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Renault MORPHOZ – the car that changes shape according to needs! (w/VIDEO)

The MORPHOZ concept is Renault’s vision of personal, shareable, electric mobility of the future. Drawing on the Alliance’s new modular CMF-EV 100% electric platform, it offers a number of different configurations for power, capacity and range, as well as user options and boot space.

The concept is faithful to the brand’s DNA embodying Renault’s Family Petal design strategy and heralds a new family of electric models over the coming years. It represents changes in technology, society, the environment and also human behaviour. The MORPHOZ also supports the carmaker’s strategy is to become a supplier of smart mobility solutions for the cities and regions of the future.

Dual use of batteries
Being an electric vehicle (EV), batteries are naturally at the core and with the MORPHOZ concept, Renault is now looking at a different area: the dual use of batteries. When not being used for driving, the batteries remain in the car but can power appliances in the house or the local area via smart charging devices and V2G (Vehicle to Grid) bi-directional technology.

Batteries used in the extended Travel mode are taken out of the vehicle and stored in a charging station for use in other vehicles or to power equipment such as self-service bicycle charging stations or street lighting.

With such a battery-sharing system, there is no need to produce batteries with a nominal 90 kWh capacity for every vehicle. Limiting production in this way is thus good for the carbon footprint and the environment.

The new neighbourhood ecosystem
The MORPHOZ embodies the Me/We concept which says that what is one person’s can be shared. It challenges the idea of the car as private and instead encourages shared use. It meets all the family’s requirements, meaning they don’t have to buy a second or even a third vehicle when it’s not necessary or need a larger vehicle for occasional reasons.

It meets the needs of new kinds of community that are developing around digital infrastructures, regenerative resources and social well-being. As a single vehicle which can also serve the communal well-being, it suits new patterns of living in these urban communities, such as the co-living trend in housing.

The sharing capabilities of the MORPHOZ are central to this philosophy, with the removal of keys and starting cards, for example. It also anticipates regulations which will soon insist on car-sharing for all cars. Everything is accessed using the smartphone, which works as a digital key. This makes sharing with other people easier without the need to swap keys; drivers instead receive an unlocking code which allows access and use of the vehicle for a pre-determined period.

Smart City ecosystem
As a symbol of Groupe Renault’s vision of electric mobility in the years after 2025, the MORPHOZ is a key part of the transformation to Smart Cities, where connected technologies, smart and open data, IoT devices, smart networks, new materials and clean energies can be used to design and build a positive future.

Its Level 3 driving autonomy enhances the safety of everyone by removing human error behind almost 90% of road accidents. Its sensors also detect pedestrians and cyclists, actively alerting the driver to them in manual mode, in order to avoid accidents.

Its electric powertrain helps to improve air quality and means it can be used in areas that are out of bounds to vehicles with internal combustion engines. The shorter City version is ideal for city traffic, with a reduced footprint and less extensive vehicle facilities.

Connectivity and Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) recognises the driver on approach, activating a light sequence on the doors to indicate recognition, and unlocks/opens the doors. The cabin is crossed by a raised centre console which represents the ‘brain’ of the MORPHOZ. There is a special holder for the driver’s smartphone, which is then drawn into the console’s wooden panel to serve as the main data source. The AI will then, if authorised, use data and information from the smartphone to perform its tasks.

The AI lets the driver see the surrounding area by processing real-time data from external sensors and images from the vehicle cameras, especially the set which replace the door mirrors. Light displays on the inner doors and windows signal the presence of a pedestrian or a cyclist in the blind spot.

The social role of the AI on board is clear by the shared screen located between the seats on the centre console. This is where passengers can scroll through the music library on one of their smartphones or where they can play video games against each other. This screen also lets the users control the comfort of the cabin through the MULTI SENSE settings.

Like the new ZOE’s seat fabric, the cabin in the MORPHOZ uses a selection of recycled materials: wood for the dashboard, plastic for the inner doors and fabric for the seats.

Dedicated and adaptable electric platform
Like the CMF-B platform launched last year on the all-new Clio and used on the latest Captur, the CMF-EV allows engineers to design, build, adjust, and fine-tune electric vehicles more efficiently. The innovative architecture features a long wheelbase, reduced overhangs and a flat floor. A streamlined battery pack means the vehicle can be designed closer to the ground and with a lower roof to deliver improvements to aerodynamic performance.

The configurable concept can transform into two different modes: from the shorter City form to the longer Travel version. It is fully adaptable to fit the needs of drivers and passengers, with City mode fitted with the right battery capacity for day-to-day commuting or shopping while in Travel, it is able to accommodate the added capacity needed for long-distance journeys. The Travel Extender battery pack offers an additional 50 kWh of power, for a total capacity of 90 kWh and a total range of up to 700 kms.

Polestar presents high-performance EV of the future – the Precept Concept

Polestar began as a racing team in 1996 and after showing what it could do to Volvos, the Swedish carmaker decided to commission the company to develop performance variants. The potential of such enhanced models led Volvo to acquire the company in 2015 and have a sub-brand which focussed on performance.

Two years later, Polestar’s mission changed as it was tasked to focus on electric cars. Volvo and its owner, the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, provided 640 million euros (about RM2.94 billion) to support the initial phase of product, brand and industrial development.

As a fully consolidated Volvo Cars subsidiary, it would become a stand-alone electrified performance car company. Since then, besides being an advanced technology affiliate for the Volvo Car Group, Polestar has also started to build cars at a new factory in China.

Vision of future direction
Obviously a very forward-looking company, Polestar is looking ahead and its vision of the brand’s future direction is revealed in the Precept concept. A precept is a manifesto of things to come, a declaration. Hence the name chosen emphasises the car’s role in setting out Polestar’s intent as the contemporary electric performance brand.

“Precept is a declaration, a vision of what Polestar stands for and what makes the brand relevant,” said Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar. “The car is a response to the clear challenges our society and industry face. This is not a dream of a distant future; Polestar Precept previews future vehicles and shows how we will apply innovation to minimise our environmental impact.”

Minimalistic athleticism and restrained surfacing are evident in the aerodynamic sculpted form of the Precept with proportions that define its presence. A 3.1-metre wheelbase which accommodates a large battery pack gives the 4-door Grand Tourer a very low and sleek silhouette with an emphasis on legroom and headroom in the rear.

No grille needed
Not requiring a grille for cooling, the front end incorporates the Polestar SmartZone, representing a shift from ‘breathing’ to ‘seeing’. The area which once channelled air to radiators and the internal combustion engine now houses technology for safety sensors and driver assistance functions.

Purposefully gathered behind a transparent panel dedicated to intelligent hardware are two radar sensors and a high definition camera. The LiDAR pod, mounted atop the glass roof, is given optimal visibility as a next step towards increased driving assistance. The Thor’s Hammer LED headlight signature evolves with separated elements, taking on a dynamic, more robotic and brand-defining interpretation.

The Precept features an integrated front wing above the SmartZone which accelerates airflow over the long bonnet. This allows air to attach itself to the surface earlier, which improves aerodynamic efficiency and thus improves the car’s range.

At the rear, the wide light-blade spans the entire width of the car, extending into vertical aero-wings – another aerodynamic feature and a nod to lightweight design.

Conventional side mirrors are replaced by camera-based units, each of which extends outwards on an aerodynamic arm. Inside, the traditional rear-view mirror is replaced with a digital screen, the image collected by a wide-angle camera mounted at the rear of the car.

The absence of a conventional rear window means that the Precept’s single-volume glass roof extends behind the rear seats and the tailgate itself is designed with a larger opening and higher-mounted hinges improving access.

Best available technologies
Polestar continues to believe in collaborating with experts to accelerate development and provide customers with the best available technologies. The Precept’s interior is defined by sustainability and offered opportunity to work with new materials and processes. Similarly, the evolution of the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) builds on current partnerships which maximise the integration of expertise.

Sustainable new interior materials balance modern high-tech luxury with reduced environmental impact. For instance, flax-based composites for interior panels and seatbacks offer significant improvements over conventional materials, including up to 50% saving in weight and up to 80% reduction of plastic waste.

The seat surfaces are 3D-knitted from recycled PET bottles, while the bolsters and headrests are made from recycled cork vinyl and the carpets from reclaimed fishing nets. These elements, combined with digital artistry, define a new premium luxury that surpasses the conventions of leather, wood and chrome.

Android-powered connectivity
The next generation HMI, powered by Android, builds on Polestar’s close collaboration with Google. An enlarged, portrait-oriented 15-inch centre touch screen complements a 12.5-inch driver display, and the two are linked by an illuminated blade that encompasses the entire interior. In this execution, the unique Polestar emblem floats holographically inside a solid piece of Swedish crystal between the rear seat headrests.

Supporting the advancement of a personalised and dynamic digital interface, the instrument panel also hosts an array of smart sensors. Eye tracking will allow the car to monitor the driver’s gaze and adjust the content of the various screens accordingly. Proximity sensors also enhance the usability of the centre display when driving.

Model Year 2050 – what to expect in 30 years

In the 1950s, carmakers envisioned sleek cars with advanced powertrains and autonomous operation on the roads of the 21^st century while futurists and science fiction writers imagined flying cars. Well, we have the sleek designs with advanced powertrains due to make changes in this decade as electric motors take over from the internal combustion engine. But flying cars have yet to be available in showrooms although there have been developments in recent years with prototypes taking to the air.

UK’s Auto Trader takes a look at what vehicles might look like 30 years from now with concept designs based on the expertise of futurologist Tom Cheesewright, market trends, the rate of technological development and research into consumer demand.

“Tomorrow’s car takes you from A to B with minimum fuss and in maximum style. Future technologies will give designers free reign to create more space and comfort, so that we can get on with our lives while an AI assistant takes care of the driving. While our cars won’t be flying any time soon, we can all benefit from cleaner, quieter, safer roads. In just twenty years, the age of the combustion engine will be well and truly over,” predicts Cheesewright.

AT Timeline — *Past, present and future of the motorcar and motoring*

Digital paint for different colours
Auto Trader’s 2050 concept car is a fully electric, colour-changing vehicle with space for passengers to make the most of the time they spend in the autonomous vehicle – by relaxing, doing yoga and even sleeping during the commute. Featuring ‘digital paint’, the car allows passengers to change the colour and style of the car from the tap of an app, depending on their mood, with advances in technology meaning this feature could be widely available as early as the year 2040.

Designed to be a home away from home, passengers can relax and unwind on the built-in mattress in the centre of the spacious cabin – a feature which 24% of motorists said they’d use for catching up on much-needed sleep and a cheeky 13% of men would use for some intimate time with a partner.

Reading or watching TV on the move
Drivers also said they’d like to reclaim their commute time by delving into a good book from the built-in library (22%) or watching their favourite Netflix shows and movies from the large in-built TV screen (19%).

Other popular recreational uses for the spacious design include beating friends and family at board games (16%), getting hair and make-up done on the way to an event (15% of women would do this), and 4% would even practice yoga whilst in transit.

AI assistant
Catering to the 10% of drivers who want cars to be fully voice-operated in future, the car welcomes passengers with a friendly AI (Artificial Intelligence) assistant that helps them set their preferred driving speed and style, whether out for a leisurely Sunday drive or rushing home for dinner. Given that the car is likely to be operating autonomously, rushing will not be done recklessly so an accident is unlikely to occur.

The 2050 car is fitted with windows that extend right over the roof in one large bubble, offering more head room to allow passengers to freely move around during transit. It also features 360-degree panoramic views for those wanting to sit back, relax and enjoy an autonomous ride, plus black-out functionality on the windows, which can be activated with a quick tap.

Auto Trader Concept 2050 — *All images and Timeline provided by Auto Trader UK.*

Sonet concept unveiled in India previews new compact SUV from Kia

The Indian market has long received the attention of Korean carmakers who have seen its potential in the longer term. As such, they have been willing to make investments in production facilities as well as develop models just for the market since there is sufficient volume.

At India’s Auto Expo 2020 this week, Kia Motors India is not only showing off new products but also unveiled, for the first time ever, a concept model of a future global compact SUV. The concept will be developed further ahead of a launch in the Indian market in the second half of 2020.

The concept model is called the Sonet and is a preview of the third product offering from Kia Motors in India. Targeted at a demographic that is ‘always connected to the world in more ways than one, the Sonet is designed to exceed customers’ lifestyle and technology expectations’.

The Sonet has several first-in-class features, most of which are likely to be available in the production model. The dynamic and bold design incorporates Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, stepwell geometry within the grille mesh, ‘tiger-eyeline’ daytime running lights, and wide rear signature lighting.

The interior is designed to appeal to the young, social, connected, tech-savvy Indian customer. The cabin is fitted with a 10.25-inch infotainment and navigation system with UVO Connect and a Bose premium audio system Kia says the Sonet concept indicates best-in-class interior space.

From the pictures, the Sonet has compact dimensions so it would be taking on models like the Ford Ecosport. The engines would therefore be small, possible in the 1.0-litre to 1.5-litre range with both petrol and diesel options as well as turbocharging. An intelligent manual transmission will also be offered.

Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR concept – inspired by the AVATAR movie (w/VIDEO)

Car designers look everywhere for inspiration and ideas in the quest to create something ground-breaking. In the case of the Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR concept, it was the AVATAR movie, with several of the creatures providing the inspiration.

The concept car’s name stands not only for the close collaboration in its development with the AVATAR team but also for ADVANCED VEHICLE TRANSFORMATION. This showcar, now on display at CES 2020 in Las Vegas, is said to embody the vision of Mercedes-Benz designers, engineers and trend researchers for mobility in the distant future.

‘Inside-out’ design structure
The holistic concept of the VISION AVTR combines the design disciplines of interior, exterior and UX on an unprecedented scale. The distinctive ‘inside-out’ design structure combines inside and outside into an emotional whole with a stretched ‘One Bow’ design and organic design language. The spectacular opening and closing of the doors is inspired by the wings of a banshee or ikran, the flying mounts of the Na’vi from AVATAR.

Instead of a conventional steering wheel, the multifunctional control element in the centre console allows human and machine to merge. By placing the hand on the control unit, the interior comes to life and the vehicle recognizes the driver by his or her heartbeat and breathing (a great security feature).

By simply lifting the hand, a menu selection is projected onto the palm of the hand, through which the passenger can intuitively choose between different functionalities. For example, real-time 3D graphics can be used to explore the fictional world of Pandora from different perspectives. The curved display module creates the visual connection between passengers and the outside world.

Organic battery technology
The VISION AVTR uses a revolutionary battery technology based on graphene-based organic cell chemistry that is completely free of rare earths and metals, a first. The materials of the battery are compostable and therefore completely recyclable. In this way, electric mobility becomes independent of fossil resources. As a result, Mercedes-Benz underlines the high relevance of a future circular economy in the raw materials sector.

The 33 ‘bionic flaps’ on the back of the car are reminiscent of scales of reptiles. They can communicate with the driver and through the driver with their outside world through naturally flowing movements in subtle gestures. The front and rear axles can provide drive in the same or opposite direction, which allows the VISION AVTR to move sideways by approximately 30 degrees. The so-called ‘crab movement’ gives the concept car an animal-like appearance even in its movement.

This is not the first time that Mercedes-Benz has created a ‘bionic’ car. In 2005, it displayed a concept car that was inspired by the boxfish. The fish was a role model from nature, lending itself to an aerodynamically efficient, safe, comfortable and environmentally compatible automobile not just in detail features but in its overall form and structure.

Mercedes-Benz Bionic — *In 2005, Mercedes-Benz designers looked to nature – the boxfish – for their Bionic concept car.*

Sustainable materials
The seats of the VISION AVTR are refined by vegan DINAMICA leather. This is the first and only microfibre that guarantees environmental sustainability throughout the entire production cycle. The floor is decorated with an innovative wood called Karuun. The raw material for Karuun (rattan) grows very fast as a natural raw material and is harvested by hand in Indonesia. The material gives the interior warmth and radiates naturalness.

“The aim of the VISION AVTR is to show us a signpost for a livable future, even if it will probably never be built. This concept car makes speculative science visible and tangible. As researchers and scientists evolve new theories or develop existing ones, they depend on their imagination. They leave the ground of what can be proved today and enter an area of speculation – a scientifically substantiated ’what if?’. This is exactly the approach we have taken with the VISION AVTR,” said Alexander Mankowsky, who is described as a futurologist at Mercedes-Benz.

FCA Airflow Vision concept shows digital future of car interiors

Since the beginning of the computer age and the use of electronic systems in cars, the driver and passengers have been interacting with more and more advanced technologies. These technologies have enhanced safety while making the travel experience more comfortable and pleasant.

With the Airflow Vision concept, Chrysler envisions the next generation of premium transportation and UX (user experience). It is created for people with an on-the-go lifestyle and a desire for a first-class travel experience while balancing their technology needs.

Inside, UX plays a prominent role and is designed to be a captivating experience using multi-layered, high-contrast graphics and thoughtful details that provide a clean, sophisticated appearance. Built on the principles of depth, hierarchy, consistency and legibility, the user will be able to see and experience the interface in a way that is safe, easy to use and understand.

Using a menu-based format, screens can be personalized, simplified and grouped to individual needs and interests. Offering multiple display screens, the user can access needed information and determine how it’s displayed. Information on the screens can be shared with all passengers by swiping, allowing each passenger to participate in the experience. Customization and personalization are key, whether driving or acting as a ‘co-pilot’.

A simple, modern and spacious interior, accented by a light, calming colour palette, offers passengers a home away from home environment and a first-class travel experience. Using the dimensions and flat-load floor of the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV, the interior creates a spacious environment for all occupants. Premium suede and leather materials are abundant, offering luxurious touchpoints to its occupants.

The seating uses a unique slim structure that rests on a pedestal base, enhancing comfort and roominess and allowing for maximum legroom, shoulder space and personal storage for each passenger. Functional and ambient lighting enables the driver and passengers to create a personalized inner sanctum.

The Airflow Vision’s styling captures a new proportion with an elegant and clean design statement, and hints at the future of premium design. It has an athletic profile, long wheelbase, sleek lines and wide stance that creates a dramatic persona and aggressive, yet elegant silhouette.

Simplified to its purest artistic expression, the Airflow Vision reimagines a muscular body that flows into and becomes one with the wheels. The wheels are inspired by mechanical elements of an electric motor and give the sense of motion similar to the internal mechanisms of a watch.

‘Crystalized’ textures throughout the vehicle add a sense of precision and intricate transition from exterior to interior. LED crystal lighting flows seamlessly into a cross-car blade that conveys a commanding presence. The Airflow Vision’s dramatic expression is completed by an Arctic White body colour that conveys a sense of calm and serenity and is supported with a Celestial Blue underbody.

As with many concept cars at motorshows, the underlying aim is to show new ideas and features to the public and see how the response is. With the Airflow Vision, the focus is largely on the digital interior and some elements could appear in future models of the Chrysler, Fiat… or even Groupe PSA brands.

Volkswagen ID. Space Vizzion – GT aerodynamics + SUV space?

The seventh concept car of the Volkswagen ID. family has just been unveiled at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show and it’s called the Volkswagen ID. Space Vizzion. As the name intended, the vehicle defines a completely new segment by combining aerodynamic properties of a Gran Turismo with the ample space commonly associated with SUVs. (more…)

Vision T concept may be a preview of the next Hyundai Tucson

In recent times, Hyundai has been using an evolving design language that maintained an overall familiarity. It’s referred to as ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ and has been applied globally. The design language is still evolving and is shown in the seventh model in a series of Hyundai Design Centre concepts – the Vision T Plug-in Hybrid SUV Concept.

The SUV concept, likely to be a preview of the next generation of the Tucson (the ‘T’ may be the clue), has a matte-green exterior finish and is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain indicating its eco-lifestyle focus and inherent balance with the environment in which it is driven.

2019 Hyundai Tucson 3rd generation — *Current Tucson which is in the third generation.*

Two derivative sub-themes
Two derivative sub-themes of the dynamism fundamental design concept are ‘Parametric Fantasy’ and ‘Transcendent Connectivity’. In these sub-themes, all parametric surfaces are connected from the body to either light or trim features. It features seamless connectivity free from distinct design boundaries.

Ambient light reflects off these concave and convex lines creating an extreme sense of tension. Charisma is added with the evolution of a Hidden Signature Lamp derived from the Le Fil Rouge and Grandeur Face Lift.

Parametric Air Shutter Grille Design
At higher speeds, the Parametric Air Shutter is an original developmental feature that actively adjusts both aerodynamics and design appearance. When stationary, the grille is closed and static. Once in motion, each individual cell of the grille design continues to move in a prescribed sequence, creating a truly dynamic forward stance. This dynamic character includes the functional effect of controlling airflow to the powertrain, optimizing aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

The 4.6-metre long Vision T’s side profile conveys a continual sense of speed and forward motion. The long bonnet and level roofline coupled with a long wheelbase and short overhangs reflect a ready-for-anything dynamic character. In contrast to prevailing compact SUV designs, the Vision T uses crisp geometric angles and edges to create a striking contrast between a sleek silhouette and masculine wedge lines.

The side window design is ultra-clean and seamless, with a futuristic frameless daylight opening and a satin chrome garnish. The oversize satin chrome alloy wheels feature ample voided area with dark orange brake calipers visible within the split-5-spoke wheel design. The beveled sides of the wheel spokes feature a matte-gray finish descending into the voided areas, highlighting the brilliance of the satin chrome spoke faces.

From above, a special glass pattern is embossed within the roof glass structure. These dynamic effects carry into the Hyundai logo design. The H design is dark chrome; when illuminated it is enhanced with a bright green and deep red hue for sharper dimensionality.

Integrated Hidden Signature Headlamp
When the powertrain is started, the dark-chrome matte hue of the integrated hidden signature headlamp system features a half-mirror system that has a chromium appearance which transforms into functional lighting on demand. The designers have elevated the appeal of luminous parametric design through hidden DRLs, while the hidden signature lamp represents the next generation of this Hyundai design innovation.

The sequenced lighting theme carries through to the rear of the vehicle, demonstrated when the powertrain is shut down and the rear tail lamps and Hyundai logo follow a prescribed light extinguishing sequence, with the Hyundai logo as the last of the rear lighting signature to cease illumination.

The charging port for the battery pack is located on the passenger side rear quarter panel and features a sliding cover. When charging, ‘Blue Drive’ is illuminated, indicating the system is actively charging. The battery state of charge is also visually indicated externally in a metered, circular light cluster, creating a complete circle appearance when fully charged.

(more…)

VW’s ID. SPACE VIZZION shows the stationwagon will continue to exist in the electric age

It’s been 3 years since Volkswagen announced its ID. family of all-electric models which will begin entering various markets and segments from 2020. As a group (including other brand such as Audi and Skoda), Volkswagen will forge ahead with the fundamental change of system in individual mobility and systematically aligning with electric drives.

The ID.3 will be the first model to go on sale from next year, assembled on the modular electric-car production platform known as ‘MEB’. At least 70 new electric models will be available by 2028 – instead of the 50 previously planned. As a result, the projected number of vehicles to be built on the Group’s electric platforms in the next decade will increase from 15 million to 22 million.

Production version in 2021
Besides the ID3, a compact model, other models have already been confirmed for production within the next 3 years. A fourth one has just been added and this will be based on the ID. SPACE VIZZION wagon concept revealed today. The study will be displayed at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show later this month but the production version will only be released in late 2021. Different versions are planned for North America, Europe and China.

Volkswagen describes the ID. SPACE VIZZION as ‘a wagon of tomorrow’ and we can presume it will be a stationwagon variant of the ID. VIZZION concept which was shown last year. But given the entirely ‘clean sheet’ that the engineers and designers can start from, the vehicle will likely be more functional that today’s stationwagons.

2018 VOLKSWAGEN ID. VIZZION CONCEPT — *The ID. VIZZION SEDAN concept shown in 2018*

A new ’crossover wagon’ segment?
Volkswagen says it will have a ‘completely independent and progressive character’ that combines the aerodynamic characteristics of a Gran Turismo with the spaciousness of an SUV. So we could see the birth of a segment called the ‘crossover wagon’ in future.

In fact, Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design, suggests that there will indeed be a new segment: “So far, with our ID. family, we have shown what is possible with electric vehicles in each known car category. With the ID. SPACE VIZZION, we create a new, fully electric segment.”

590-km range targeted
As for the design, the front and roof sections are particularly precise, with openings for the airstream for optimal aerodynamics. Powertrain details are not given but a range of 590 kms is targeted with the high-efficiency drive system.

Inside, the concept model defines a completely new paradigm of intuitive usability with its completely digitized cockpit. The materials are consistently made from sustainable raw materials, such as the new AppleSkin, an artificial leather with a proportion of residual matter from apple juice production.

Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about models available in Malaysia today

Kia’s Futuron concept is inspired by UFOs and flying saucers! (w/VIDEO)

Given the pressure to reduce costs all the time, many carmakers now prefer to show off concept cars that are ‘near-production’, rather than futuristic showcars that cost a lot to build. But once in a while, we get some extreme designs intended to show what could come. Like the Futuron concept by Kia which the company says has some of its design elements inspired by UFOs and flying saucers!

The Futuron Concept is an all-wheel drive SUV coupe which proposes new designs for future electric vehicles, specifically a SUV coupe. With a design based around the notion of dynamic purity, the Futuron Concept merges elegant proportions with pure shapes and surfaces.

‘360-degree core’
The Kia Futuron Concept is built around a single, strong ‘360-degree’ design notable for its pure, smooth form devoid of ornament. The delicate diffusion of the body’s surfaces creates a series of taut, flowing shapes which twist, expand and contract around the body. The result is a sleek and streamlined shape, creating an aero-efficient profile.

The novel proportions of the car are immediately striking. Its low-profile SUV coupe body is sporty and modern, yet also elegant. At 4850 mm in length, 1550 mm tall and with a 3000 mm-long wheelbase, the Futuron’s elevated ground clearance is matched with a low, lean body to create a dynamic, confident posture.

The fully-electric powertrain makes such a fluid shape possible. A high-capacity battery is mounted low in the vehicle’s body, beneath the cabin floor, providing electrical energy to 4 powerful in-wheel electric motors. The elevated stance of the car is therefore matched with a low centre of gravity and an e-AWD system which delivers lightning-fast responses to driver inputs.

Sportscar on an SUV platform
Combined with comfortable, lean-back seats, the Futuron offers drivers a new type of interactive driving experience suitable for urban city environments. Various elements of the vehicle’s structure and design foster the important connection and interaction between car and driver.

The front fender flows backwards from the front of the bonnet before plunging into the cabin itself, establishing a connection between the driving seat and the road ahead. The concept’s roof is a diamond-shaped panoramic glasshouse which sits atop the 360-degree core, in the best traditions of UFO and flying saucer design.

While flooding the cabin with natural light, it also extends down the bonnet to give drivers an unparalleled view ahead. The glasshouse also incorporates a network of LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensors capable of providing Level 4 autonomous driving features, enabling hands-off and eyes-off driving in most conditions.

Furthermore, the 360-degree theme is evident in the lighting that illuminates a sharp character line encircling the Futuron’s body. A playful and interactive new feature, this lighting responds to physical gestures and movements made outside the car, eliciting a close connection between car and driver before they even set foot in the cabin.

The new Kia ‘tiger face’
The front of the Futuron features a new reinterpretation of Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ grille, a signature for Kia design now for over a decade. While maintaining the basic principle of the design – a clear outline with tabs in the middle – Kia’s designers have expanded the boundaries, widening the shape across the front of the car to create a restrained, yet elegant ‘tiger face’.

With a wider ‘tiger face’ shape, the grille incorporates the Futuron’s headlamps, an innovative ‘Star Cloud’ design which gives the car a dazzling new night-time identity. The concept’s Star Cloud lighting not only highlights a new design form for the front of the car, but also embodies a new lighting concept for Kia, taking inspiration from nebulae in the night sky to create a geometric patchwork of matrix LED lighting. The Star Cloud is also incorporated into the rear of the car, displaying a distinct light signature to anyone following the Futuron.

Revealed for the first time in Shanghai, the Futuron also incorporates Chinese legend in the design and form of its new Star Cloud lighting. The Dragon Skin surface which covers the lighting area emulates the scaled armour that adorns Chinese dragons, both in mythology and modern-day cultural celebrations. The Star Cloud lighting incorporates a kinetic surface, enabling the car to alternate between daytime running lights and full-beam headlamps as the scales open and close.

Seamless interior
The Futuron’s seamless interior also reflects its autonomous driving nature, with surfaces flowing uninterrupted from the dashboard and through the door panels. The doors feature the same Star Cloud lighting and scaled Dragon Skin motif found on the outside of the car, creating a glittering interactive ambient lighting system. The ventilation system is also housed behind Dragon Skin scales, which open and close to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the cabin.

One of the most prominent features of the cabin is the ‘cockpit’ area surrounding the driver. The graphical user interface (GUI) of the cockpit flows out of the driver-side door and wraps around the steering wheel in a seamless arc. This merges the instrument cluster directly with the audio-visual display at the centre of the dashboard and is linked to the display integrated within the surface of the steering wheel itself.

The GUI is operated by artificial intelligence technologies, displaying useful information about the car various autonomous driving, powertrain and navigation features to create a unique user experience. The apex of the cockpit arc sees the GUI lunge forward towards the road, creating an interactive Star Cloud light display at the very front of the cabin.

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