The latest word is that BMW is going to remove every mirror on the i8 and replace it with video cameras.
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The BMW i8 Mirrorless concept unveiled in the Consumer Electronics Show is one example of how this can be achieved. Although this display is taller than a typical rear-view mirror, its bottom edge is at the same height as that in the standard i8. And while we’ve come to accept these odd protuberances on the sides of our cars, they hurt a car’s aerodynamic qualities and create wind noise.
According to BMW, the image of the traffic behind the vehicle via said cameras has a wider viewing angle than that of conventional interior and exterior mirrors.
Also on display at CES 2016 was the BMW i3 Extended Rearview Mirror, which uses a rear-facing, roof-mounted camera that overlays images onto a more traditional rear view mirror. It doesn’t just display images from the camera by the way – the display system can also evaluate camera images and respond quickly to impending hazards. A display in place of the conventional rearview mirror shows a composite wide-angle image.
As part of the concept, the processor for the system analyzes the imagery, and displays a warning if there is a vehicle coming up fast on either right or left side, alerting the driver when it’s not safe to change lanes. No adjustment of the cameras is necessary. Well those winglets also serve as turn signal indicators, and could provide the added benefit of improving the car’s aerodynamics. The display prevents the driver from being subject to direct glare and the contrast can be optimally adjusted to suit the light conditions. The replacement mirror also has lines showing the car’s trajectory when parking.
Like the driver, they can always see the traffic in the display, and when they are getting out they can see whether pedestrians or cyclists are in danger before they open the door.
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The lens of the two side cameras is made of Gorilla Glass Type 2, a thin and robust glass which is frequently used for displays of electronic devices with touchscreens and features particularly high scratch resistance and braking strength.
