Goodbye to mirrors: the new trend of cameras to replace them is here

We have seen this on several occasions, but for the time being it was limited to experimental cars, the ones seen at motor shows that are used to test new elements, materials and design languages. Now, it seems their use is going to become commonplace, following the news that a legislative change is soon coming in Japan, which will allow models to be fitted with this type of device instead of the traditional, familiar mirrors.

The first model to feature it in the Asian country will be unveiled at the end of August, so we will have the chance to see them soon. The curious thing is that, until the law allowing them to be fitted is approved, all the development is being kept under the strictest secrecy. The company that has developed the system, Ichicko, has not wanted to give details about it, not even who the manufacturer that has acquired it is, which will implement it in a model within a few weeks.

There is no doubt that this is a fairly useful and practical advance. The camera and display system will allow better visibility both to the rear and to the sides. We will no longer have to look to our left when overtaking, as our gaze will shift to the central console (or wherever the screen that displays the camera images is placed).

Although there will be no mirror, the models we know keep a housing for the camera, just as current mirrors do, but smaller. This helps reduce fuel consumption, since this housing offers less air resistance. It also promises a wider field of vision, eliminating the annoying blind spot that causes so many problems while driving.

A similar system has been used for the interior rear-view mirror, where replacement is permitted, but it had not been authorised on production vehicles anywhere in the world. With this first change, the door is opened to a significant shift in the motor industry, and it could be the starting signal for other countries to start considering this type of mirror, which could appear in the range of several manufacturers, even if it is only on high-end models. For now, we will see how this mysterious first model performs, and what happens from August onwards. Interesting, right?

Via | Carscoops