Current information from Hyundai exhibits that it’s nonetheless experimenting and bettering its line-ups. Not solely did it launch a brand new “EV-led” model of the shared platform Kona, however it is usually experimenting with what may occur with distant work as autonomous autos proliferate within the coming years.
New Era Kona Places EV First
Hyundai Motor Firm unveiled an EV-derived, futuristic design for its new era KONA subcompact SUV right now. The upscaled mannequin shall be obtainable in 4 variants: all-electric (EV), hybrid electrical (HEV), inner combustion engine (ICE) and sporty N Line. Every variant shall be constructed on a common structure, however with distinctive styling for every sort.
“Upscaled with KONA’s distinctive character, the all-new KONA confidently expresses its daring and dynamic presence” stated SangYup Lee, Government Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Middle. “KONA has developed in each respect to embrace an excellent wider vary of range, to turn out to be a real life-style supporter.”
The all-new KONA has turn out to be a bigger SUV that also urban-centric with extra daring styling. Its bolder fashion exhibits a extra dynamic street presence, and inside it’s driver-centric . To offer clients ‘dwelling house’, the mannequin grew to 4,355 mm in size, which is 150 mm longer from earlier than. The EV variant additionally elevated width by 25 mm and wheelbase size by 60 mm with out shedding any of its iconic design id.
The KONA was designed with the EV variant in thoughts first, which Hyundai then tailored for ICE, HEV, and N Line fashions. This allowed Hyundai to deliver tech-centric design pondering to all mannequin variants. Though they share a standard structure, every EV, ICE/HEV and sporty N Line mannequin has its personal distinctive futuristic styling.
The all-new KONA may appear like it’s from the long run, however its styling and design nonetheless scream SUV. With sculpted wheel arch cladding that homes each headlamps and taillamps, the KONA is firmly planted in actuality as a sturdy machine.
The all-new KONA is brimming with parametric surfaces. The perimeters’ sharp diagonal crease hyperlinks the satin chrome molding from the automotive’s belt to its spoiler, contouring and encompassing the automobile. Within the again, you’ll discover one other Seamless Horizon Lamp in addition to a high-mounted cease lamp (HMSL) that easily flows into the satin chrome molding on prime of the spoiler.
The powertrain variants have a number of fashion variations. The EV has pixel graphic particulars on the consumption grille and rear bumper, a pixel-inspired 19-inch alloy wheel design, black embracing line, and optionally available black facet mirrors and roof. The ICE and HEV share a daring and rugged bumper and skid plate design, with silver facet skirts relatively than the N Line’s twin mufflers , distinctive 19 inch alloys, and extra aggressive entrance & rear designs which embrace wing formed bumpers that create an phantasm of a decrease stance.
The all-new KONA has a considerably larger inside than earlier than to supply an developed in-car expertise that may accommodate various existence. The EV-derived common structure permits for a sporty format with floating horizontal C-Pad, which emphasizes KONA’s slim and broad inside–offering a flexible house for driver and passengers alike.
The 2 12.3-inch broad shows give a high-tech impression, whereas the floating module and ambient lighting improve the consumer expertise and comfort. The column sort shift-by-wire has been relocated from the middle console to behind the steering wheel with the intention to present an uncluttered format and extra house for belongings within the central tunnel.
The second-row Curve-less Bench Seat satisfies KONA’s purpose for a twenty first century city design aesthetic. This dwelling house supplies ample consolation and comfort whereas nonetheless wanting fashionable. Behind the second row is a big cargo space, making it excellent storing any additional belongings you might have in your journey.
Whereas a shared platform in all probability nonetheless entails some compromise in comparison with devoted “skateboard” platforms which might be optimized for EVs as an alternative of ICE, that doesn’t imply all compromises are the identical. With a platform that was first designed for EV after which tailored for ICE and hybrid variants, the EV’s efficiency needs to be much better. Plus, the brand new Kona EV simply appears lots much less bizarre than prior Kona EVs.
Hyundai Experiments With What Future Work Could Look Like With Autonomous Autos
Hyundai Motor Firm’s latest innovation, the Universe Cellular Workplace, is a variant of its present luxurious passenger bus designed for the Korean market. It permits groups to stay productive whereas touring and at distant places. Pondering of the bus as solely a way of transportation is limiting; Hyundai Motor as an alternative developed Universe Cellular Workplace to be a wise mobility answer. With this mannequin, the corporate customise distant work experiences to supply clients with luxurious cell workplaces. In doing so, Hyundai Motor goals to turn out to be the main supplier within the motor coach sector.
The automobile’s inside makes use of a mixture of curves and straight traces to create an open-air workplace atmosphere with three distinct seating areas. The design components are each premium and sensible, akin to semi-automatic blinds and light-colored laminated flooring. Universe Cellular Workplace’s environment friendly ground plan encourages each particular person and group work, with collaboration areas on the entrance and rear, private workspaces within the center, and storage areas all through.
The group collaboration house on the entrance of the aircraft is laid out for effectivity with a video conferencing system, foldable convention desk, and couch seating in order that a number of folks can work collectively. The private workspaces within the center are arrange for consolation with premium reclining seats, tables, wi-fi charging pads, particular person leisure methods and loads of storage areas.
Universe Cellular Workplace is on the market in three choices, together with customary 10-seater, 13-seater (12+1) with group collaboration house within the entrance, and 13-seater (11+1+1) with separate seat configurations for transit and collaboration.
Whereas Hyundai didn’t appear to mean this to be an train in autonomous automobile and EV design, this does present what the way forward for transportation may appear like. As an alternative of focusing solely on getting particular person from level A to level B, autonomous autos might have very totally different concepts in thoughts, like co-working or touring whereas working (akin to going from assembly to assembly).
This design exhibits us what some extra of these prospects may appear like sooner or later.
All pictures offered by Hyundai.
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