Groupe PSA introduces Flagship Laser projection in its Design Center

Virtual reality has been changing the way PSA Group designs vehicles since 2004, when it established its Automotive Design Network (ADN) in Vélizy, near Paris. Featuring a Virtual Reality Center at its heart, the center is where all the design work for the Peugeot, Citroën and DS vehicles comes to life. Barco’s visualization solutions have helped PSA Group display immersive projections to support design during that time. A demo of Barco’s DP4K-60L Flagship Laser projector has now convinced the vehicle manufacturer that laser projection is currently the best possible technology to project the bright, high-contrast images the designers and engineers need to design good-looking, safe cars.

‘Immersion’ is key when it comes to Virtual Reality. True, life-like immersion requires bright, sharp images, with crisp colors and excellent contrast. Which is exactly what Barco's premium DP4K-60L laser projector brings. The projector combines this exceptional image quality with simplified operations and reduced operating costs (no lamps, less power consumption). On top of that, the reliable laser light source offers a lifetime of 30,000 hours or more.

“We’ve been relying on Barco technology for years here at PSA Group,” says Philippe Deren, Head of Digital Development Style at PSA Group. “Yet when we decided to upgrade the one of our main full-size Design Review & Presentation Room, we considered several possibilities. The laser demo at Barco Kuurne, however, simply blew us away. The combination of that excellent image quality and low maintenance, and our long-running partnership, persuaded us to reconfirm our trust in Barco. We’re confident the set-up will help us take car design to the next level, while highlighting our professional, innovative spirit to visitors.” The fullsize Design Review & Presentation Room in Vélizy will feature two Barco Flagship Laser projectors and two Barco laser glass screens. The E2 system set up to control the projection is the only screen management system on the market that can manage a 4K projector blend with refresh rates up to 60Hz.

“After having proven its value in digital cinema theaters – a highly demanding market – Barco Flagship Laser’s impeccable performance is now rising to fame in Virtual Reality as well. The exceptional brightness, image quality and reliability, will definitely help PSA Group to further perfect its future car design,” concludes George Stromeyer, Barco’s Senior VP and General Manager Enterprise.