With Intuition, Faurecia has unveiled a new approach to vehicle interiors that features innovative use of HD screens, relaxing smart seats and an array of charging points that let you use your tablet anytime, anywhere. "We think it's time vehicle interiors adapted to the lifestyles of drivers and passengers instead of the other way round," explains Gherardo Corsini, Customer Marketing Director at Faurecia. "Drivers want more autonomy and a real connection to the world outside. That is what guided our hand in designing Intuition."

Increased connectivity

The center console is, to some extent, the core of this interior, boasting an array of entirely revamped features such as a wafer-thin HD touch screen that is extremely intuitive and is as easy to use as a mobile phone. The integrated docking system to the side of the screen allows the driver and passengers to project their smartphone and tablet display onto the touch screen and make the most of its flawless resolution. Meanwhile, the wireless charging stations in the side doors, the glovebox and the center console can be used to charge electronic devices anytime, anywhere. The result is a car that is no longer closed off from the outside world but is instead in tune with its environment.

A first step towards autonomous vehicles

However, Intuition does not make technological innovation an end in itself: the primary goal is to shape a new experience for the driver, with a focus on wellness. This is a concept that is immediately apparent when the driver switches to autonomous mode: the seat reclines and the cabin lighting automatically softens to create a more relaxed mood; the console's center screen is never out of arm's reach and can even pivot towards the passenger when needed. All of this makes for stress‑free surroundings that ensure a calming, user-friendly journey. Intuition is already exploring the potential that autonomous cars have to offer. As Mr Corsini explains: "This new interior offers solutions that could feature on new models in the next five years. Yet it also provides a platform on which to build more long-term innovations that will be part of the fully autonomous vehicle in the future."

A modern, soothing styling

In terms of styling, the goal was to create an environment in keeping with this modern, calming approach. Faurecia's experts focused on a mix of different materials not commonly found in today's cars. One example is the aluminum used to create a tactile instrument panel featuring discreetly integrated sensors. Subtle lighting effects and haptic feedback confirm requested commands. The result is seamless, intuitive control that offers a wholly different experience than that offered by injection molding and traditional plastic buttons. This effect is further enhanced by the screens in front of the passenger seat, which remain out of sight when not in use, blending seamlessly into the dash.

Wood trim-often used so sparsely inside the cabin-here features in large swathes of the interior decoration. Even more surprising is the use of stone as a decorative material on the instrumental panel, further enhancing the calming effect in the cabin, akin to that of a Japanese garden.

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