Just saw this on another forum, thought I'd post it here ...
For pictures :
http://www.visteon.com/newsroom/press_kits/sema.shtmlVisteon team turns MAZDA5 into advanced technology showcaseLAS VEGAS, Nov. 1, 2005 ? Visteon Corporation?s InnovationWorks? product development team is showcasing several exclusive new technologies on a 2006 MAZDA5. The demonstration vehicle will be unveiled for the automotive press this week at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. The vehicle is on display through Friday, Nov. 4, at the Visteon exhibit (No. 10322) in the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The Visteon team turned the MAZDA5 ? an all new multi activity vehicle ? into a playground of electronic technologies. The integrated advanced in-cab entertainment and electronics systems can be used in daily driving or for recreational outings and tailgating.
Among the additions is a sophisticated electronic control system featuring an automotive-grade data center, side- and rear-view camera interface, and head-up information display. Visteon?s head-up display concept demonstrates a method to view a variety of driver information technologies such as GPS, music artist information, incoming cellular text messages. It can also replace traditional rear and side-view mirrors and through the use of cameras, the system takes the images typically viewed through the mirrors and projects them onto the head-up display screen located at the top-center of the vehicle?s windshield. A mechanism installed in the vehicle?s headliner is used to project the images.
Additionally, Visteon?s Hands-Free Phone Kit using Bluetooth? wireless technology allows the driver to keep his or her hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
This Visteon demonstration vehicle also includes two implementations of Visteon?s Dockable Family Entertainment System?, which combine in-vehicle DVD entertainment and future gaming capabilities with the additional convenience of portable use in any setting. While one dockable DVD system is integrated into the MAZDA5 headliner for rear-seat viewing; the second is installed within the vehicle?s lift gate for exterior viewing when the lift gate is raised. Custom speaker enclosures using Boston Acoustics? aftermarket audio components rotate out of their recessed in-vehicle positions for optimal sound performance outside the vehicle ? through the tailgate.
?We challenged ourselves not only to create a vehicle that would be a center of attention at SEMA, but one that would demonstrate the unique versatility of Visteon?s latest and most popular technologies,? said Greg Gyllstrom, vice president and general manager, Visteon aftermarket operations. ?These innovative products are quickly gaining popularity at the automotive manufacturer and aftermarket levels. In fact, the Visteon Dockable Family Entertainment System is now a recommended entertainment platform marketed by thousands of vehicle dealerships around the world.?
The Visteon-enhanced MAZDA5 also incorporates several performance and styling upgrades, including an exclusive Air Induction System with variable noise control capability. This new Visteon technology enables the vehicle to dynamically tune engine sound without impacting performance by accentuating or eliminating specific noise frequencies. The MAZDA5 demonstration vehicle also is equipped with a premium Visteon Racing Radiator. Available for a broad range of muscle cars and sport compact models, Visteon Racing Radiators are handcrafted using advanced racing cores and heliarc-welded aluminum stock. Nearly 100 percent of NASCAR? teams use Visteon?s ultra-efficient radiator cores.
Visteon interior and exterior lighting technologies ? Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Electroluminiscent lighting ? are used to personalize the legendary Mazda styling.
Other functional exterior enhancements include, low-profile Toyo performance tires, RO_JA wheels, stylized DNX exhaust tips from Tenneco, LED bulbs from Osram and fabrication work by Prefix Corporation.
Following SEMA, the vehicle will be shown at a variety of automotive industry events across North America before being put on permanent display at Visteon?s Corporate Offices and Innovation Center in Van Buren Township, Mich.
