BMW’s Glow-in-the-Dark Prototype Climbs 55-Degree Ramp!

BMW stunned the crowd by driving its Vision Driving Experience prototype straight up a giant quarter-pipe, pulling off one of the boldest automotive stunts in recent memory. This was not just a small ramp or a slight incline. The quarter-pipe reached a steep 55 degrees at its highest point, and the car made the climb with shocking ease, almost like a futuristic skateboarder at an extreme sports event.

Behind the flashy move is some serious technology. While the Vision Driving Experience packs over 13,000 pound-feet of torque at the wheels from its four electric motors, it is not just raw power that allowed it to conquer the wall. The real secret weapon is the car’s active aerodynamic system. BMW installed powerful fans that create 2,645 pounds of downforce, keeping the car glued to the surface even when it is standing still. Thanks to this system, the car can generate racecar-like cornering forces and tackle nearly vertical climbs.

The ramp itself is no joke either. It starts at a 45-degree angle before steepening to 55 degrees at the 13-meter, or 42.7-foot, mark. Watching the car make that climb, with neon lights flashing and black lights illuminating the show, felt like a glimpse into the future of automotive performance.

This is not the first time the Vision Driving Experience has been shown to the public. BMW previously displayed it under heavy camouflage, but for the Shanghai event, the company revealed it in a special paint that actually glows in the dark. The self-illuminating paint absorbs light during the day and emits a whitish yellow to full neon glow at night. There is also a unique “magic film” on the rear of the vehicle, activated by ultraviolet light, that shifts color from yellow to orange to pink.

BMW is packing plenty of practical innovation into the Vision Driving Experience as well. The regenerative braking system now handles 98 percent of braking, which is 25 percent more effective than current BMW electric models. The company also claims the braking is much smoother, making everyday driving even more enjoyable.

BMW plans to unveil even more about the Vision Driving Experience and the upcoming Neue Klasse models later this year. Based on what we have seen so far, it is safe to say the future looks bright — and a little bit wild.