The Sony Vision-S all-electric concept sedan was first unveiled at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show. It was designed in collaboration with various automotive companies including Magna International, Continental AG, Elektrobit, Benteler and Bosch, featuring latest technologies including always-on connectivity, sensory devices and autonomous driving.
Although it was previously stated that the company has no plans to put the Vision-S into production, surprisingly however the electric sedan has been seen undergoing trials at a testing facility in Europe. The bodywork of the test mule looked similar to the show car, which already looked very much like a finished product.
Sony Vision-S Prototype
The Sony Vision-S concept debuted with a dual-motor setup with a 200 kW motor on each axle, generating 536hp while enabling a 0-100 km/h run in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h, according to the company. A double wishbone suspension is used with an air spring system while the car rides on 21-inch alloys wrapped in 245/40 and 275/35 tires at the front and rear, respectively.
The Sony Vision-S
The Vision-S boasts a suite of 33 sensors for Level 2 assisted driving capability, comprised of 12 cameras, 17 ultrasonic and radar sensors, and three solid-state lidar sensors. However its sensor count has grown to 40 with its revision for 2021, adding a new rear lidar sensor and an interior camera to monitor the driver’s lips and improve speech recognition as a result. At the time of debut, Sony said the onboard hardware setup of Vision-S will accommodate software upgrades that will enable the car to have self-driving capabilities at Level 4 and higher in future.
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Although Sony has previously said it has no plans to mass produce the Vision-S for consumers, but it says it will continue testing the vehicle. The use of a purpose-built platform and not using another automaker’s existing hardware and software means it is less limited in what it could achieve, said Sony. The technology developed on Vision-S will probably be sold to other automakers in future.
Sony Vision-S in Frankfurt
Earlier in April, Sony also released a footage showing not one, but two prototypes undergoing driving tests in Frankfurt, Germany. The emphasis is on fine-tuning the acceleration performance and refining the interior to create a “comfortable cabin space while ensuring stable driving at high speeds in various conditions.” Whether or not Sony will proceed towards mass-producing the Vision-S electric sedan remains to be seen.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
