At the largest innovation platform of CES 2024, Honda and Sony have finally revealed its latest AFEELA concept. After the successful debut at CES 2023, in the Sony Honda Mobility Partnership.
As previous debut when the brand has not revealed any spec information but this time the latest Afeela concept is looking more production ready. It features an air suspension that is supported by unequal length control arms up front and a multi-link setup at the rear. Also this time actual side view mirrors or used in place of the cameras and headlights that are more realistic than those on the earlier variant. Company says that the Afeela will go into production in 2025, with sales beginning in 2026, with the price tag of $45,000.
Here, it is important that Sony and Honda Mobility have plans to create a car with maximum entertainment capabilities. Through the help of Epic Games, Microsoft and Polyphony digital can be seen in the upcoming car.
For that the new Afeela will feature a video-game-like GPS and navigation system provided by Epic Game’s Unreal Engine digital technology. That makes the driver feel like they’re playing as they cruise. Also the data captured from the advanced sensors of the electric car is translated into real-time 3D objects and allows the drivers to view their current location from any angle.
According to Designboom, the companies and Microsoft have developed a conversational personal agent for Afeela that uses the Azure OpenAI service. The voice enabled system with a realistic human-like accent and tone allows drivers to talk to their personal mobility agent as if they were chatting with a real person. Other technologies installed in the cabin include large infotainment screens for everyone, a noise cancelling interior resembling soundproof cinemas, and Sony’s spatial audio throughout the seats and cabin.
To make it more entertaining, driver and front seat passengers can also choose to play with visual additives, such as monsters popping out of buildings or adding undersea effects in the driving screen. Microsoft also provides its artificial intelligence in the Afeela to provide drivers with their personal mobility agent.
The latest Afeela comes with an autonomously parking system with the help of provided AI, Sensors and cameras. A themed cabin that allows the driver to choose a certain theme for their driving experience is also fitted, said Izumi Kawanishi, Sony Honda Mobility president and COO.
To provide a cool exterior an LED light strip is fitted at the front of the car that acts as an external information display. That alerts the person outside with certain information such as flashing a warning sign if any vehicle is too close to the rear bumper.
