Sony Vision-S Electric Car Is Alive And Well, Development Continues

In the video above, the Vision-S looks every inch the European test mule, complete with L-shaped camouflage livery and blacked-out wheels. In a video published by Sony on January 11, Frank Klein, the president of Magna Steyr, described the Vision-S as "just the starting point of our joint cooperation", reported CNBC.

"Airpeak, the industry's smallest class of drone that can be equipped with the Alpha system, is capable of dynamic filming and precise, stable flight, and aims to contribute to the world of entertainment while also pursuing new possibilities for creative expression", said Sony in a post. It has 33 sensors of varying types embedded within it, which can identify people and objects both inside and outside the auto as part of a "safety cocoon".

Inside, the minimalist dashboard and bank of screens have been retained, but Sony has added some switchgear to make the vehicle look more production-ready, including new indicator and gear selector stalks on the steering column.

According to TechCrunch, Sony has increased the number of sensors on the vehicle to 40 to allow for 360-degree awareness and experimented with ways to increase their capabilities. Currently, the company says the adaptive cruise control, self-parking system, and automatic lane changing comprises Level 2+ driving assistance. Since then, Sony has apparently developed the prototype further together with various partner companies.

Automotive supplier Magna-which contract manufactures vehicles like the Jaguar I-Pace-provided engineering services for the original Vision-S concept.

Sony has also paid attention to camera functions, an area in which the Japanese company is well-known for its expertise.

Sony in September also released an interview with two people who worked on the Vision-S project.

As to why Sony built a sedate sedan instead of a flashy concept, Kawanishi said, "It would be meaningless for us to work on something that was unlikely to be realised".