WMATA sent around these nifty design images earlier today of what future Metro rail cars might look like. Dave Kubicek, Metro’s Assistant General Manager for Metrorail, is leading the development of designs of the 7000 Series rail cars.

The new cars would feature the following:

• Stainless steel exteriors instead of an aluminum car body.
• Thinner, stronger stainless steel seats that offer more leg room. Each car would have 64
  cloth-padded, taller seats with seat-back grab handles.
• A total end to carpeting. Floors would be rubberized.
• Interactive maps on LCD screens that would also likely display advertisements
• Automated station announcements. So no more “Judishuwary Square”.
• Security cameras on all rail cars.

The 7000 series won’t be ready for service for at least five years. The latest models are in the 6000 series, which were introduced last year.