Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) Archives

45 EV Concept defines Hyundai Motor’s Future through Heritage

In 1974, Hyundai Motor launched a model called the Pony which was South Korea’s first mass-produced model. Regarded as a ‘national car’ in its domestic market, the Pony also spearheaded exports of Korean vehicles to many countries.

As homage to its heritage and reimagined for the future, the carmaker’s designers have come up with a study called the ‘45 EV Concept’. The progressive 45 puts a twist on the 45-year old icon to introduce an entirely new in-car experience for self-driving vehicles of tomorrow. It foreshadows a new era of Hyundai’s automotive design focused on electrification, autonomous technologies and intelligent design.

Inspired by a 1974 concept car
Taking a look to the past is essential for moving forward, and the dramatic exterior styling of the 45 draws inspiration from the car that first established Hyundai’s design DNA – the 1974 Pony Coupe Concept. The iconic character of 45 is defined by its monocoque-style body, aerodynamic and lightweight design inspired by aircraft from the 1920s.

Hyundai Pony — *The styling of the Pony was done by ItalDesign.*

The car’s name also comes, in part, from the 45-degree angles at the front and rear, forming a diamond-shaped silhouette that previews the design direction of future EV models. The new concept strips away complexity, celebrating the clean lines and minimalistic structure of the original coupe concept.

“As an icon of Hyundai, the 45 clearly reveals how Hyundai heads towards the future through heritage,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and the Head of Hyundai Design Centre. “Through the 45 that is built upon our design language ‘Sensuous Sportiness‘, Hyundai wants to present our vision on how we want to reshape people’s in-car lifestyle in the era of electrification and autonomous driving.”

Style reimagined
The 45 reinterprets the concept’s distinctive lattice radiator grille with a ‘kinetic cube lamp’ design. The iconic front-end presence with the kinetic cube lamps evokes analogue emotions, while at the same time applying cutting-edge technologies. It also takes Hyundai’s lighting architecture to the next level, allowing people to instantly recognize the car at a distance.

By exhibiting a modernized fastback profile, the 45 epitomizes stability and dynamism, characteristics accentuated by the vehicle’s significant width and forward-oriented posture. The precise, yet energetic factors of the exterior are delivered throughout the cabin, which is structured by a dynamic daylight opening (DLO). The DLO terminates in the fast angle of the C-pillar, which generates a feeling of dynamic forward motion, even when standing still.

As a progressive EV, new technology is visible in the 45’s design. At the bottom of the door, a special garnish highlights its long-distance capability and, through active LED lights, drivers can intuitively know how much longer they can drive even before they get in the car. These thoughtful elements are designed for a user who is experiencing an EV for the first time.

Future tech previewed
The 45 also highlights future technological developments that may influence forthcoming Hyundai models, such as a hidden Camera Monitoring System, leaving room for self-driving system applications, and other upcoming technologies to emphasize Hyundai’s open architecture for the future. The system utilizes side cameras instead of traditional door mirrors to overcome visibility challenges caused by dirt gathering on the mirror offering progressively less visibility. The 45 overcomes this challenge by using an embedded turntable module, which rotates the lens past a brush to ensure perfect visibility at all times.

The 45 embodies Hyundai’s ‘STYLE SET FREE’ strategy for future mobility that emphasizes personalization of design and function. As the new era of future mobility opens, Hyundai reimagines the in-car experience in a self-driven vehicle. The interior becomes a unique living space capable of transforming to accommodate a range of passenger lifestyle demands.

Inside, Hyundai’s design team takes the space beyond driving to focus on the car’s evolution into a living space. Inspired by furniture designs, the minimalist cabin is fitted with an inviting fusion of wood, fabric and leather, creating a warm atmosphere that is both relaxing and spacious. Daylight was also considered as a design element for the headlining to bring analogue emotions in a natural way.

For the occupants, the car delivers a comfortable and communal environment, with lounge chair-style rear seats and front seats that can rotate to face other passengers. Pushing design and technology further ahead, front-seat passengers can interact with the infotainment system via a projection-beam interface. This replaces a single central touchscreen with a series of displays and functions integrated into the dashboard itself.

Clean lines, ergonomic placement of controls and a ‘high-end electronics’ feel for the interior fixtures further enhance the feeling of space while reinforcing the simplistic modernity of the 45’s design. The car reimagines storage space in a range of novel ways, including refining the concept of door-mounted device pockets by introducing a horizontally elongated shape that allows books or tablet PCs to be stored. Furthermore, the storage space uses a transparent material, so it is easy to see the contents.

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Audi AI:TRAIL Quattro brings autonomous driving to off-road travels

Audi has completed its quartet of visionary vehicles with an electric off-roader for the future of road transport with the AI:TRAIL quattro. The 4-seater concept car, which combines automated driving capability with competent off-road capabilities, joins the Aicon, AI:ME, AI:RACE concepts shown earlier.

With the AI:TRAIL, Audi is now opening up the potential applications for its visionary vehicles to include off-road terrain. The car is equipped with 4 electric motors, systems for assisted and automated driving and, of course, quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

There’s more than just the concept of sustainable drive systems and a body line that will run far into the future. The car also embodies an entirely new mobility concept for Audi. Unlike the cars of the present, such vehicles will no longer have to compromise between a wide range of uses and scenarios. Instead, it will be possible to design tomorrow’s cars for much more specific use cases. In the future, customers will be able to order any of these specialist Audi models from an Audi on demand vehicle pool to suit their personal preferences and requirements and to lease them for a limited period.

Technology that’s plain to see
With an exterior length of 4.15 metres and a width of 2.15 metres, the AI:TRAIL’s potential away from paved roads is immediately apparent. The roof height of 1.67 metres and the enormous 22-inch wheels with 850 mm tyres already hint at its superior off-road capabilities. With a ground clearance of an impressive 340 mm, it can drive across water more than half a metre deep.

The cabin itself is an extensively glazed space surrounded by polygonal shapes, with room for up to 4 people. With the electric drive system arranged around the axles and the battery in the floor, there is no need for overhanging sections or separate attachments for the motor or batteries.

Light weight and maximum body stiffness are, of course, important technical objectives for off-roaders in particular. That is why the body of the AI:TRAIL is made of a mixture of high-tech steel, aluminium and carbonfibre. As a result, it weighs just 1,750 kgs despite carrying a high-capacity battery.

Helicopter-style all-round visibility
The windshield wraps around the front of the vehicle like the cockpit of a helicopter. Passengers have an unobstructed view of the road or trail both in front and to the sides. Nor is it just the front and sides that are transparent and covered in glass. Almost the entire roof, from the top of the windshield to the rear spoiler, allows a clear view of the sky and the landscape. Even the vertical Singleframe is glazed, with only the four rings of the badge sitting in their customary position in what is otherwise a glass octagon.

Mobility and multifunctionality are features of the AI:TRAIL’s light sources as well. Instead of conventional headlights, self-contained light sources sit below the A-pillars and can shine both outward and inward. These LED elements are dimmable and adjustable and can be used as interior lighting as well as for lighting the vehicle’s path.

Audi Light Pathfinders
Instead of conventional low beams and high beams, the Audi AI:TRAIL is equipped with a total of five rotorless, triangular, electrically operated drones with integrated matrix LED elements. They are capable of landing on a roof rack or directly on the roof of the vehicle and docking onto the inductive charging elements.

The flying objects are Audi Light Pathfinders, which generate their lift in the same way as bladeless fans produce their air flow. Thanks to their markedly lightweight design, they can fly ahead of the AI:TRAIL, consuming comparably little energy in the process, and illuminate the path ahead, thereby replacing headlights entirely. If desired, the on-board cameras generate a video image that can be transmitted to the display in front of the driver via wifi, turning the Pathfinders into eyes in the sky.

“With the AI:TRAIL, we are showing an off-road concept with an emissions-free electric drive for an innovative driving experience away from paved roads. Consistent with this, we designed a monolithic basic vehicle body with maximum glazing to create an intense connection to the surroundings. A concept for sustainable mobility on demand,” said Marc Lichte, Audi’s Head of Design.

Volkswagen unveils a new logo and brand design for new era

A brand logo is a very important element in a company’s identity, more so if the company has global coverage. While the first design may sometimes be rushed when the company is founded, more thought usually goes into the design and what it means as the years go by. In the car industry, brand logos have evolved constantly but, in most cases, the original image is retained. The change usually comes during a new era in the business environment or in the company’s direction.

At the 2019 IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany this week, the Volkswagen brand unveils its new logo and a new brand design. This world premiere marks the start of a new era for Volkswagen, accompanied by the presentation of the full-electric ID.3 at the same time. Volkswagen’s future is electric, fully connected and has a neutral carbon balance.

The first Volkswagen logo (left) which was used in the 1930s, and the new one (right) which will appear from this month.

*In between, the logo evolved a number of times but the ‘VW’ remained a clear element.*

More modern and more authentic
With its new brand design, VW has created a uniform global 360° brand experience which is ‘more modern and more authentic’. The new Volkswagen logo with its flat two-dimensional design is clearer and has been reduced to its essential elements. The brand design and the logo aim for high flexibility and are intended for digital applications. It will apply to Volkswagen Passenger Cars and also Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

“The new brand design marks the start of the new era for Volkswagen,” said Jurgen Stackmann, Member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing and After-Sales. “By formulating new content and with new products, the brand is undergoing a fundamental transformation towards a future with a neutral emission balance for everyone. Now is the right time to make the new attitude of our brand visible to the outside world.”

One of the world’s largest rebranding campaigns
The realignment of Volkswagen’s brand design is said to be one of the world’s largest rebranding campaigns, with the changeover to the new design due to be completed by mid-2020. The strategic foundations for the new brand design were not done by external agencies but by a joint team of Volkswagen Design and Marketing. The design was implemented with the full integration of all departments of the company in the record time of 9 months using a powerhouse concept developed by Volkswagen especially for this purpose. A total of 19 internal teams and 17 external agencies were involved in the project.

Volkswagen’s Chief Designer Klaus Bischoff played a key role in the development of the new corporate identity. “In the new brand design, we have created an authentic communications platform for the emotional presentation of e-mobility. We are showing the Volkswagen of the future under the motto of “digital first” and “no filter”.

The symbol and trademark will be the new logo which is more modern, clearer and simpler. The logo is reduced to its essential elements and presented with a new design that is flat and two-dimensional. It will allow more flexible use and will be outstandingly recognizable in digital media. To date, the logo has been blue and white. A new blue tone is now being added, allowing additional colour variants. As the digital application with simple, user-friendly interfaces has become extremely important, the logo will be positioned flexibly with the new ‘moving frame’ in the future.

Focus on people in visual language
The new visual language of the brand will be very different from that presented by Volkswagen to date – it will be bolder and more colourful. The focus will be on people. Volkswagen will no longer concentrate on perfectionism in vehicle photography. In future, the main objective will be to present realistic situations that customers can identify with.

As in the case of the vehicle, light will also play a key role in communications. Light is the new chromium. In future, the logo will be illuminated, on the vehicle, at the brand locations and at the dealerships.

Instead of a brand claim, Volkswagen will have a sound logo for the first time. This will make also make the Volkswagen brand distinctive in acoustic terms, both in the vehicle and in communications. For several decades, Volkswagen has used a male voice to present its vehicles and for advertising purposes. The brand is now to become female. For almost all markets, a woman with a warm, pleasant and confident voice will speak for Volkswagen.

By mid-2020, around 70,000 logos at Volkswagen outlets and facilities worldwide will be changed to the new one (left).

70,000 logos to be changed worldwide
The international roll-out of the new brand design starts at the motorshow with outlets and facilities in Europe being the first to change during September, followed by China in October. North and South American markets will follow from the beginning of 2020 along with all other markets. The exercise is expected to be completed by the middle of next year. In total, about 70,000 logos in 171 markets in 154 countries will be replaced. In general, the cost to dealers will be kept as low as possible. In architectural terms, there will be no change to the interior of the dealerships.

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Sian – Lamborghini’s first production hybrid super sportscar

It was not so long ago that hybrid models being introduced were vehicles with modest performance. The carmakers introducing them stressed on environment-friendliness more than performance since they did help reduce exhaust emissions. However, development of hybrid technology, which went into mass production in the late 1990s, accelerated as the major carmakers wanted to achieve economies of scale as quickly as possible and push costs down.

Within 10 years, the new hybrid models were faster and went further too. The advancement was timely since advanced countries were beginning to introduce strict emission regulations that requires ‘electrification’ of powertrains to meet. Fully electric powertrains are still expensive but hybrid powertrains offer a transitional solution that was acceptable.

You would think that where the supercar manufacturers are concerned, hybrids would be of no interest but Lamborghini will soon show that it can produce a super sportscar – like the rest of its range – with a hybrid powertrain. To be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow this month, it will be called the Sian – the name meaning ‘flash’ or ‘lightning’ in dialect of the Bolognese region in Italy. This is in reference to the first electric application in a Lamborghini production car.

Fastest Lamborghini of all time
The Sian will be the fastest Lamborghini of all time, thanks to a unique new hybrid system which focuses on providing the highest power possible via the lightest solution. It has a V12 engine – huge for a hybrid powertrain – and a 48-volt e-motor. The 6.5-litre V12, which incorporates titanium intake valves and is uprated to 785 bhp at 8,500 rpm (the highest output ever from a Lamborghini powerplant) combines with the 34 bhp from the electric motor. Total system output is 819 bhp with a weight-to-power ratio claimed to be better than that of the Aventador SVJ, achieved through extensive use of lightweight materials.

The Sian has a claimed a top speed of over 350 km/h so it will be able to keep up with any other Lamborghini model. More significantly, it lays claim to having the fastest acceleration of any production Lamborghini ever – 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.8 seconds.

Advanced and world-first technologies
The energy accumulation technology is a world-first. Rather than a lithium-ion battery, there is an innovative supercapacitor application. This technology was pioneered originally in the Aventador but has been dramatically developed to store 10 times the power. It is 3 times more powerful than a battery of the same weight and yet 3 times lighter than a battery producing the same power.

The Sian incorporates a highly advanced regenerative braking system developed by Lamborghini. Thanks to the symmetric behaviour of the supercapacitor, which contrary to normal li-ion batteries can be charged and discharged with the same power, the energy storage system is fully charged every time the vehicle brakes. The energy stored is an instantly-available power boost, allowing the driver to draw immediately on increased torque when accelerating away, up to 130 km/h when the e-motor automatically disconnects, improving the elasticity manoeuvres and making it more than 10% faster than a car without this system.

A design heading for the future
The Sian’s design is visionary and futuristic as would be expected of a car that takes Lamborghini into a new era. Taking futuristic inspiration from the Countach, the Gandini line is evident in its profile, while the silhouette introduces new features such as the characteristic aero wings, giving the Sian an unmistakable profile. The iconic Lamborghini ‘Y’ shape can be seen in the NACA air inlets on the doors, glass elements are included in the engine cover, and the diagonal line features in the front bonnet, as in the Countach.

In the roof, the ‘Periscopio’ tunnel that originally incorporated a rear mirror in the Countach adds a bold feature that links with the slats of the rear engine cover and important elements contributing to the car’s aerodynamic efficiency.

“The Sian is a masterpiece in possibilities,” said Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman & CEO. “Not only does the Sian deliver a formidable hypercar design and engineering tour de force today, it augments the potential for Lamborghini as a super sportscar brand for tomorrow and for decades to come, even as hybridization becomes more desirable and inevitably essential. With the Sian, Automobili Lamborghini demonstrates its dynastic strength as a legendary super sportscar brand for the future.”

63 units at US$3.6 million each
Like the Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster which we wrote about earlier, Lamborghini will produce and sell only 63 units of the Sian. The number has been chosen to commemorate the founding year of the company – 1963. Each of the 63 customers who have already paid their deposits will spend upwards of US$3.6 million (about RM15.2 million), the final price depending on the degree of customisation.

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8th generation of Volkswagen Golf nearing launch

The next generation of Volkswagen’s Golf – among the top ten bestselling cars of all time – is nearing launch. This will be the 8^th generation of the model which appeared in 1974 to take over from the Beetle as the modern ‘people’s car’. To date, over 35 million units have been sold worldwide.

7 generations of VW Golf — *7 generations of the Golf have been launched to date, with the current one having had its debut in 2013.*

Designed for the 21^st century
The new Golf will be a product for the 21^st century, with design and digital innovations for the new era of electrified drives, a digitalised and connected interior world, assisted driving and online-based functions and services.

The camouflage lets onlookers identify that the black and white lines are disguising a 5-door hatchback. The DNA of the Golf, evolved over 45 years, is still evident but the camouflage still masks the finer details of the new design.

First VW Golf — *The design of the original Golf has evolved over the years but its DNA continues in the new generation.*

Commenting on the all-new model, Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design, says: “At this time, we will not disclose all details of the new Golf, but you can already perceive its elegant proportions.” The next generation will be a genuine eye-catcher!”

The countdown to the global debut of ‘No. 8’ has already begun and Volkswagen says its world premiere will be in autumn 2019. That would almost certainly be at the Frankfurt Motorshow.

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First Mercedes-Benz fully-electric premium MPV to make public debut next month

Mercedes-Benz is wasting no time building up its EQ range of fully-electric models. Following the launch of the EQC SUV at the 2018 Paris Motorshow, it will unveil its first fully-electric premium MPV at the Frankfurt Motorshow next month. The new EQV is based on the Concept EQV that was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year.

“Our MPVs meet the highest standards in terms of functionality and variability. The EQV also does not compromise in this respect. It offers comfortable handling, dynamic electro-aesthetics, intuitive operation and generous space – and all locally emissions-free. This means that it offers all of the typical qualities of the brand and segment that our customers expect, whether as a family car or a shuttle vehicle with a lounge-like character”, says Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

150 kW drivetrain, 405 kms range
The electric drivetrain (eATS) of the EQV is situated on the front axle under the front end with a charging connection in the bumper. It has a peak output of 150 kW which can take the MPV up to a claimed maximum speed of 160 km/h. It has a claimed range of 405 kms and with rapid charging, the high-voltage battery pack can be ‘refuelled’ from 10% to 80% within less than an hour.

The electric motor, the transmission with a fixed gear ratio, the cooling system and the power electronics constitute a highly integrated, compact unit. Power is provided by a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack under the floor of the vehicle. Its low, central location also has a positive effect on the handling characteristics of the EQV.

Battery pack is constantly recharged
As standard, the EQV will be equipped with a water-cooled on-board charger with a capacity of 11 kW, making it suitable for AC charging at home or at public charging stations. To ensure that the technical operating range is used to the maximum, the EQV also charges its batteries when on the move. When accelerating or braking, the mechanical rotation is converted into electrical energy and used to charge the high-voltage battery (recuperation).

The driver has a major influence on recuperation. He or she is also able to influence the recuperation level using paddles behind the steering wheel. The paddle on the left increases the level of recuperation, the paddle on the right reduces it. At the weakest level, the vehicle ‘coasts’ while at the strongest level, it is possible to drive using a single pedal. This is because, in most situations, the slowing effect of recuperation is sufficient to make the brake pedal redundant.

The recuperation level D Auto reflects the intelligence of the EQV. The automatically activated ECO Assistant helps the driver to achieve the best possible efficiency. It combines navigation data, road traffic sign recognition and information provided by the intelligent safety assistance systems (radar and camera) and adjusts the level of recuperation itself.

In combination with EQ-optimised navigation, active range monitoring ensures that the driver reaches the destination safely even if a charging stop is missed. It is also assisted by the E+ driving mode, which optimises the vehicle’s parameters to maximise the range.

Flexible seating for 6 to 8 persons
For flexibility, the EQV will be offered with two different wheelbase dimensions. It can be configured as a 6-seater with individual seats for high-quality transportation, or converted into a 7 or even an 8-seater to serve as a shuttle.

The refinement of MBUX (the Mercedes-Benz user interface) specifically for EQ is a particular highlight. In the high-resolution, 10-inch media display, the EQ tile in the main menu serves as a central point of access to the specific displays and settings. These include the charging current, departure time, energy flow and consumption histogram. EQV drivers can plan their destinations from the home or office, enter a departure time and bring the interior to the desired temperature.

The EQV will be produced at a factory in northern Spain where the V-Class and Vito models are also made. This facilitates flexible and synergetic production in direct correlation with customer demand globally.

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First view of the next Hyundai i10, to be unveiled at Frankfurt Motorshow

With the 2019 Frankfurt Motorshow nearing, a number of carmakers are building up interest in their brands by releasing teaser images of new models that will debut at the event. The latest to do so is Hyundai Motor which will be unveiling the all-new i10 hatchback, besides a few other models.

The i10, a popular model in developing countries, joined the Hyundai range in 2007 and this new generation will be the third one, internally designated ‘LA’. The single sketch released shows a more dynamic design with a contrast between soft surfaces and sharp lines.

Gen 2 Hyundai i10 — *The second generation of the i10*

Energetic, agile look for A-segment
The proportions for the all-new model have also been redefined, it appears, in width, height and wheel size, resulting in an energetic and agile look. This new design is expected to stand out in the A-segment.

The wide front grille expresses a sporty character and incorporates Daytime Running Lights, thus continuing this feature of the i10’s heritage. The triangular air curtains accentuate the width and stance of the car, as well as improving aerodynamics. The X-shaped C-pillar, visible from far away, clearly identifies the car and draws the eye to the pillar-mounted logo. Unique triangular volumes visually emphasise the width of the car and highlight the position of the wheels at the four corners.

Aiming to be recognised as a leader in its segment, the new i10 will feature a range of new Connected Car and safety features. Blue Link, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging and a rearview camera are a few of them.

Extensive list of safety features
Depending on the market, the new i10 could have one of the most full-featured safety packages in its class. This will include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist using a front radar sensor to detect not just cars but also pedestrians ahead. The car will also have Driver Attention Warning and Lane Keep Assist System as standard while High Beam Assist will be an optional feature.

*Inokom i10 assembled in Malaysia from 2008 till 2016.*

The i10 was one of the first passenger car models to be assembled at the Inokom factory in Kedah. It was sold under the Inokom brand from 2008 and production continued until 2016.

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Chery release more images of upcoming compact SUV

Chery has released further images of its upcoming compact SUV that will spearhead the Chinese automaker’s plans to penetrate the global market.

The design is a major departure from what we are used to seeing from the company. And the public will get to see it up close during the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) on 12 September 2017.

The silhouette is fairly elegant, featuring flared wheel arches and contours that seem to have a sense of fluidity to them. Then there’s the cascading front grille that is integrated with the projector headlamps and sophisticated trim pieces.

These subtle design elements though not groundbreaking, provide this compact SUV with a European-like presence. One could be fooled into thinking that the design was of from an established marque.

According to the automaker, the vehicle will still have a Chery badge despite carrying its own unique nameplate. This way, the company will get to incorporate a new evolution of the Chinese brand’s ‘Life In Motion’ design philosophy.

Ray Bierzynski, Executive Vice President of Chery R&D Center Shanghai, said, “The world premiere of our new compact SUV marks the start of our approach to European sales with a new model line.”

He later added, “Launching within a few years, all models in the line-up will feature characteristic styling, user-focused technology, electrified powertrains and advanced safety features.”

Chery plans to start sales of its passenger cars in Europe within the next few years led by the all-new model line for global markets. This new line will manly focus on SUV and crossover models, a segment of the market that has recorded significant growth.

Though relatively unknown outside its home country, Chery is the most successful exporter of vehicles in China. It has sold over 1.2 million units overseas since it was founded in 1997 – more than any other Chinese carmaker.

This means that the company is well able to mount a significant campaign to challenge the status quo in Europe. This, may ruffle more feathers at Kia rather than VW, due to similarities in strategy adopted by the Koreans several years ago.

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