Citroën DS3 Showcased Using Augmented Reality Technology [Video]

By Zack Newmark
October 9, 2009 4:23 PM
Filed Under: Citroen, European, Technology

Citroën has launched a new feature on the website for the Citroën DS3. Called "augmented reality," the site allows you to use your own equipment at home to interact with the new site.

Visitors to the DS3 website will be able to print out a sheet of paper that can then interact with the site through the users' personal webcam. After printing out a picture steering wheel, the user can hold that pic up to their camera to drive a simulated version of the car. The site interprets the movements of the wheel to move the car left and right. You can then challenge friends worldwide to a time trial competition.

Also, users can print out a "interactive page" and hold it up to their camera. On screen, the site will impose an animated 3D image of the DS3 that moves when the page is moved.

The Citroën DS3 was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year. At less than four-meters long, the MINI rival will feature the same bi-color customization options as the BMW-owned automaker. The DS3 is expected to go on sale next spring with three different petrol engine choices, ranging from 95 to 150 hp, and two diesel engines rated at 90 and 110 hp.

Press Release (Click to expand)

CITROËN USES ‘CRÉATIVE TECHNOLOGIE' TO LET CUSTOMERS INTERACT WITH DS3 LIKE NEVER BEFORE

Citroën is utilising ‘augmented reality' - an intelligent visual platform that superimposes virtual objects on real surroundings - to let customers interact with new DS3 like never before.

Web users who log on to Citroën's DS3 micro-site (www.ds3.citroen.com/uk) can print out the necessary interactive pages and then use their webcam to discover DS3 in 3D. While in reality they are just holding an interactive page up to the camera, on their monitor they will see themselves holding a portal that opens to reveal DS3. The 3D rendered model can be moved to display DS3 from all angles and users can also change the car's colour with a simple wave of the hand. An interactive option also allows users to take the wheel of DS3 and to take a test drive along an obstacle-lined race track, with a function to compete against friends in a time trial.

Earlier this year, Citroën became the first vehicle manufacturer in Europe to introduce augmented reality technology with a C3 Picasso version of the platform. Following its success, Citroën is further pushing the boundaries of ‘immersion technology', providing even more functionality for fans keen to get their hands on new DS3.