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Innovation

An autonomous car that wakes up and greets you could be in your future

At CES, Peugeot unveiled the Inception Concept, a car that drives itself and doesn't even have a steering wheel.
Written by Sabrina Ortiz, Associate Editor on
Peugeot Inception Concept on stage at CES
Screenshot by Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET

On Thursday, Peugeot, Stellantis's French automobile brand, unveiled its next-generation electric vehicle -- the Inception Concept. This car completely departs from cars as we know them today and does away with a steering wheel entirely. 

The concept vehicle was displayed on stage at CES and boasted an ultra-modern, sleek and futuristic design. 

The Inception Concept can wake up as you approach the car, recognize you, greet you and then automatically adjust the car to your preferred driving settings. 

Also: Samsung's Ready Care smart-car system is straight from a Sci-Fi movie

The biggest departure from a typical vehicle is the elimination of a cabin. Instead of a cabin which would traditionally hold a driver and a passenger, this vehicle has a "lounge," which Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson referred to as a living space during the presentation. 

Peugeot Inception Concept interior

Peugeot's Inception Concept interior with extended fit armchairs

Screenshot by Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET

This space has an extended-fit armchair and intelligent storage that allows you to bring items that would typically be in your living room, such as a tablet, to the car with you, according to Peugeot.  

"[The vehicle is] no longer a place to Journey from A to B; this is now an inspiring social space, to meet, to greet, create relax and if you wish, drive," said Jackson. 

Also: Nvidia's GeForce Now gaming service is coming to cars to make rides more entertaining

This car also offers significant upgrades to Peugeot's i-Cockpit with the introduction of the HyperSquare, which replaces your traditional steering wheel and allows drivers to control vehicles using electric controls instead of physically controlling the car with a steering wheel. 

Peugeot Hypersquare on a white background

Peugeot's Hypersquare 

With the Hypersquare, driving becomes an experience similar to playing a video game in which movements to the controller dictate where the car is actually going. The Hypersquare also retracts into the dashboard in case you want to enjoy a ride and take advantage of the autonomous driving features. 

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