Honda has confirmed the rumor that its upcoming all-electric compact, the Honda e, will be getting side-view video cameras instead of the conventional mirrors. This will be true for all trim versions, including the cheapest one, and will mark the first time side cameras are installed on a compact car.
The features is called Side Camera Mirror System. It consists of seven video cameras and two six-inch displays situated on the right and left sides of the dashboard. The brightness of the displays will be adjusted automatically based on the ambient lighting. The lenses will be treated with a hydrophobic coating to keep them free from mud and water splashes, and the camera housings will be designed so as to prevent water from assembling on top of them.
Honda says the video modules are small and exert 90% less aerodynamic drag than the mirrors, which should have a positive overall effect on the aerodynamics of the car.
The driver will be given a choice between two main display modes: Normal (10% larger field-of-view than when using mirrors) and Wide Angle (50% larger FOV).
Photos: autoweek.nl