GENEVA — The Hyundai QarmaQ concept, which was unveiled at this week's Geneva auto show, takes its name from traditional Inuit dwellings made from earth, whalebone and animal skins. But the Korean crossover coupe is anything but primitive.
Developed with GE Plastics, the recyclable QarmaQ is more like a rolling laboratory, with lots of futuristic features that the automaker says it intends to implement on upcoming vehicles, especially those aimed at baby boomers.
One of the 2+2 vehicle's most intriguing — and potentially life-saving — features is its elastic front. This feature puts a premium on pedestrian protection, with three energy-absorbing structures underpinning the vehicle.
Hyundai noted that the QarmaQ's unconventional looks are due to the use of unconventional materials. Perhaps the most striking design cue is the wraparound windshield, which is made of GE's Lexan polycarbonate resin instead of glass. The automaker said the vehicle's C-shaped side window "enables innovative helicopter-like downward visibility and is a key design feature demonstrating the new glazing technology." The unusual materials provide a weight saving of up to 50 percent compared to glass, it said.
Cabin touches include "floating" elements that pulse and glow with tinted ambient lighting. The QarmaQ is powered by a 2.0-liter diesel engine.
What this means to you: Hyundai and GE Plastics take a huge step forward in creating a vehicle that forgoes traditional steel and glass in favor of high-tech materials that bolster safety and fuel economy, and just look cool.
Developed with GE Plastics, the recyclable QarmaQ is more like a rolling laboratory, with lots of futuristic features that the automaker says it intends to implement on upcoming vehicles, especially those aimed at baby boomers.
One of the 2+2 vehicle's most intriguing — and potentially life-saving — features is its elastic front. This feature puts a premium on pedestrian protection, with three energy-absorbing structures underpinning the vehicle.
Hyundai noted that the QarmaQ's unconventional looks are due to the use of unconventional materials. Perhaps the most striking design cue is the wraparound windshield, which is made of GE's Lexan polycarbonate resin instead of glass. The automaker said the vehicle's C-shaped side window "enables innovative helicopter-like downward visibility and is a key design feature demonstrating the new glazing technology." The unusual materials provide a weight saving of up to 50 percent compared to glass, it said.
Cabin touches include "floating" elements that pulse and glow with tinted ambient lighting. The QarmaQ is powered by a 2.0-liter diesel engine.
What this means to you: Hyundai and GE Plastics take a huge step forward in creating a vehicle that forgoes traditional steel and glass in favor of high-tech materials that bolster safety and fuel economy, and just look cool.
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