VW - Programmable Bumper Sticker

[marvins_dad]

Thought this was neat...

VW's programmable bumper sticker

Volkswagen has designed a programmable electronic bumper sticker that enables drivers to communicate real-time messages to other road users. A product of VW's Electronics Research Laboratory in California, the electrophoretic displays make use of a thin foil membrane that can be programmed to show messages and pictures that reflect a driver's mood at any given time. At the moment, the application is specific to VW's Chameleon concept car, but designers tell us they're looking into other automotive applications for the technology. The picture VW sent us shows a display wishing other road users to "Have a good day," although we suspect a more common use of the technology is likely to be as a substitute for certain popular driver hand signals.

Via Detroit News

[FineExampl]

I must have this.

[Scarab 1]

THis is what I would have to put on most of the time!
Why must people tailgate me? I am actually faster than most of them!

[marvins_dad]

Originally Posted by Scarab 1

THis is what I would have to put on most of the time!
Why must people tailgate me? I am actually faster than most of them!

I could see some folks getting into trouble for their use of explatives on their bummper stickers!
New reason for Road Rage..."What do you mean I called you a ___? My bumper sticker says 'Have a nice day'"

[wawalker]

Another wonderful tool for road ragers....

[FineExampl]

i'd just put "the closer you get, the slower i go"

[Scarab 1]

There ya go.....I would not use it to be mean. Just to make a statement like the one above! :-)

[marvins_dad]

I could see some TDIer's hacking it to show their current running gas mileage to boast about how fuel effecient their cars are.

[FineExampl]

How about my choice, "Small car, big..."

[Scarab 1]

Originally Posted by FineExampl

How about my choice, "Small car, big..."

Nice one! As far as the TDI'ers....That would be pretty sweet to see!

[FineExampl]

totally. It kills me hearing about 40mpg. i'd have to flip that TDI guy off.

[marvins_dad]

Originally Posted by FineExampl

totally. It kills me hearing about 40mpg. i'd have to flip that TDI guy off.

Just be carefull, I heard recently you can do it all you want in your car, but if you stick your hand out the window you could get cited for "Improper Hand Signal" Heard that because it happened to Jim Bruer the other day.

[boblamb58]

Ha ha... "EAT MY SOOT!"

[13Beetlejuice13]

I echo the sentiment: I MUST have this.

[dnyed]

I would have it "speed dialed" to say "Your Blinkers Are Broken", or "Peace", or "NewBeetle.Org".

But I can see the potential for even more road rage. It may be cool, but it's not a good idea.

[from Margaritaville...]

Mine would say "My registration renewal sticker number is 5N8253T8, now BACK OFF!"

[Concept1]

Originally Posted by marvins_dad

Thought this was neat...

What's with the massive computer in the trunk? Does it really require that much processing power to display a message?

[marvins_dad]

It seems to be part of the VW Cocept Microbus Chameleon....
(which I posted about a few months ago)
http://www.roadandtravel.com/earthto.../vwconcept.htm

Not sure what all is powered by that, but the screen for the instrumentation needs a computer.

Upon further investigation the Bus is electric so there isn't an engine in the bay...
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=116916

I'm guessing since it is a showcase vehicle they have spruced up the engine bay with all the controllers and computers needed to support the van's conceptual components.

[dnyed]

Roof mounted solar panel "surfboards". Genius!

[Herbie3Rivers]

With a Bus, you need that electronic bumper sticker. Especially considering how slow they are.