The Senso is a car that can sense a driver’s emotions and then modify them for driving safety and enjoyment. How’s your Positive Mental Attitude today?

Senso "senses" the driver’s mood by measuring biometric data, and then uses patterns, colors, music and fragrances in a bid to make the driver more relaxed and alert.

Its sensory system includes a biometric Polar watch to measure the driver’s pulse and a "mobile eye" camera to record driving behavior such as how often the car changes lane, and how quickly it approaches cars in front.

Depending on the driver’s condition, special "communicating surfaces" emit various colours to influence the driver’s mood - stimulating (orange/yellow), relaxing (blue/violet) or neutral (green).

It is all made possible by an innovative electroluminescent film technology developed by Bayer MaterialScience and the Swiss electronics specialist, Lumitec. This "smart surface technology" is celebrating its world premiere in the automotive industry. Johannes Seesing: "In the "Senso", we are showing what breathtaking possibilities this new technology can open up for car designers. The glowing material can be made into any shape and does not need electric bulbs or LEDs." The high-tech surface is computer-controlled and, depending on the applied voltage, shines green, blue or orange.

The "Senso", which runs a Porsche Boxster S engine on environmentally friendly natural gas, has a 0-100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.

It has, not without reason, been labeled the most sensuous car in the world, but it’s not all frivolous.

The "Senso" actually "senses" the driver by measuring his (or her) biometric data, and then exerts a positive effect on him with the help of patterns, colors, music and fragrances. A person who is relaxed and wide-awake simply drives better and more safely.

Melbourne Motor Show will be home to the Senso from February 9 to 19. n