Visteon Corporation’s SmartCore – claimed to be the world’s first production cockpit domain controller with a third-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive cockpit platform – will be launched on Chinese auto maker Guangzhou Automobile Group’s (GAC) new pure electric vehicle platform, Aion LX.
The SmartCore application on the Aion LX is the product of a collaboration by Visteon, GAC and Tencent. The intelligent cockpit is integrated with the Tencent Auto Intelligence (TAI) system to enable user interaction and control based on voice recognition, as well as with the third-generation Snapdragon automotive cockpit platform. The Aion LX is scheduled to launch in early 2020.
Visteon says that its SmartCore domain controller is helping vehicle manufacturers transition to the intelligent cockpit by consolidating ECUs to independently operate multiple displays and applications throughout the cockpit – keeping occupants informed and entertained while bringing advantages in weight, power consumption and cost. In early 2018, Visteon was the first Tier 1 supplier to launch a cockpit domain controller on a production vehicle.
The Aion LX is the first production SmartCore application to power three cockpit domains –the instrument cluster, infotainment and a body control interface that enables the user to adjust the seats, exterior mirrors and cabin temperature with the swipe of a finger.
Wang Qiujing, deputy chief of GAC’s executive committee and president of GAC R&D Center, said, “GAC is committed to being a mobility life value creator. The ADiGO in-car intelligence ecosystem developed by GAC – which combines Visteon’s SmartCore with Tencent’s TAI system – will bring an excellent experience to drivers and passengers.”
In a separate development, Visteon has also announced its microZone display technology, which is claimed to offer much higher graphics performance than traditional LCD displays. This new, patent-pending high-dynamic range (HDR) display technology offers high contrast and brightness and wide color gamut, which will enable automotive displays to achieve parity with consumer mobile devices with life-like imaging capability, Visteon says.
Designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of more energy-efficient, cost-effective digital display solutions, microZone is considered to be the first automotive display to offer superior optical performance without sacrificing automotive reliability. Since it is based on mature LCD technology, it passes rigorous automotive qualification requirements without susceptibility to burn-in.
“Next-generation automotive cockpit displays need optical performance that is competitive with mobile devices that consumers have come to expect,” said Sachin Lawande, president and CEO, Visteon. “MicroZone is the first display technology that offers premium optical performance at a competitive price point for auto makers, without sacrificing reliability or lifespan. In that sense, microZone is an effective alternative to OLED for auto makers.”
