14 DAY TRIAL // Virtual reality headsets are called “virtual reality” headsets because that's what they show: a virtual reality. They are meant to make you feel as though you're completely immersed in a different world.
VR games have been the stuff of science fiction for a long time, as have virtual reality training simulators and other such things.
But they aren't the stuff of fiction anymore. The Oculus Rift and all devices similar to it have made that more than clear by now. It is at this point that virtual reality is starting to swing further and further away from the “virtual” part.
Automobile maker MPC is part of the cause, due to the video it released recently, the “Beneath the Surface” trailer introducing the Chrysler 200 automobile.
Introducing Chrysler's new car
The automobile maker, which specializes in normal cars and minivans, is currently promoting the new Chrysler 200 car, and wants to do it in style.
Seeing an opportunity in virtual reality, it set about creating an experience that all prospective buyers could enjoy, and not only.
In a partnership with Wieden+Kennedy Portland, Stopp, and MPC Creative, it produced an Oculus Rift virtual reality experience in which buyers can take a tour of the car and even see for themselves how it was designed and built.
The view during the construction process is of the car's interior. You can literally find yourself inside the vehicle as robotic arms, welders and blowtorches go about their tasks.
Might not be a good idea if you're afraid of fire and its variations, or if robots just make you uncomfortable.
On the flip side, the method will surely work well for those interested in purchasing a new car but can't find the time to visit a Chrysler or multi-brand car store for whatever reason.
Beneath the Surface
The experience takes four minutes and utilizes the Oculus Rift DK2 headset. Throughout it, you can take a detailed look at all the parts that go into the car's makeup.
Future setups installed at automaker outposts could allow possible buyers to test the cars cybernetically, without having a sales rep hounding their every step.
All in all, this is a method that will surely be adopted by other automobile manufacturers and vendors, although it might not happen immediately. It would definitely make cars accessible to a lot more people, especially if the experience is made available online.
