.

Continental’s global director for innovation, transformation and design, Ralf Imbery, said the natural and renewable materials used in the AMBIENC3 are not only eco-friendly but lightweight, “reducing energy consumption and, by extension, CO2 emissions”.

The driving range in electric vehicles should also increase as a result.

“With the AMBIENC3 we are connecting a globally renowned icon of the automotive world with new, intriguing surfaces and future-focused technologies, whose attributes assist driving, working and relaxing as effectively as possible and distinguish them through colour, design and material,” said Imbery.

According to Continental, car interiors of the future will be used “as a place of retreat, almost like a second home, or a mobile office, a wellness oasis”.

“In the future, vehicles will offer their occupants a completely new spatial experience to switch off, refuel and gather energy,” the company said.

With co-ordinated entertainment and mood features for each ‘Zone’, such as heat, light, colour and sound, Continental says each area will bring its own atmosphere.

The aim is to move away from “purely functional vehicle interiors to trendy mobile working and living spaces”.