Afeela Disturbance in the Force: Sony Honda Mobility Unveils New Prototype at CES
We’ve been hearing about a supposed Honda-Sony EV project for a long time, but it finally appears there’s something real to talk about. The duo used CES 2023 as the launchpad for their new EV prototype, dubbed Afeela.
Under the brand name Sony Honda Mobility (SHM), the Afeela will feature Level 3 autonomy and should offer Level 2+ autonomy in a wider range of situations than is currently possible. The prototype features 45 cameras and sensors and uses Systems on Chips from Qualcomm Snapdragon Digital Chassis. SHM said the Afeela also features an exterior “Media Bar,” which can be used to communicate with other drivers and people outside the car.
SHM says the car’s interior “is based on a gentle rounded tone, wrapping the occupants in a soft cocoon.” Images show a yoke steering wheel and an expanse of displays in front of the driver and front passenger. Initial reports stated that Honda would build the mechanical platform, while Sony covered the tech, and the Afeela shows their early efforts.
The car will offer augmented reality navigation, an in-vehicle gaming platform powered by Epic Games, and a new touchscreen with cloud connectivity that SHM says will provide in-cabin entertainment beyond the driving experience.
[Image: Sony Honda Mobility]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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Introducing the 2025 Mediocrity.
Looks like a Ped Egg on wheels and I'm willing to be Sony/Honda will squeeze in a trunk lid on the back since automakers appear to be allergic to placing liftgates on sedans as if doing so breaks a 21st century rule of vehicle design.
Afeela...flatus coming on.
I’m not afeelin’ it!