GM Precept Recognized For Novel Interior Design 'Auto Interiors' Recognizes Design And Technology Of 80 MPG Car
FOR RELEASE: May 16, 2001GM Precept Recognized For Novel Interior Design 'Auto Interiors' Recognizes Design And Technology Of 80 MPG Car
DETROIT - The GM Precept, a record-breaking technology demonstration vehicle that earned critical acclaim for its diesel-electric hybrid powertrain and ultra-streamlined exterior, is now being recognized for its innovative interior as well.
The sleek one-of-a-kind vehicle, first introduced at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, received first place honors at the Auto Interiors 2001 Design & Technology Awards for the design of its interior space. Specifically, the Precept interior was voted into the top spot of the Design & Manufacturing category of the Concept Division. The award will be presented today during the Detroit Auto Interiors Show at Cobo Conference and Exhibition Center.
The Precept evolved out of GM's participation in the joint auto industry-federal government Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV), and was the only vehicle to reach the aggressive goal of 80 miles per gallon of gasoline in a five-passenger sedan. To achieve that difficult objective, engineers and designers had to re-think every aspect of the car to save weight and energy, including seemingly mundane items like the dome light and rear-view mirrors.
As a result, the Precept's interior features all sorts of new materials, new controls and new ways for passengers to interact with the car.
The front seats are made of a lightweight expanded mesh fabric on a rigid steel and aluminum frame which is padded around the perimeter, resulting in seats that are both lightweight and extremely comfortable. The same mesh fabric is also used in storage areas, door panels and areas of the instrument panel, giving the passenger the ability to see what's on the other side. On the instrument panel, the car's mechanical systems are somewhat visible beneath the mesh, adding to a sense of spaciousness and reinforcing the fact that this is a highly technological car.
Traditional gauges, knobs and dials on the instrument panel have been replaced with a liquid crystal display like that found on a laptop computer, and a few simple controls. The screen is placed as far forward as possible on the instrument panel (IP) to minimize shifting and refocusing of the driver's eyes. A rocker switch on the console works like a computer mouse to control the display. On the screen, the driver sees all of the data and trouble lights that would be found on a traditional IP, as well as a panoramic view of what's behind the car.
Rear-view mirrors have been replaced with tiny video cameras on the sides and rear of the car to create the single, panoramic view of what's to the rear. The image has no blind spots, and can be adjusted to eliminate nighttime glare from headlights.
There is no traditional ignition switch on the steering column. Instead, the driver enters a numerical code on a keypad on the center console, and then pushes a button to start the car. The transmission's settings of Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive are also controlled by push buttons on the console.
Other solid surfaces of the interior, such as the headliner, are fabricated from an expanded polypropylene material called Acousti-foam, which has a texture and color tailored for the interior. The Acousti-foam is rigid enough to stay in place without additional structural support, yet it is very lightweight, absorbs sound, and provides thermal insulation.
Instead of padded carpeting, the Precept features a more practical rubber-textured floor coating. Removable overlay mats are also of a rubber material for easy cleaning.
Doors are opened from the inside by an electrical push button that is disabled when the car is in gear. Even the dome lamp has been replaced, with interior light provided instead by a bank of 20 LED's mounted on a circuit board, which saves both energy and weight.
The principal developers of the Precept's interior were GM employees Gary Buch, Matt Erdey, Jane Grigg, Mark Hinzmann and John Zelenak.