BMW has released some photos of their BMW X6 SUV painted in a unique color called Vantablack, and according to BMW, this color is the world’s blackest black.
With this color on the surface of the car, it makes objects appear two-dimensional to the human eye rather than the way we normally see them. This optical illusion is due to Vantablack’s ability to absorb 99.965% of visible light, making it one of the darkest substances known to man. The paint is composed of vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays, which trap light and prevent it from reflecting off the surface.
The Science Behind Vantablack
Vantablack, developed by Surrey NanoSystems, is not just a paint but a material that uses a forest of tiny, hollow carbon nanotubes. Each nanotube is about 3,500 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. When light strikes Vantablack, it enters the nanotube forest and is continually deflected between the tubes until it is almost entirely absorbed. This results in the near-total absence of light reflection, giving the material its signature ultra-black appearance.
The application of Vantablack on the BMW X6 is a groundbreaking move in the automotive industry. Traditionally, Vantablack has been used in scientific applications such as telescopes and infrared cameras, where its light-absorbing properties can significantly enhance performance. By using Vantablack on a car, BMW is pushing the boundaries of how this material can be utilized in everyday objects.
This September, the Frankfurt Motor Show will provide the backdrop for the world premiere of the third-generation BMW X6 (fuel consumption combined: 10.7–6.1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 243–159 g/km)*, the car that established the Sports Activity Coupé segment a good ten years ago. At the event, BMW will also present a spectacular one-off vehicle with a Vantablack® VBx2 nanostructure paint finish that highlights the expressive design language and confident, dominant, and muscular appearance of the new BMW X6 to perfection. This exclusive show car is the result of a collaboration between BMW and Surrey NanoSystems, the inventors of the Vantablack technology.
Implications and Future Prospects
The use of Vantablack on the BMW X6 is not just a marketing gimmick; it opens up new possibilities for the future of automotive design. The ability to manipulate light and shadow in such a dramatic way can lead to new aesthetic and functional innovations. For instance, Vantablack could be used to reduce glare and improve visibility in certain parts of a vehicle, enhancing safety.
However, there are also challenges to consider. Vantablack’s extreme light-absorbing properties can make it difficult to detect contours and shapes, which could be a safety concern on the road. Additionally, the material is currently expensive to produce and apply, which may limit its widespread adoption in the near term.
Despite these challenges, the collaboration between BMW and Surrey NanoSystems is a fascinating example of how cutting-edge technology can be integrated into consumer products. It also highlights BMW’s commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design.
You can find out more details about the BMW X6 SUV and this Vantablack paint job over at BMW at the link below.
Source BMW
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