KIA KND-4 Concept premieres at Seoul Motor Show

Well if you too aren’t from Korea, you’d probably have no idea that the 2007 Seoul Motor Show opens its doors to the public on April 7. Anyway, according to the Korean company the KND-4 concept gives a hint at how Kia’s future compact SUV models might look like. Conceived and created at the Kia Namyang Design Centre, 4466mm-long Luminous Green colored concept is powered by a 2.2-litre VGT diesel engine driving all four wheels via the latest version of Kia’s Active Torque Transfer (ATT). -Click “Read More…” below to see a high-res image gallery and the press release

PRESS RELEASE: Kia reveals new KND-4 concept SUV at Seoul Motor Show

- Exterior styling removes boundaries between urban and rural vehicles

- Four-seat interior is ‘future-oriented’ with AMOLED and Blu-ray technologies

(SEOUL) April 5, 2007 – Kia Motors Corporation is staging the world premiere of its all-new KND-4 concept car today (Thursday) at the Seoul International Motor Show. Designed to reassert Kia’s credentials as a leading brand in the 4x4 and RV vehicle sectors, the new SUV concept car projects a dynamic, powerful character and exudes a strong sense of individuality. Although clearly a ‘concept car,’ the Luminous Green, three-door, 4466mm-long KND-4 gives a bold hint at how future Kia compact SUV models might look.

This is the first Kia vehicle to demonstrate the company’s renewed passion for ‘Designology’ (Design & Technology) – its ongoing commitment to making automobiles that are both more stylish and technologically advanced.

“The KND-4 is an exciting vehicle which showcases Kia’s increasingly sophisticated styling and advanced technologies that will give our future products an even stronger and more distinctive road presence,” commented Mr Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of Kia Motors Corporation. “Over time, elements of this concept SUV will evolve into our next-generation lineup, ensuring the continued global popularity of our already competitive 4x4 models.”

The exterior styling of KND-4 is designed to appeal to consumers who crave freedom and an active lifestyle, while removing the traditional boundaries between urban and rural vehicles to create an SUV that looks great in any location. The sleek, rounded nose features LED headlights, while flared wheelarches wrap around large diameter 20-inch wheels and 245/40 R20 low-profile tyres, which appear to bulge out of the vehicle’s form.

The ponounced shoulder line, glass-house profile and sweeping C-pillar give a dynamic flare to KND-4. The full-width rear screen emphasises the interior volume and provides a simple contrast to the complex styling of the LED rear lamp clusters. Short overhangs and a high ground clearance ensure excellent off-road ability.

‘Future-oriented’ High-tech Interior

Designed to seat four people in individual seats, the KND-4’s interior is ‘future-oriented’ with floor, dashboard and door trim panels in metallic finish, highlighted by indirect lighting that reflects in this metallic material and creates an exciting cabin ambience.

The interior is equipped with the most advanced IT technology available to present the driver with information from within and from outside the vehicle. Dominating the centre stack is a next generation AMOLED (Active-Matrix, Organic Light Emitting Diode) display screen which features an ultra-thin screen, ultra-wide viewing angle and ultra-high contrast.

Controlled by multi-function buttons on the steering wheel, the KND-4 offers the driver both Bluetooth and Blu-ray (high density optical disc) technologies, plus a built-in hard disc for the audio player. Blu-ray can store 10 times the information of a regular DVD.

KND-4 is powered by a 2.2-litre VGT diesel engine driving all four wheels via the latest version of Kia’s Active Torque Transfer (ATT) system which, in severely slippery conditions, automatically distributes torque to the wheel or wheels with the best traction.

Conceived and created at the world-class Kia Namyang Design Centre – hence the KND-4 naming – the SUV concept is a clear demonstration that Kia does indeed have ‘The Power to Surprise.’

KND-4 Dimensions

Overall length 4466 mm

Wheelbase 2630 mm

Width 1860 mm

Height 1600 mm

Technorati: Kia+KND-4, Seoul+Motor+Show, Concept, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

Update: Infiniti EX Concept officially unveiled

Infiniti just came out with the official press release of its New York Show EX concept. Measuring at 185.2 inches/4630 mm in length, the EX is practically a pre-production model and according to Infiniti, it will go on sale in North America in late 2007. Infiniti’s BMW X3 rival will also find its way to the European market in 2008 where along with the 3.5 V6 petrol there’s the possibility of a diesel option, too. Finally it's worth mentioning that the EX is highlighted by two systems that are said to be a world first:

-the around View Monitor utilises small front, side and rear-mounted cameras to project an all-around view of potential objects on every side of the vehicle – helping reduce blind spots when parking.

-the next-gen Lane Departure Prevention system uses the vehicle’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to help assist the driver in maintaining lane position if the vehicle inadvertently starts to move outside of the lane. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press release & more high-res pics

PRESS RELEASE

INFINITI EX CONCEPT FEATURES COUPE-INSPIRED SUV DESIGN, WORLD DEBUT OF TWO ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES

– Stylish Design Concept Previews New Infiniti Production Crossover SUV –

The Infiniti EX Concept, which makes its world debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, follows in the tradition of previous Infiniti design studies with its combination of seductive design, elegant interior and advanced technology systems – including an advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system. And, like many of the Infiniti concepts that have come before, the new EX Concept is a very real preview of an upcoming production vehicle – the 2008 Infiniti EX crossover SUV.

“The Infiniti FX, M and most recently the new 2008 G Coupe, can all trace their evolution from show stoppers to Infiniti showrooms in a short period of time,” said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “With this stunning EX Concept, we’re pleased to announce that along with the basic exterior and interior designs, the production Infiniti EX will include much of the EX Concept’s innovative technology, including the Around View Monitor and Lane Departure Prevention.”

Coupe-Inspired Exterior

The EX Concept’s sculpted elegance expresses a timeless appeal – sleek lines that portray speed, grace and finesse. Its layout combines the look and feel of a luxury coupe – including short front and rear overhangs – and the ample interior roominess, optimised seating height and luggage space of an SUV.

“The EX Concept is the perfect fusion of a luxury coupe and a high-utility SUV,” said Igo. “Its ‘right-sized’ packaging gives it excellent around town manoeuvrability, while the wide rear hatch and low load floor make it a versatile performer for everyday and weekend use.”

The EX Concept exterior includes many signature Infiniti touches, including the double-arch grille, large L-shaped headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), integrated fog lights, distinctive LED taillights and “dynamic arch” profile. The exterior also features a high-mounted rear hatchback spoiler.

Special features created especially for the EX Concept are the all-in-one sash-style side door mirrors with integrated LED turn signals and electric outside door handles with push switches. The EX Concept also includes paint and 19-inch 7-spoke aluminium alloy wheels mounted with 245/55R19 tyres.

The most striking exterior design element of the EX Concept is its dramatic liquid crystal full-length glass roof panel that is able to change from transparent to translucent via input from a special touch sensor system.

“The EX Concept’s glass roof technology is a fascinating study in how technology can be utilised to change the entire interior atmosphere of a vehicle by adding or subtracting not just light, but the occupants’ view of the outside world,” said Igo.

Elegant Interior Design

Like all Infiniti vehicles, the EX Concept is conceived to offer a reinvigorating and engaging interior environment, one that is both indulgent and inspiring. The “wave-inspired” cabin layout is focused on the driver, with easy-to-read high-contrast gauges with violet-colour illumination and an electric soft-touch shifter system.

The EX Concept’s rich, leather-appointed and aluminum-alloy trimmed interior also offers plenty of passenger luxury – with deep, supportive seats and an ambient lighting system that includes special indirect headrest illumination.

A large, leather-appointed centre console box provides utility for driver and front passenger, while the instrument panel includes a wide LCD monitor and signature Infiniti analogue clock. The advanced audio system includes aluminium speaker finishers, matching the door-side trim. The roomy rear cargo area combines function with design with its aluminum-alloy flooring with luggage rails.

“The EX Concept’s interior is all about driving pleasure and passenger comfort,” said Igo. “Like the exterior, it offers a coupe-like feel but surprising utility – ideal for today’s active lifestyles.”

Advanced Platform and Powertrain

Under the EX Concept’s dramatic body is an equally advanced platform and powertrain based on the latest Infiniti production hardware. Its advanced FM platform provides the same high levels of handling precision and balance as it does for the Infiniti M, FX and G Coupe and Sedan. For use in the EX Concept, the wheelbase has been shortened to 112.0 inches for a small turning radius, while the rear multi-link suspension utilises a low shock absorber layout to enhance cargo area utility. It rides on 19-inch 7-spoke aluminium-alloy wheels with 245/55R19 tyres.

The EX Concept is powered by a V6 engine, coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The EX Concept also includes an all-wheel drive system.

The World Debut of Two New Technologies

The EX Concept’s advanced technology design is highlighted by two systems that are expected to be the first production versions in the world when the new Infiniti EX goes on sale in North America in late 2007.

The Infiniti Around View Monitor utilises small front, side and rear-mounted cameras to project an all-around view of potential objects on every side of the vehicle – helping reduce blind spots when parking.

“Conventional mirrors, no matter how carefully you use them, just can’t provide a view around the vehicle that the Around View Monitor’s four-camera system does,” said Igo. “Rear bumper sonar systems help detect objects behind a vehicle, but again they can’t give the view of the space around the vehicle that the AVM does.”

The Lane Departure Prevention system builds on the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system that is currently available on the Infiniti FX and M. Rather than just use an audible/visual warning system to alert the driver of unintentional vehicle movement outside the designated lane, the LDP system uses the vehicle’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to help assist the driver in maintaining lane position if the vehicle inadvertently starts to drift outside of the lane.

Both Lane Departure Prevention and the LDW systems use a small camera installed behind the windscreen to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle and calculate its position relative to lane markers and warn the driver of lane drift (pending lane change without use of the turn signal) with a visual display and audible buzzer.

If the driver does not return the vehicle in the direction of the centre of the travel lane, the LDP system assists the driver by using gentle control (generating part of the necessary yaw movement), using the VDC’s brake actuator to control the brake pressure of each individual wheel to generate the intended movement..

“Infiniti has taken a leadership position in offering the first production Lane Departure Warning systems for production vehicles. We’re now poised to take the next big step with the upcoming EX’s Lane Departure Prevention system,” said Igo. “We’re confident that the production Infiniti EX will be just as stylish, dramatic, luxurious and innovative as this EX Concept show vehicle. The line continues to be drawn.”

The Infiniti EX Concept was created at the Nissan Technical Center in Atsugi, Japan.

About Infiniti

Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles, including the G sports coupe and sedan, the M luxury performance sedan, FX premium crossover SUV, and the QX full-size luxury SUV. More information about Infiniti and its total ownership experience can be found at www.Infiniti.com.

INFINITI EX CONCEPT

KEY DIMENSIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Engine/Transmission V6 engine/5-speed automatic transmission

Platform FM (Front Mid-ship) platform

Drive Configuration Front engine/all-wheel drive

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS)

Suspension Subframe-mounted independent front double-wishbone suspension with aluminium-alloy upper and lower links, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers, stabiliser bar

Independent multi-link rear suspension with aluminium-alloy upper and lower links and axle housing, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers, stabiliser bar

Steering Vehicle speed-sensitive power-assisted steering system

Brakes Power-assisted front and rear vented discs with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)

Wheels/Tyres 19-inch 7-spoke aluminium-alloy wheels with 245/55R19 tyres

Wheelbase 112.0 inches/2800 mm

Length 185.2 inches/4630 mm

Width 72.0 inches/1800 mm

Height 63.2 inches/1575 mm

Seating Capacity 5 passengers

Select Technology

Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system, using a small camera mounted behind the windscreen and an advanced microprocessing unit, utilises the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to help assist the driver in maintaining lane position if the vehicle inadvertently starts to drift out of the lane; Around View Monitor (AVM) system with front, side and rear-mounted cameras to help reduce the blind spots when parking; Bluetooth^Ò hands-free phone system

Select Exterior Features

Unique liquid crystal glass roof panel that can change from transparent to translucent; Infiniti signature double-arch grille and dynamic arch profile; Infiniti signature L-shaped headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), integrated fog lights; thin, elegant LED taillights; all-in-one sash-style side door mirrors with integrated LED turn signals; electric outside door handles with push switches; high-mounted rear hatchback spoiler.

Select Interior Features

Driver-oriented, leather-appointed interior with luxurious passenger space; liquid crystal glass sunroof with touch sensor system control; Infiniti signature “double-wave” instrument panel and Infiniti-signature analogue clock; high contrast instrumentation with aluminium-alloy bezel surround; electric soft-touch shifter system, designed for an artistic, jewel-like appearance; aluminium-alloy door-side finishers and speaker finish; oversize front and rear seat headrests with indirect lighting; special ambient mood lighting throughout the cabin; large-sized high-touch leather-appointed centre console; aluminium-alloy rear cargo area finisher with integrated luggage rails.

Technorati: Infiniti+EX+Concept, New+York+international+Auto+Show, NYIAS, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Chevrolet Trax Concept to debut along with two more Minicar Protoypes in New York

The change of times: Chevy is going to introduce not one, but three new global minicar concepts at next week’s New York Show. To make things even more intriguing all concepts where designed at GM’ s Design Studio in... Incheon, South Korea and based on the company’s global mini architecture. The one shown here is the 5door-hatch Trax, which is powered by a 1-liter gasoline engine.

We haven’t seen the other two yet but the General seems to be serious as after the official unveiling on April the 4th, GM will open a dedicated site at where you'll be able to vote for the concept you liked most. According to GM, the results will help Chevy determine U.S. market interest in the minicar segment, and which (Korean…) design resonates best with buyers. Via: CheersandGears
-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release

Chevrolet Prepared to Unveil Three Minicar Concepts Next Week in New York

The Chevrolet Trax is one of three Chevrolet minicar global concepts that General Motors will unveil at the New York International Auto Show on April 4. Designed to appeal to young car buyers in urban markets, these concepts will prove that art needn’t take a back seat just because the canvas is small. The highly creative concepts drive the energy, diversity and excitement of urban life into cars that deliver good-looking fun, fuel economy and value.

After the April 4 unveiling, democracy lovers will get the chance to pick their favorite by visiting www.vote4chevrolet.com and cast their vote for the concept they prefer. The results will help Chevy determine U.S. market interest in the minicar segment, and which design resonates best with potential buyers.

All three concepts were designed at GM’ s Design Studio in Incheon, South Korea, one of GM’s 11 Global Design Studios. Built on GM’s global mini architecture, they demonstrate the flexibility, creativity and innovative focus of design in GM’s Asia Pacific region.

“These concepts highlight the strength and diversity of GM’s Global Design capabilities, as well as the ability of our Global Product Development team to anticipate and quickly meet the evolving needs of our diverse markets around the world,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, GM Global Design.

The four-door Trax is powered by a 1-liter gasoline engine. The upper part of the exterior is bathed in Blaze Orange, while lower corner panels sport a Burnt Orange matte finish. The paint combination provides a look that reinforces the notion this Chevrolet is all business despite its small size.

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Hyundai Genesis Concept: NY Show debut for luxury rear-wheel drive sedan

We’ve been hearing about a luxury rear-wheel drive sedan from Hyundai aiming at the US market for a long time now, and to be precise, from the Equus HCD-7 Concept first shown at the 2002 Chicago Auto Show. During that period several heavily camouflaged prototypes popped-up here and there, but that was it. Till now that is since we’ve got the first official renderings of the near-to-production concept version that’ll appear at the New York Auto Show (April 6th-15th). -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the rest of the post plus one more image

Dubbed Genesis, Hyundai’s full size-luxury sedan concept seems to have lost any ties it might have had with the 2002 HCD-7, and instead it looks like a rebaged Toyota Camry… There’s no official information out on the streets yet, but i suspect that we won’t have to wait long so stay tuned. Via: Autoblog.com

Technorati: NYIAS, New+York+international+Auto+Show, Hyundai+Equus, Hyundai+Genesis, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Video: Giugaro Ford Mustang Concept

Italdesign’s controversially styled Mustang Concept is more than your usual static concept as you’ll discover in Motortrend’s video when editor Arthur St.Antoine takes the Italian “stud” for a spin. Designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro and unveiled at the 2006 LA Show in December, the Mustang Concept is equipped with a supercharged version of the Mustang's stock 4.6-liter V8 delivering 500Hp. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see Italdesign’s Mustang Concept Promo Video

Technorati: Ford+Mustang, Giugiaro+Mustang, LA+Show, Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs

GENEVA: Sbarro Jumpy Atlante Concept

Believe it or not, Sbarro’s Jumpy Atlante Concept is actually based on Citroen’s Jumper Van. And well, that’s about all the interest we’ll ever have on this one-of-a-kind 6seater Cabrio which looks like it hopped out of a "My little Pony" episode...-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see a high-res image gallery

Technorati: Sbarro+Citroen+Jumpy, Citroen+Jumpy, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

Pic of the Day: Stola’s made to measure Concept Car…

Words from my part are totally unnecessary here as the picture speaks for itself. Still, feel free to comment below… Pic Via: Autoblog.it

History: Opel Geneva Concepts 1975 to 2004

The Gran Tourismo Coupe was met with enthusiasm from both journalists and consumers alike but despite the rumors, Opel hasn’t decided whether it’ll produce it or not. That makes Opel’s report on its Swiss adventures over the few past decades even more interesting since it not only refreshes our memories but it also offers us a chance to see what happened to their previous concepts. Undeniably, petroholics will find the sexy “Geneva” sports coupe as the most intriguing of them all. The “Geneva” actually started out with a rotary-engine but during the development process GM dropped its Wankel program before the concept was completed for the 1975 Geneva Show! -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the Concepts

Press Release: Advanced Opel Concept Cars in Geneva

1975 – Opel Geneve

In Geneva in 1975, Opel revealed a beautifully streamlined two-seater, the “Genève”. Engineered to take a Wankel-type rotary engine, its original name was “GT/W” (“W” forWankel). However, GM dropped its Wankel development program before the car was completed. Opel Design renamed it and exhibited its fiberglass mock-up as an eye-catcher at the show.

1982 – Opel Corsa Spider

The spectacular fiberglass “Corsa Spider” concept car was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1982. Cover plates were used to complete the transformation from a four-seater to a two-seater. In the same way, covering the front passenger seat gave the Spider the look of a single-seat race car. Much to the dismay of many fans, Opel did not put the “Corsa Spider” into production.

1992 – Opel Twin

Highlights of the Twin concept car included interchangeable drive units, with the engine, transmission, rear axle and energy accumulator housed inside. This allowed the vehicle to run on whichever drive assembly made the most environmental and economical sense. For highway driving for instance, there was a three-cylinder gasoline engine (0.8 liter, 34 hp) and for city or short distance driving, an electric unit with two wheel-hub motors (each with 14 hp). Arranging all the drive assemblies in the rear allowed for a variation to the usual seating layout. Instead of sitting front left, the driver had a central single-seat position, while three more passengers were able to sit in the back.

1995 – Opel Maxx

Instead of a conventional steel body, the Opel Maxx had a stable light alloy structure made of extruded aluminum profiles like a cage, which was visible from the outside. The form and dimensions of the profiles were variable, ensuring exceptional flexibility. The idea behind it was that instead of the two-door and two-seat basic version, Opel was also able to build a four-door extended version with four or even six seats.

1997 – Opel Signum Concept

The Signum was a concept for an elegant sedan with a long wheelbase and very spacious passenger compartment, featuring an interior arrangement with unprecedented flexibility in a car of this kind. The new idea became reality in 2003, when Opel launched a Signum that reflected the principle and innovation of the initial concept: maximum interior size and flexibility.

1999 – Opel Concept A

Distinguishing features of the “Concept A” microvan study were exceptional design, high levels of functionality and ultra-modern, environmentally compatible propulsion technology. Its striking look was just as impressive as its high variability, which allowed the compact five-door microvan to be transformed from a four-seater into a spacious load carrier. Raised seat positions made getting into and out of the vehicle easier and made traveling more relaxing. The smart Opel fun car was powered by a particularly low-emission “bivalent” engine and, at the touch of a button, ran on gasoline or compressed natural gas. The Concept A served as the forerunner to the Agila.

2002 – Opel Concept M

The “Concept M” was a sporty and environmentally-friendly concept van from Opel. With a height of 1.62 meters, the dynamically styled, compact body had plenty of space for four passengers. The 1.6-liter, 110 kW/150 hp natural gas turbo engine, combined with the automated “Easytronic” manual transmission familiar from the Corsa, formed a very promising drivetrain concept. The high-quality cabin was also ultra-modern and boasted great potential for a variety of innovative and flexible interior solutions. The Concept M became a great market success as the Meriva.

2003 – Opel GTC Geneve

With the GTC Genève, Opel unveiled a sporty three-door concept car that inspired many elements of the Astra GTC and showcased both high dynamics combined with comfortable seating for four people. The champagne-silver concept car featured a tinted, transparent roof that stretched from the windshield to the rear window, and the design team took the GTC's proportions (length/width/height: 4349/1773/1352 mm) to the extreme.

2004 – Opel Trixx

The Opel TRIXX was a true multi-talent. There was either room for up to three adults and one child, or plenty of load capacity as a one-seater. Three electrically powered pantograph doors enabled very easy access for passengers and luggage loading. Other ingenious ideas included an inflatable rear seat, a foldaway front passenger's seat and a rear pull-out luggage rack. This clever feature, which is today known as “Flex-Fix”, is now in series production and optionally available for the new Corsa and Antara.

Technorati: Opel+Concepts, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images