The Lotus Emeya, the latest electric vehicle (EV) from British automaker Lotus, is turning heads with its unique user interface. While car features and interfaces have been a subject of discussion lately, the Emeya takes things to the next level by integrating the Unreal Engine, commonly used in video games like Fortnite and Borderlands, into its center console.
The Lotus Emeya boasts impressive stats, including a WLTP range of approximately 600km and DC fast charging support of up to 350kW. With a stunning design and a quick acceleration time of 0-100km/h in just 2.8 seconds, it is expected to be a luxurious and high-performance electric car.
What sets the Emeya apart is its use of the Unreal Engine in the center console. However, this is not for gaming purposes but rather to enhance the user interface. The Unreal Engine allows the car’s UI to display real-time changes and adjustments to various components of the vehicle. For example, turning the wheels will be reflected on the screen, aligning the front wheels to match the actual turning angle. Similarly, opening the doors, charge port, and boot will also be visually represented on the screen.
While this feature adds a futuristic touch to the car’s aesthetics, critics argue that it is unnecessary. The Emeya is not the first car to utilize gaming technology in its UI; other examples include Rivian and Tesla. However, some question the practicality of integrating a video game engine into a luxury car’s dashboard.
Despite mixed reactions, the Lotus Emeya showcases the potential of “digital twin” technology, which allows the UI to respond dynamically to real-world changes. It adds an element of fun and visual appeal to the overall driving experience. However, concerns have been raised about the reliability of gaming engines like Unreal when under heavy processing load.
As a luxury car, the Emeya caters to the desires of its target market by providing unique features and experiences. While there is enjoyment in using a gaming engine for the car’s UI, some argue that physical buttons would be a more practical and reliable option. Ultimately, the integration of gaming technology in car UI is an interesting concept that raises questions about the future of automotive design and user experiences.
Source: Marques Brownlee’s Twitter post and YouTube video, Auto Focus on YouTube