Working people have become increasingly busy as jobs become more demanding. Look around you and you’ll notice most working folk eating on the go, making calls while driving, and texting while walking. Though technology has eased the burden of manual labor, it’s presented us with another set of problems: dependence on electronics. Some designers have this a little further, developing cars that bring the office front to the vehicle. While we aren’t sure how users will be able to concentrate on driving, we admire the gadgetry used on them which gives the term ‘high-tech’ a whole new meaning.
Brabus has presented us with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class iBusiness 2.0 which takes the Apple obsession to another level. The boot of the car has a Mac Mini mounted inside which connects to a 15.2-inch TFT display that unfolds mechanically from the headliner. It also acts as an auxiliary display for two iPads mounted on tables that deploy from the rear of the front seats. Wi-Fi networks all the iDevices installed. Brabus has allowed for passengers at the rear to control the car’s COMAND infotainment system. In addition, a 64-gig iPod Touch in the center console at the rear allows users to stream music to a pair of headphones or to the car’s standard sound system.
Hyundai and RIDES Magazine teamed up to present the Genesis Sedan at SEMA a few years back. Turning the car into a mobile executive suite, the two companies fitted the rear of both front headrests with 8.4-inch VGA displays as well as a Mac Mini on the rear deck, and wireless mouse and keyboard in the center console. A sliding tray in the trunk has another 20-inch Apple Cinema display.
The DecaDeca concept by Daihatsu may look a little odd but it’s designed to get in and out of easily owing to flat floor technology while incorporating something akin to a small office space. Both rear seats can fold or swivel alongside a huge 36-inch flatscreen monitor and a desk that can be folded down. The front seat can also swivel around if you want to hold a small conference.
LimousinesWorld has developed a mobile office platform that works on SUVs like the Ford Expedition, Cadillac Escalade and other large vehicles. Catering to the rich, the concept comprises a captain’s chair, decks, folding jump seats, an ice chest and interior floor lights. Going the distance, LimousinesWorld has fitted in a hands-free intercom system, PC connections, dual 7-inch flatscreen televisions, AM/FM/XM stereo system and a VGA computer port.
Mercedes-Benz’s Viano Avantgarde Edition 125 is a large and comfy vehicle, offering workaholics enough room to get their work done. The four bucket seats at the rear have been covered in plush leather with extra padding for increased lateral support while the individual seats can be moved in steps of 25mm. Adjustable armrests and height adjustable head restraints ensure that you get the most comfort. As for electronics, passengers and drivers can make use of the Bluetooth hands-free system, CD/DVD drive and voice control for CD player, radio and navigation system.
STRUT and Becker Automotive Design have collaborated to bring us the very high-tech Cadillac Escalade ESV. Custom leather interior lulls passengers into comfort while top-of-the-line electronics make for an impressive work place. An integrated iPod audio-video system, broadband internet connection and printer/scanner functions have been installed while digital surround sound ensures that users get the most out of the hi-fi system.
Sold by Mercedes-Benz Manhattan which a company-owned dealership, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a force to be reckoned with. As luxurious as a private jet, it has massage seats to get the kinks out after a hard day’s work. Two 32-inch flatscreen monitors, Wi-Fi, 6.5-inch LCD GPS, and DVD players have been fitted while users can enjoy satellite radio and breathe in clean air owing to the 30,000-BTU HVAC system.
The Audi A8 is a luxury sedan that became the first automobile with a mobile hotspot that’s factory integrated. An adaptor can connect up to eight devices through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi while the technology called Marvell Mobile Hotspot can support any smartphone, digital camera, gaming devices, laptops and tablets. A WLAN module has been integrated along with an antenna on the roof.
The Rolls Royce Phantom has made a name for itself for being a true definition of luxury. Incorporating the finest wood veneers and leather upholstery, the Phantom has a 12-speaker sound system and 12-inch displays. Blenheim wool carpets give you the illusion of being somewhere else while a custom humidor lets you store cigars and other valuable belongings. Apart from this, there is ample space for any business talk.
The Daimler-owned Maybach 62 S offers passengers and drivers all the comforts and essentials of a workplace. An electric sliding/tilting sunroof lets users enjoy fresh breeze and light while automatic climate control at the front and rear keep the temperature to a comfy level. Standard multimedia equipment includes a video, audio, phone and navigation system. A COMAND unit lets you control the DVD, audio and navigation system while drivers can control the communication system through voice. 9.5-inch displays, a 6-disc CD changer, DVD player and a remote control allows for uninterrupted entertainment.