Frankfurt: Kia KEE Concept

Kia unveiled the KEE Concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The design held some suspense before its reveal as the head designer responsible for the car was ex-Audi designer, Peter Schreyer. Schereyer was responsible for the designing of the first-generation Audi TT, which was a revolution in design at that time.

The KEE, a 2+2 coupe that has its chances of making it into production, is the precursor for future designs to come. Schreyer is also partly responsible for the design of the upcoming Kia full-size SUV (HM) and the next-generation Amanti. We're expecting some big things with the Korean automaker and Schreyer just might be one giant leap for the company.

[Source: Kia]



PRESS RELEASE: KIA KEE COUPE CONCEPT

KEE concept heralds “new look” for the future of KIA

More than any other car-buyer, the sports coupe enthusiast knows instinctively when a car is right, when it is suited to its purpose. Shape, proportion, stance and both tactile and emotional aspects all add up to a car that stirs the blood. At the 2007 IAA in Frankfurt, Kia has revealed just such a car.

The KEE is a combination of all of those elements. It is a harmonious blend of everything that sets the sports coupe apart from the more functional vehicle – the vehicle that has a range of activities to undertake and a palette of needs to take into account for its owner. The sports coupe is single minded. It is about driving, pure and simple. It is about appearance, performance, emotion.

Yet KEE is more than just a svelte, exciting sports coupe concept. It is also the dawn of a new design language for the Kia brand – a language that will speak to motorists across the world about the Korean company’s intention to become one of the major automotive names over the coming years.

Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer and his Frankfurt design team – headed by Gregory Guillaume – set out to make KEE a landmark car in Kia’s history. It is no coincidence that its name plays on the word ‘key’ because that is how essential KEE is to the future of Kia. KEE also acknowledges the Chinese and Korean word ´Ki`- the cultural concept for life-force or spiritual energy.

KEE embodies Kia’s desire to create a family of cars that will be instantly recognisable on the road and will have simple yet sophisticated appeal in the showrooms. Whether wide-eyed admirers of this new generation of vehicles are existing Kia customers – wise to the dramatically improved quality and traditional strong value of the current range – or entirely new audiences they will immediately recognise a range of cars aimed at those who enjoy driving and seek the perfect machinery to deliver that experience.

Schreyer commented:”KEE has to communicate a design language that will be seen on all future Kia products. That language has to be stated in certain elements of the visual representation – lines, shapes, details. But it has to be consistent and easy to understand. It must be visually strong and purposeful but it must be capable of being transferred from this sports coupe concept to a city runabout, a family saloon, a load-lugging MPV or a go-anywhere SUV.

“It was essential Kee should consist of a rhythm of lines – controlled, clean, pure. It had to have good, classic proportions and be well balanced,” he added. This is the future for Kia design – it must display the purpose, the function whilst still being capable of delivering an emotional aspiration.
With its broad stance and low profile KEE, a new interpretation of a 2+2 coupe, has a simple yet distinctive outline thanks to its long sweeping bonnet, slightly lengthened cabin with striking graphic treatment, sculpted flanks and strong, yet almost hidden, swage lines.

Beneath the powerful and unique appearance are a host of fine details all hinting at the car’s true purpose and harmonising to create a sophisticated design entirety. Whether it is the milled aluminium B-pillar visible through the panoramic grey-tinted glass, the distinctively individual 20 inch wheels and hand-cut Continental tyres or the small touches such as the electronic micro-switch door release set into the side-window glass, the clamshell rear hatch opening on electronic dampers or the unique front windscreen shape that mirror so many other details on the KEE, it is clear that this car has been lovingly created by people who care for design.

Inside – KEE looks and feels like a sports car that the keen driver will instantly feel comfortable and at ease in, with a cabin designed for maximum focus on driving. Clustered straight ahead, the main dials and controls are simple and straightforward utilising Kia’s new standard red-orange illumination.

Behind the square-bottomed steering wheel are paddles to shift the six-speed sequential gearbox. Instead of a standard gear stick an ergonomically designed lever sits atop the milled aluminium centre console and requires only a nudge forward or backward to select drive mode. And the top of the computer mouse-like lever flips up to reveal the electronic starter button.

Again, the design team have concentrated on producing a realistic sports coupe – not a flight of fancy. Every element of its design should be clear, easy to understand and to use. All the main controls are fly-by wire, but their feel in operation has been created to deliver a sense of traditional operation. For example, the toggle switches mounted on the dashboard – echoing the DNA of generations of sports cars – let you navigate intuitively through the interface menu of the info-media center.

After pressing the starter button the driver will immediately recognise the throaty roar of a V6. The next generation 2,7 litre MUE-II engine, producing 200 ps, delivers instant response, enormous flexibility and scintillating performance on any kind of road.

KEE uses light-weight aluminium or plastic panels and components wherever possible in order to allow the emphasis to remain on rapid and controlled progress that means simple fun and driving pleasure. This results in a low kerb weight with excellent balance biased towards the front to deliver neutrally safe handling. Yet KEE could be built with rear wheel drive or even all-wheel-drive allowing Kia to add to its growing range as its brand develops its reputation amongst a more exacting audience.
“All the main interior surfaces are covered in a semi-suede-like microfibre material and the body-hugging sports seats use a heard-wearing but distinctive metallic-finish cloth,” explained Salome Etienne – one of the KEE’s interior design team.

And continuing the real-life functionality of KEE, the rear of the passenger cabin is sufficiently spacious to allow four adults to travel in the vehicle when necessary. KEE is not intended to be a four-seat coupe but Kia knows that real people have real needs and the brand has no intention of moving into the exotic sports car territory that others so amply fill. And there is even space for a useful amount of luggage!

But echoing its concern for the comfort and convenience of its customers the designers have sought to ensure that when the need arises those rear passengers will not be confronted with a problem so common on most 2+2 coupes. “When the rear clamshell hatch is raised the roofliner stays fixed in place to ensure that passengers do not come into contact with the structure of the hatch when it is closed again,” said Raphael Le Masson – the other interior designer.

Exterior designer Fabien Coradin said: “This car is about passion and energy. It is not an act of reason. Buying a sports car is not a logical choice and that is what we wanted for this car. It may not have been the normal reason behind most Kia purchases in the past – but the brand is changing and this car shows what Kia can be in the future. But we do recognise that functionality has a part to play.”

Uncluttered, pure and timeless in execution yet modern, effective and usable in purpose, KEE represents a new ethos for the Korean firm. With KEE the entire design team is laying open its mind and its heart. This car stands as a clear indication of KIA’s design philosophy and how it sincerely wish Kia to be viewed – exciting, appealing, creative, aspirational, beautiful and yet functional, purposeful and realistic.

Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe, commented: “This is a starting point. It shows how we think and what we want to do – appeal to the emotional side of our audience and bring that balance of purpose and emotion into the Kia design language. With KEE we are irrevocably heading off on our chosen path…”

KEE is the first step towards a new family look for Kia vehicles underscored by a focus on design and although KEE is primarily a concept vehicle it is one that could easily go into production should public demand dictate. KEE lays down very clear indications of how Peter Schreyer and his team intend future Kia vehicles should look and displays elements that its creators will transfer to future products. Presented on the strong frontal design with its distinctive headlamps and eye-catching LED cluster, the new style grille will become the new face of KIA across the product range.

He commented: “Kia have given me – and our design teams – a fantastic opportunity. Seldom is a designer allowed to shape the entire personality of a brand, given a clean sheet of paper and told to create the future. KEE is the first step on the road and I am so excited about the potential this journey can create.”

“Although KEE is a sports coupe it could have been anything. We have already seen elements of our design development in Mesa and Kue shown at successive Detroit shows. Cee’d and its concept spin-offs including the ex_cee’d cabriolet have also started the process. But KEE is central to our future.

“It is our keystone to the future family we want to create. There is nothing in KEE’s design that cannot easily and readily be transferred to production vehicles. There is nothing in KEE that I would not be prepared to see in future production vehicles. This car stands as a clear indication of our philosophy for vehicle design and as a surest possible signpost to the type of vehicles we shall be bringing to showrooms in the very near future.

“I want motorists to be able to identify Kia cars almost unconsciously. It doesn’t matter what type of vehicle they see – right across the Kia range there should be a very obvious style and image that will encourage drivers to identify with the Kia brand and instantly understand the function of the vehicle at the same time as they admire its lines,” he added.

KEE ultimately serves the Kia brand on a number of fronts – a design exercise for a sports coupe that currently does not feature in the company’s line-up. No plans exist to put the car into immediate production but media and public reaction will be closely monitored.

It also allows Schreyer and the entire design team to present their thinking for a family appearance and design language to both internal and external audiences. In this respect KEE is the first stage in an on-going process that will be refined and re-examined but will stay true to the core elements of design contained in the car.

Perhaps most importantly KEE is a simple corporate statement to the motoring world that Kia is a brand underpinned with quality and reliability and now on top of that comes the emotional element of design. The future for Kia products lies in balance, clarity and purpose, and KEE, our latest show car embodies that philosophy.

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Frankfurt: Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the F700 Concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show. While it packs the beautiful design, the real head-turner is the powertrain inside the car. The automaker's innovative DIESOTTO drive system packs a 1.8L 4-cylinder that achieves V6-horsepower levels at a staggering 44.3MPG and a CO2 level of only 127g/km.

"Our goal is to make the gasoline-powered car just as economical in consumption as the diesel," said Dr. Thomas Weber, head of the Group Research & Mercedes Car Group Development Department.

The F700 is also equipped with active PRE-SCAN suspension, a system that scans the roadway in front of the vehicle and automatically adjust the firmness to create a "flying carpet" sensation. Automotive News is reporting that the F700 might be the precursor to the next-generation S-Class, scheduled for debut in 2012. The rear could be toned down, but Mercedes-Benz is on the right track if the F700 is the way to go.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading to view a hi-res image gallery and the official press release.




PRESS RELEASE: MERCEDES-BENZ F700 CONCEPT

With its Mercedes-Benz F700 research car, Mercedes-Benz redefines the idea of effortless, superior refinement: this concept for a future luxurious touring sedan shows how outstanding riding quality can be combined with high levels of environmental friendliness, and good performance with exceptionally low fuel consumption. Thus, the 5.17 meter long Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept with its innovative and very spacious interior design enables an entirely new and exceedingly comfortable mode of travel. The Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept is the world’s first car that can anticipatively recognize the condition of the road and level out the uneven spots with its active PRE-SCAN suspension, further improving suspension comfort substantially. The forward-pointing DIESOTTO drive system introduced in the Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept, a four-cylinder with a displacement of only 1.8 liters, combines the strong points of the low-emission gasoline engine with the consumption benefits of the diesel drive. Its CO2 emissions of a mere 127 grams per kilometer correspond to consumption of only 5.3 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers (44.3 mpg), extremely low for a vehicle of this class.

This is made possible by a forward-looking drive concept, the heart of which is the “DIESOTTO” technology - an advancement of the internal combustion engine thought up by Mercedes-Benz. With its novel controlled auto ignition (CAI), direct fuel injection and turbocharging, it combines the high power of the spark-ignition engine with the exemplary torque and great fuel economy of a diesel. The drive system in the Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept, as four-cylinder featuring two-stage charging, attains the performance level of a current S-Class car with a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 gasoline engine or the 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel.

“Our goal is to make the gasoline-powered car just as economical in consumption as the diesel. The new DIESOTTO concept is a major step in that direction, combining the best properties of the spark-ignition engine and the diesel engine,” says Dr. Thomas Weber, Board member of DaimlerChrysler AG responsible for Group Research & Mercedes Car Group Development.

The Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept also sets standards in regard to road roar, tire vibration and suspension comfort. With two laser scanners the active PRE-SCAN suspension scans the roadway in front of the car. The hydraulically controlled active suspension proactively compensates for detected hindrances, enabling entirely new comfort characteristics -a “flying carpet” feeling.

Equally innovative is the operating concept “SERVO-HMI”. The display is not only particularly gentle on the eyes; the number of controls also has been appreciably reduced and the menu structure has been made strikingly simple and self-explanatory. The driver can “discuss” more complex inputs, such as a destination for navigation purposes, in dialogue with an avatar, a virtual operating assistant.

The exterior design of the Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept shows that with this concept an extraordinary amount of space has been created for the passengers. The very silhouette, characterized by the long wheelbase, is a clear indication of this. The design harmoniously joins together inspirations provided by nature with technical innovation. All the futuristic styling devices notwithstanding, the Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept is perfectly compliant with the brand identity of Mercedes-Benz.

The interior concept interprets comfortable travel and well-being in a completely new way. With its REVERSE seat the Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept breaks up the firmly established seat arrangement of conventional sedans and offers individual seating positions facing, or with one’s back to, the direction of travel, always affording maximum spaciousness and supreme comfort.

The Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept provides inspiring ideas for the technological future of Mercedes-Benz once again - like each of the research cars which preceded it.

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Frankfurt: Toyota IQ Concept

Toyota has an answer to every vehicle in the market. Now, you can add the undoubtedly unique Smart to the list. Toyota unveiled the super-mini IQ Concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Unlike many concepts, the IQ Concept will see its daylight in parking garages and driveways rather than design centers and studios. Toyota has confirmed an ultra-compact car to be released in the next two years.

The IQ is short, VERY short. In fact, it is 425mm shorter than the already diminutive Toyota Aygo and 770mm shorter than the Yaris. Unlike the Smart which consists of a few unattractive quirks here and there, Toyota managed to do a stunning job in designing the IQ Concept. The IQ retains a roomy interior by utilizing a 3+1 seating arrangement albeit being a speck shorter of 3 meters.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading to view a hi-res image gallery and an official press release.



PRESS RELEASE: Toyota IQ Concept

Toyota’s revolutionary ultra-compact IQ concept

- The intelligent solution to urban transport
- Designed within the Vibrant Clarity philosophy
- Less than 3 metres in length
The IQ concept represents a paradigm shift in small car design, a concept car that challenges conventional thinking of automotive hierarchies: small yet spacious, premium yet small. Realized through the vision of an ultra compact, highly space efficient, environmentally friendly vehicle that maximizes the urban lifestyle of Europe’s fashionable metropolitan dwellers.

The IQ concept was created at ED2, Toyota’s advanced European design studio in the south of France, working under the Toyota design philosophy of Vibrant Clarity – design that is forward looking, intelligent and energetic while retaining a clarity of purpose and function.

Managing officer of Toyota Motor Corporation’s Design activities, Wahei Hirai, says:

“The IQ concept is designed to reflect and enhance the lifestyle of its owners. In an urban environment, people want to express themselves through dynamic and on-the-edge design, but at the same time rational factors such as size, functionality and CO_ emissions cannot be ignored. Bringing these contradictory aims together in synergy was critical to the IQ concept, and is a way of thinking we call the ‘J-factor’, a philosophy at the heart of all our activities.”

Just a palm shorter than three meters in length – at 2.98 meters precisely - the IQ concept is a radical new approach to vehicle packaging and design. It challenges the current limitations of ultra-compact urban transport by offering an interior capable of seating four or three adults and luggage space - a unique versatility within a minimal footprint.

The unveiling of the IQ concept also reinforces Toyota’s commitment to reducing vehicle emissions through vehicle concept innovation. With increasing traffic congestion in urban areas, and rising concerns about vehicle emissions, the IQ concept presents a step change in vehicle packaging and footprint, to ensure a sustainable future.

Designed for fashion and function

- Three elements of Vibrant Clarity
- Dynamic and daring exterior
- Functional and aesthetic interior
- Edgy urban colour contrast

All aspects of the IQ concept are designed to convey a confidence, and vibrance that belies its size. All are working to give the car energy and character that will stand out and enhance its premium fashion position in the urban environment.

Within Toyota’s Vibrant Design philosophy three core design values are utilized to guide the design process:

Perfect Imbalance in its proportion

The exterior is simple and daring with a stable and robust stance enhanced by the width of the vehicle contrasting with its short length. In side profile the ultra-short overhangs and cab-forward silhouette suggest a dynamic pose but at the same time interior space is kept to a maximum. The confident character of the front juxtapositions with the small, yet strong structure give the vehicle an iconic value.

Integrated Component Architecture

Expressing the structure and construction of the vehicle is vital to keeping the design simple yet at the same time energized, it also serves to clearly express the concept of the car. The structures around the 17 inch tyres form part of the minimal front and rear overhangs, a synergy that conveys both strength and agility.

In the interior the basic geometric structure of the instrument panel creates an open and wide environment. The manta-ray-styled centre console, a simple yet flowing structure that envelops the instruments to create a clear and vivid focal point. The air conditioning vents are constructed from a cylindrical form clearly relating to their function. The overall impression is of components in harmony, forming a new emotional expression.

Freeform Geometrics

The exterior surfaces of the IQ concept are almost mathematical in their cleanliness and precision, but at the same time have movement and emotion to keep the design fresh and unlikely to date. The character lines of the window opening flow smoothly and harmonize with the surfaces supporting them.

In the interior the freeform lines of the manta-ray-styled centre cluster are echoed in the door trim. Soft and inviting they encourage touch and contact, a combination of uncompromised aesthetics and functionality.

Overall, the IQ concept has a ‘on-the-edge’ style ready for the streets of tomorrow’s urban environment. This sense of vibrant, urban sub-culture is carried forward by the unique exterior colour; pearlescent white with flecks of purple shimmer hinting at the darker interior treatment. The senses are further stimulated by the touch of the mock snake-skin steering wheel trim, purple interior accents and purple styling themes carried over into the seats, door trims and dashboard.

Compact but not compromised

- Intelligent use of space
- Versatile 3+1 seating
- Fascinating blend of form and function
- Full safety features

The IQ concept sets out to be, and succeeds, as the world’s smallest four seat passenger concept car. At less than three metres in length (2980mm) it is 425mm shorter than the Toyota Aygo and more than 770mm shorter than the Toyota Yaris. Yet, in width and height (1680mm x 1480mm) it is comparable to Yaris – so the ultra compact exterior dimensions hide a big interior heart.

At the same time, the IQ concept is versatile and practical. It will seat four with space for three adults and a child – or the fourth seat can be utilised for luggage space. To achieve this, a radical and intelligent 3 + 1 seating concept has been applied. With a dashboard that swoops away from the front passenger, this seat has been given extra freedom of movement.

In regular use, driver and passenger sit side by side. But, to accommodate a third adult or adult and child, the front passenger seat can be moved in a more forward position allowing more room and easier access to the rear area.

In addition, extensive use of intelligent, space saving design themes and miniaturised technology helps maximise space within the passenger compartment. The ultra-compact heating and ventilation unit frees up space in the centre console and allows the dashboard to adopt its unique shape.

Atop the main dashboard sits the instrument pod, dark and mysterious with the swoops and curves of a manta-ray; its tail flashing in silver-chrome trim as it reaches down to form the cleanly-styled centre console. A single central dial provides control of interior environment with temperature and ventilation displayed on the central panel, clearly placed in the driver’s eye-line.

The three-dimensional, 3-in-1 display of speed, engine rpm and fuel status is mounted above the steering column while controls for audio and navigation functions are on the steering wheel itself. In an intelligent, hi-tech solution to urban navigation, a stand-alone, head-up display of the GPS route-finder is placed within the driver’s vision but is see-through when turned off.

A panoramic glass sun-roof ensures plenty of light and adds to the sense that passengers are not confined within a conventional compartment. At night, the darkened interior is mysterious – further emphasising the high fashion sense of the concept car.

Despite its ultra-compact design, it makes no compromises on safety in the urban environment. Indeed, safety is at the core of the concept strategy. A strong passenger compartment safety cell will ensure optimal impact energy absorption.

In presenting the IQ concept, Toyota reveals an intelligent new design and technology package - a radical solution to the challenge of personal urban transport. The IQ concept represents the ultimate refined urban mode of transport offering a revolutionary package, intelligent design, and environmental friendliness.

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