Delphi and Sbarro to unveil 'F1for3' Connected Show Car

A new approach to in-car infotainment will be unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show. Working with Italian designer Franco Sbarro, systems integrator and vehicle electronics specialist Delphi Automotive has developed an interactive in-car
demonstration of sophisticated infotainment systems that provide reliable high-speed connectivity and an impressive user experience.

The Delphi Sbarro F1for3 is an F1-inspired three seat sports car that brings the latest user experience, entertainment and information technologies to life. At its heart is the ability to stream TV and internet data to a passenger's portable device such as a tablet PC or smartphone. Its sleek 'black-panel' center console allows passengers to control infotainment, comfort and convenience features using touch sensitive multi-use surfaces. Additionally, a slim-line roof module integrates reception and connectivity electronics.

"Delphi is working with the world's leading vehicle manufacturers to help create a more efficient and enjoyable in-car experience," explains Wilhelm Steger, European Managing Director of Delphi Infotainment & Driver Interface. "Our efforts are geared toward providing features that work seamlessly together and can be accessed easily, safely, reliably and affordably." 

State-of-the-art technologies
Providing connectivity while on the road even in areas of poor reception is an issue that Delphi is addressing with its advanced reception systems. "It is easy to demonstrate data streaming in a stationary vehicle," continues Steger. "But it is much more difficult to provide uninterrupted connectivity when traveling at motorway speeds." Delphi offers advanced multi-service antenna reception systems that can integrate transceivers for radio, TV, GSM, GPS, services such as eCall and Car-2-Car, tyre pressure monitoring and keyless entry. In the F1for3, Delphi has added 4G capability to demonstrate robust, high-speed internet access direct to occupants' mobile devices. The F1for3 reception system is part of the slim-line roof module that provides an advantageous location for alarm sensors, camera, WLAN router and ambient cabin lighting and can be seamlessly integrated into the vehicle.

The F1for3 features products and technologies from Delphi's MyFi family of connected infotainment solutions. Serving as a hub for entertainment and communication features, MyFi systems use an open architecture platform to implement a broad range of features including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular connectivity, natural voice recognition, hands-free system operation and audio streaming. Premium MyFi connectivity solutions can even leverage local and wide area networks for smart phone apps, remote servers and cloud-based services.

The F1for 3 includes a MyFi multi-function infotainment unit and a touch-sensitive, 'black-panel' centre display. This system interfaces with SD cards and USB memory as well as Bluetooth-enabled and other portable devices including iPods.

In addition to standard radio and navigation, this innovative infotainment system integrates internet connectivity by using Delphi's embedded connectivity system or by using the occupant's mobile telephone as a data modem. This demonstration of data connectivity allows services providing information such as weather data and fuel prices to be overlaid on maps and viewed on the navigation screen. The integrated centre display uses Delphi's 'black-panel' design to provide flexible and distinctive control features that can be quickly configured for different applications. The capacitive touch-screen responds to a light touch of a finger and allows users to manage infotainment and climate control features from a single unit. This design simplifies vehicle integration and validation, decreases weight, and reduces packaging space.

System optimisation
Another key to the value offered by Delphi's systems approach is its strategy of using software modules as system building blocks that can be customised, can be used in many different configurations and can be easily updated.

"Software building blocks can dramatically reduce system cost and development time, make system updates faster and easier, and allow for a wider range of customer-specified characteristics," says Glen De Vos, Global Director of Engineering for Delphi Infotainment & Driver Interface.

The Delphi MyFi infotainment system architecture on the F1for3 is enabled by a new multi-core processor that significantly reduces both footprint and power consumption. It also improves natural language recognition, even in the challenging environment of a moving vehicle and provides the computing power needed for next-generation voice recognition.

Innovating for the real world
An experienced systems integrator, Delphi is uniquely positioned to help vehicle manufacturers offer infotainment and active safety systems that work together to offer drivers and passengers the functionality they demand while minimising driver distraction. "Our broad range of expertise makes Delphi a valuable partner for vehicle manufacturers who wish to quickly adopt new technologies," concludes Steger. "The F1for3 introduces some of our most innovative user experience and connectivity technologies. Delphi's expertise enables us to provide OEMs with simplified vehicle integration and validation, reduced weight and packaging space."

Key contributors to the F1for3 include engineers from Delphi's technical centers in Illkirch, France (mechatronics), Bad Salzdetfurth and Nuremberg, Germany (infotainment and reception systems), and Krakow, Poland (infotainment).

Posted in: Bad Salzdetfurth,Black Panel,Delphi,eCall,Europe,France,Franco Sbarro,Geneva Motor Show 2012,Germany,Illkirch,In-Car Infotainment,Poland,Sbarro,Super/Sports Car,Wilhelm Steger