Amazing concept car designs often inspire gadget designers, but sometimes the inspiration flows the other way. Here are three awesome concept car designs from the past 5 years that were inspired by the latest gadgets – both in look and in their embodiment of the idea of the connected car.

Volkswagen Bulli

Inspired by Volkswagen’s iconic camper van, the Bulli concept car has an in-car entertainment and driver information system that is all controlled and operated by an integrated Apple iPad. The iPad is mounted in a custom dock attached to an extending tilt and swivel arm in the center of the car so that it can be operated by both driver and passenger. The tablet is responsible for all of the car’s “infotainment” functions, including audio, video, satellite navigation and even climate controls. The Bulli, which was first shown in 2011, also has a lithium-ion battery (which can be charged in under one hour), a 113-horsepower electric motor and a Fender-designed audio system.

Nissan Urge

First shown in 2006, the Urge was developed when Nissan North America Inc. and Microsoft collaborated to design a concept car which combined the latest in automobile design with the latest in gaming technology. The result is the world’s first fully integrated gaming system within a car.

Inspired by Microsoft’s hugely popular Xbox 360 video game console, the Nissan Urge has mobile phone integration, a flip-down LCD screen and, of course, a fully integrated Xbox 360. The console comes preloaded with Project Gotham Racing, and the racing game is actually controlled with the same steering wheel and pedals used to drive the car.

As you might expect, for safety reasons, the Xbox console can only be played when the car is stationary, but nevertheless, Microsoft says that the Nissan Urge delivers an unparalleled driving experience that cannot be replicated in any living room.

Apple-inspired iMove

Apple fans will be delighted should this Apple-inspired concept car ever become a reality. The hybrid iMove car is the brainchild of Italian automotive designer Liviu Tudoran, who designed it as a student project in 2010. It is, of course, inspired by Apple’s design aesthetic.

Among the innovative features, the iMove includes a touchscreen dashboard interface, solar glass to charge the car and a special photochromic “skin” which allows the driver to actually change the color of the car. The three-seater vehicle also features a removable roof and a door design that offers open access to the iMove’s interior.

Daniel Butler is a contributor to and editor of Vroomvroomvroom.co.uk, a car hire company based in the UK. He is also a keen gadget blogger.

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BMW’s been teasing us with its vision for electric motoroing for years, and today, folks, the trend continues. The German automaker has unveiled two concepts from its upcoming i sub-brand: the city-dwelling i3 and a rehashed version of its i8. This is the first time we’ve officially seen the smaller of the two, as the car formerly known as the Megacity had only been spied in an official render and during routine testing at the arctic circle. It’ll haul four peeps with its 150km range (around 100 miles) and accelerate from 0-60mph in around 8 seconds. As for those with range anxiety, the German company will soothe such fears with an optional range-extending motor dubbed “REx.” Either variant could land in your garage in 2013, where you’ll be able top them up in 6 hours with a standard socket, or up to eighty percent in an hour if you’re rocking a spiffy high capacity charger.

The i8, which you’ll recall for its radical aerodynamic design and hybrid diesel-electric drivetrain, has received a bevy of aerodynamic tweaks and junked its oil burner, opting for a gasoline one instead. Engine swap aside, the sporty coupé apparently drinks only 2.7 liters per 100km — 87 mpg (!) for yanks — which is unreal in a car that’ll accelerate to 62mph in 4.6 seconds. Sound too good to be true? We’ll have to wait until 2014 to see if München can make good on those promises, but in the meantime feel free to peruse the galleries, videos, and PR after the break.

Continue reading BMW unveils new i3 and revamped i8 concepts, we await our automotive future (video)

BMW unveils new i3 and revamped i8 concepts, we await our automotive future (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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