In a jaw-dropping display of innovation, Sony wowed the audience at CES 2024 as Izumi Kawanishi, President and COO of Sony Honda Mobility, harnessed the power of a PS5 DualSense controller to drive the futuristic Afeela EV onto the stage. This unexpected spectacle left spectators in awe, showcasing a tantalizing glimpse into the future of automotive technology.
The Afeela, a collaborative venture between Sony and Honda, emerged as a concept car, teasing enthusiasts with its impressive specs—a 400kW (536hp) dual-motor all-wheel drive, a swift 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds, and a top speed of 240km/h. As Sony continues to fine-tune this electric marvel, it inches closer to transforming this conceptual dream into a tangible reality.
However, the highlight of the presentation was the seemingly fantastical act of summoning the Afeela using a PS5 controller. Yet, Kawanishi swiftly clarified that this was merely a tech demo, dashing hopes of a real-world gaming-inspired driving experience.
They controlled Sony's and Honda's Afeela Car with a Dualsense Controller.
— Knoebel (@Knoebelbroet) January 9, 2024
It's just a tech demo. pic.twitter.com/U5FF02Hmcx
Nonetheless, the Afeela boasts a genuine gaming-inspired feature. Powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5.3, the electric car’s massive ultrawide dashboard display comes alive with breathtaking 3D graphics and visuals. Utilizing this cutting-edge gaming technology, drivers and passengers are treated to detailed 3D maps, virtual spaces, and augmented reality views, enhanced further by internet-sourced metadata overlays.
Beyond the immersive visual experience, the Afeela leverages Unreal Engine 5.3 for a more practical purpose—training its multi-camera driver assistance systems. The highly realistic graphics generated by the game engine contribute to improved accuracy in training the visual models and neural network processing that underpin the electric vehicle’s advanced driver-aid functions.
While the cost of the Afeela remains shrouded in mystery, Sony has confirmed its plans to roll this futuristic marvel onto the streets in 2026. As the automotive and gaming worlds collide, the Afeela stands poised to redefine the driving experience, blending the realms of virtual gaming and real-world mobility.
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