REVEALED: NEW BMW ROADSTER CONCEPT

It may have an ugly name, but BMW will be hoping we all like the look of its Vision ConnectedDrive roadster concept. It's going to be unveiled at the Geneva motor show, and is said to herald the styling themes for the production version of the Vision Efficient Dynamics sports car - and other models besides.

Although this set of pictures has been released today, BMW doesn't say much about the concept in its press release. To wit:

"The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive study demonstrates current and future methods of mobile networking in a particularly focused way. The design and technology of this spectacular roadster are aimed at making the vehicle an integral part of a networked world. Comfort, safety and the infotainment experience in the vehicle can be precisely optimised by the innovative functionality, individually tailored to suit the requirements of both the driver and passenger. New technologies and design concepts are employed to add even more facets to the unmistakable BMW driving pleasure."

Reports from Germany suggest that as well as featuring a new 3-D 'driver interface', the roadster concept has styling features that reflect the direction of travel for future BMW production models.

From where we're sitting, that looks like pretty good news - the roadster's got suitably sharky features that would bring a refreshing level of extra dynamism to the BMW family face, and those complex layered surfaces are eye-catching too. The roadster also features doors that slide into the sills, much like the old Z1.

On the technical front, the official graphics show a new 3-D Head-Up Display. Reports suggest this allows the driver to prioritise information by moving it closer or further away in their vision, but we're struggling to understand exactly what's going on in the image supplied...