Sony and Honda Unveil Cutting-edge AFEELA Concept at CES 2024.

At CES 2023, Sony and Honda unveiled their collaborative creation through the Sony Honda Mobility partnership – a car named AFEELA. However, the name received criticism, leading to its reference as "Afeela." Initially promising an immersive driving experience akin to Sony PlayStation, this year's showcase highlighted the car's computer-assisted capabilities.

While last year lacked technical specifications, the 2024 Afeela concept, slated for production, boasts a 91 kWh lithium-ion battery and two 180 kW (240 hp) motors—one at the front and one at the rear. The sedan supports DC charging up to 150 kW and AC charging up to 11 kW.

Featuring air suspension with unequal length control arms in the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, the Afeela rides on 21-inch wheels, with front tires measuring 245/40 and rear ones at 275/35. Notably, the 2024 concept exhibits a more production-ready appearance than its predecessor, with side view mirrors and realistic headlights.

Anticipated for production in 2025, Afeela is expected to hit the market in 2026, with a suggested starting price of $45,000.

Afeela Incorporates AI and Gaming Innovations

Sony and Honda are shifting the focus away from traditional driving aspects with their Afeela car. Rather than emphasizing the vehicle's technical details, the collaboration has prioritized entertainment. In partnership with Epic Games, Microsoft, and Polyphony Digital, the Afeela is designed to provide a heightened entertainment experience during transportation.

The concept was showcased with a unique touch – instead of a human driver, the car was maneuvered on stage using a PlayStation controller. Epic Games' Unreal Engine contributes to a gaming-like GPS and navigation system, allowing drivers to activate road maps in a visually engaging manner. The electric car's advanced sensors translate captured data into real-time 3D objects, enabling drivers to view their location from various angles.

Sony Honda Mobility's collaboration with Microsoft extends to artificial intelligence, providing drivers with a personalized mobility agent. The driving experience becomes immersive, with playful visual elements like monsters emerging from buildings or undersea effects enhancing the driving screen. Essentially, Afeela aims to transform the journey into a captivating and entertaining experience, redefining the conventional notion of driving.

Engage with Me, Afeela!

Sony, Microsoft, and associated collaborators have crafted a conversational personal agent for Afeela, leveraging the Azure OpenAI service. This voice-enabled system boasts a human-like accent and tone, allowing drivers to engage with their personal mobility agent in a manner reminiscent of chatting with a real person. The car's cabin is equipped with large infotainment screens for all occupants, providing a noise-canceling interior akin to soundproof cinemas, along with Sony's spatial audio enveloping the seats and cabin.

Afeela incorporates ultra-wideband sensors and cameras, enhancing the driver's interaction with the vehicle. Upon the driver's approach, the car greets them with light and automatically opens the doors. Inside, an authentication process ensures the driver's identity, setting up the destination and route map on a panoramic display. As the journey progresses, the sensors and cameras continuously monitor the surroundings, offering driving assistance based on external data.

Sony Honda Mobility harnesses the capabilities of AI, sensors, and cameras to enable Afeela to autonomously park when the driver exits the car. President and COO Izumi Kawanishi revealed at CES 2024 that Afeela features a thematic cabin, allowing the driver to select a specific theme for their driving experience. Consequently, the car adjusts lighting, sound, and display elements to align with the chosen theme.

Externally, an LED light strip at the front serves as an information display, conveying details to observers. It can indicate proximity warnings, display battery percentage, or even present animated sequences akin to mobile billboard advertising. Afeela aims to redefine the driving experience by integrating advanced technologies and personalized themes, creating a dynamic and interactive journey for users.

Afeela represents a groundbreaking collaboration between Sony, Microsoft, and other partners, introducing a conversational personal agent and a host of advanced features. The car prioritizes entertainment, boasting a unique gaming-like GPS system and spatial audio. Technological highlights include ultra-wideband sensors, autonomous parking capabilities, and a thematic cabin, providing a personalized driving experience. Afeela aims to redefine the concept of driving by combining cutting-edge technologies and user-centric themes.