Kia Sportspace Concept: New look, new thinking

The versatile Kia Sportspace Concept bowed in Geneva with contemporary take on a mid-size vehicle intended to "meet the demands of those who refuse to be categorized when it comes to their lifestyle or their motoring needs." Created at Kia's European Design Center in Frankfurt under the direction of Gregory Guillaume, the Sportspace embodies a multifaceted character that has an elevated sense of style in a wagon. Guillaume says the concept would be a welcome addition to the Kia's European lineup, the Sportspace Concept also is believed to offer an early look at some of the cues we may see in the 2016 Kia Optima sedan - a for-sure update that has already been spied testing on the continent

Finished in Ignition Red, the 5-door Sportspace integrates flowing lines and dynamic proportions with more sophisticated detailing at both ends. Kia's signature "tiger-nose" grille has a bolder appearance set off by an articulated and louvered Plexiglass insert that can rotate as needed to increase cooling. The vehicle also sports unique "ice cube" LED headlamps and satin-aluminum strips in the lower apron that keep the directional signals hidden until they're activated. A strong D-pillar treatment, angled hatch, carbon fiber kick plates and 20-inch alloy wheels add interest to the profile while the tail of the Sportspace boasts a tastefully integrated roof spoiler, aggressive carbon fiber diffuser and LED taillamps with sequential turn signals

Inside, the Sportspace's 4-passenger cabin matches contemporary design with impressive practicality setting off supple smooth and hand-woven leather seat coverings with carbon fiber and milled, anodized aluminum trim. The floating dash pairs digital instrumentation with a new infotainment system that features split-screen capability while the conventional inside mirror gives way to a smaller screen that displays images from a rear-mounted camera as well as other pertinent vehicle info. In addition to generous legroom and headroom, the two rear passengers can use special clamps on the front seatbacks to mount two tablet PCs stored in the car's full-length center console. Ever ready to accommodate skis that can be easily slid between its rear seats, the Sportspace also features an array of 28 steel balls in its load floor that allow heavy, bulky cargo to glide into place before retracting when the large liftgate is closed

An advanced 2.0-liter T-GDI (turbocharged gasoline direct injected) 4-cylinder engine provides motivation for the Sportspace Concept and sends its 247 horsepower to the front wheels through an automatic transmission. It's still too early to tell how much of the look and technology in this engaging Kia one-off will actually transfer to the upcoming Optima line -- in sedan or wagon form. But the Sportspace Concept definitely makes a statement we hope is realized in the years ahead

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Italdesign GEA Concept: Autonomous living room on wheels

The latest design exercise from Italdesign is the GEA, a large sedan that emphasizes interior space and comfort in a vehicle that would potentially be capable of autonomous operation. Penned by former Audi designer Wolfgang Egger, the GEA has a minimalistic exterior shape with few lines punctuated by thing strips of chrome to add a touch of elegance

Thin LED lights on the front and rear of the car project white light when the car is being piloted by the driver, but when the car is in autonomous mode, the lights turn blue to signal that the car is operating on its own.  Powered by four electric motors, one at each corner, that provide 764 horsepower, the GEA would be capable of a top speed of 155 mph. The GEA rides on a 131.1 inch wheelbase and measures 214.1 inches overall, slightly longer than a long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S-Class

No B-pillar

The vehicle has no pillar and coach style doors that provide a wide opening for access to the four club-like chairs. The driver seat distinguished by its black upholstery, while the rest of the interior is done up in gray fabrics. LED lighting is visible through the materials used on the door inserts and its color can be changed to create different moods. The front passenger seat swivels so that it can face the rear

When designing GEA we thought of the businessmen and businesswomen of tomorrow: the time spent travelling will become productive even in a car," said Egger. "With the three internal setting configurations, which can be selected on the control sphere situated between the two front seats, the car can turn into a travelling office, a wellness or a dream area. This is our vision of luxury mobility for the future

Business, wellness or dream modes

In business mode, GEA is an office on wheels. The LEDs in the door panels project a white light which aids concentration and productivity. Two transparent LED screens measuring 19 inches each come down from the roof opposite the rear seats and the passenger can choose the information to project onto them. The dashboard graphics change and create a single setting to match the background of the two screens

The wellness mode, developed in conjunction with Technogym, is ideal during long journeys because it allows the passenger to perform isometric exercises, which are ideal to warm up the muscles. In this case, the LEDs in the panel turn an amber color, for a warmer and more relaxing ambiance.  The rear seats feature two aluminum handles which, on pressing a sensor, come out of the tray to be used for exercises on the upper body. For the lower limbs, the floor has been fitted with two boards, also made by Technogym, which can be raised using the controls for use in step exercises. A tutorial video with the Technogym exercise programs appears on the monitors to guide the user

In Dream mode, total relaxation is the goal. The LEDs project a relaxing blue light, the windows darken and pictures of galaxies and starry skies appear on the monitors and on the front dashboard. Two comfortable footrests can be extended out from the seats and the right-hand rear seat can extend fully to form a real bed joining up with the front seat, swiveled to face opposite the direction of travel but with the seat back up, to reproduce the typical environment found when flying first class

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Hyundai Tucson previewed at Geneva 2016

Although the launch of the U.S. version won't be until late this year, Hyundai is taking the wraps off its 2016 Tucson compact crossover SUV as a 2015 model in European trim at the Geneva Motor Show. The all-new Tucson features sharper, bolder styling that brings it in line with its larger Santa Fe sibling as well as entries on the car side like the Genesis and Sonata. In addition to sharply drawn character lines, the crossover features a large, hexagon-shaped grille

Design expresses our progressive spirit and passion and it is transforming our brand," says Peter Schreyer, president and chief design officer of Hyundai Motor Group. "The all-new Tucson has a bold and athletic presence achieved through refined, flowing surfaces, bold proportions, sharp lines and more importantly our newest generation hexagonal grille, our brand signature

That grille dominates the vehicle's front end and is flanked by LED headlamps and running lights to give the Tucson a unique face.  The A-pillar has been pushed back to separate it from the long hood, giving the car a sleek profile. The wheel arches are shaped to give the impression of motion, while the character line on the rear quarters adds to the powerful stance. The rear of the vehicle sports thin tail lamps, lending an air of elegance

Spacious cabin

Riding on a 105.1-inch wheelbase, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson comes in at 176.1 inches in overall length. Built on an all-new platform, the all-new crossover SUV has generous interior dimensions and well as 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row up. The cabin introduces new soft-touch materials and the design features a simple center console with easy to use controls. The interior of the Geneva Show Car is clad in rich Wine Red leather

Among the new features are heated and ventilated front seats, with longer cushions for additional support and comfort. There's also a smart powered tailgate which opens at the approach of the key-holder and Smart Parking Assist System (SPAS) with both parallel and bay parking functions

Active and passive safety addressed 

Chief among the new safety systems bowing on the Tucson includes Autonomous Emergency Braking with three modes: pedestrian, city and inter-urban.  Automatic braking is engaged whenever an unsafe closing speed with a person or vehicle in front, from low to high speeds, is detected. Other safety features include Lane Keeping Assist that proactively corrects the steering to avoid unintended lane departure, and Rear Traffic Cross Alert, which has radar to scan a 180-degree area behind the vehicle, alerting the driver to cross-traffic. Other drive assists include blind spot detection and an information function that alerts the driver to the local speed limits

In European trim, the Hyundai Tucson will offer two 1.6-liter gasoline 4-cylinder engines-one normally aspirated offering about 130 horsepower and a turbocharged version with about 170 horsepower. Three diesel options will be available in Europe ranging from 1.7 to 2.0 liters in displacement. Transmissions include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic or 7-speed dual clutch automatic.  U.S. spec engine and transmission choices will be announced at a later date

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Infiniti QX30 Concept foretells the future

Making its global debut in Geneva, the Infiniti QX30 Concept provides a look at what the automaker plans for a versatile new vehicle that can bolster its market position on a global basis. "The QX30 Concept foreshadows an entry in the premium compact segment that provides a stylish alternative to the existing choices," said Roland Krueger, Infiniti President and CEO. It embodies our conviction to give customers the freedom to go wherever they want, whenever they want - in a style that turns heads and makes a statement, in a way that expresses their individualized character

A bolder variation on the Q30 Concept

The Q30 Concept was like a panther, lithe and slender. We transformed the QX30 Concept into a mountain lion, strong and muscular," said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director. "The QX30 Concept design conveys a gritty sense of durability but tough doesn't mean rough. We've retained a sense of artistry throughout, even in the most functional of parts

Although the two vehicles are virtually identical in size, the QX30 is about 1.2 inches taller and has 7.6-inches of ground clearance. The fascia treatments on the QX30 also display a more aggressively robust character, with larger flared air intakes/exhaust outlets set off with satin chrome accent elements and matte carbon trim found on the door-sill kick plates and wheel-arch surrounds as well as lower bumpers and stylized faux skid plates. The QX30 wears 21-inch tires wrapped around distinctive two-tone alloys with a 3D twisted-spoke design that interweaves milled aluminum and matte rubber. Even the integrated roof rack that sits over the full panoramic glass roof reflects a unique sense of sculpted style

Inside, the QX30 Concept also shows a heavy Q30 design influence but complements bespoke detail elements with a darker motif that matches brown Connolly leather centers with blue quilted leather bolsters set off with blue contrast stitching and customizable LED accent lighting. That color combo is reprised in its premium leather-weave carpet. Here, too, each of the four individual seats features a slim-line look that adds to the feeling of inner space. To bolster that interconnected experience for all aboard, the QX30 Concept also is fitted with the latest Infiniti InTouch infotainment system and app set

Like the Q30 Concept, the QX30 Concept is designed to accept a wide variety of powertrain choices. In this case, Infiniti fitted a 2.0-liter turbocharged/direct-injected 4-cylinder gasoline engine matched with a 7-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front or all four wheels. While stopping short of further details, it's believed the QX30 will share the same Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class platform/powertrain elements that will be used in the production Infiniti QX30

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Honda Civic Type R set for European launch 2016

The early anticipated 2015 Honda Civic Type R bowed in Geneva, but unfortunately for American enthusiasts, this one's for Europe only. With its aero-optimized body, upgraded suspension and brakes, competition-inspired cabin and packing a new 306-horsepower engine, it's simply the most performance-focused production Civic ever created by Honda. Here's a quick rundown of what we'll be missing

While its development wasn't quite as intensive as Honda's Formula One effort, the new Civic Type R benefitted from the same kind of racing-derived engineering and wind tunnel work before its final design was settled. That recasting starts with a redrawn front fascia that features a deeper front splitter and larger, more efficient air intakes which work with the Type R's extended side skirts. Out back, the large rear spoiler teams with a highly effective diffuser as well as a full underbody fairing to keep this hot Civic more confidently planted at speeds of up to 167 mph

New 2.0-liter engine

Helping the new Type R reach that velocity and sprint to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds is an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged/direct-injected VTEC 4-cylinder engine backed by a quick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission. Part of automaker's Earth Dreams family, this latest VTEC powerplant backs its 306 horses with a stout 295 lb-ft of torque, record stats for any Type R model. Honda says it signals the start of a new era of performance for the brand and recently lapped a prototype version of the car around Germany's fabled 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in 7 minutes 50.63 seconds, the fastest time ever for a front-drive performance hatchback

To prevent the kind of potential control issues that can occur when shipping that level of power to just the front wheels, Honda engineers reworked the chassis on the Type R, replacing the standard front underpinnings with a new Dual Axis Strut system that cuts torque steer by 50 percent. The improvements also enhance high-speed stability, cornering agility and steering feel. Honda also swapped the existing H-section torsion-beam rear axle for a "crushed pipe" alternative that improves roll rigidity by 180 percent and also helps the Type R's high speed cornering stability. The Civic Type R further benefits from a new 4-point Adaptive Damper System, as well as new Dual Pinion Electric Power Steering that provides a more linear feel and positive feedback. The package also includes upsized Brembo brakes and a set of bespoke 235/35 performance tires wrapped around super-stiff 19-inch alloy wheels

Full-race ambiance 

As with previous Type R offerings, the cabin displays a decidedly high-performance character that starts with torso-hugging sport seats trimmed in black and red suede-style cloth and a unique array of primary gauges and supplemental readouts plus a machined-aluminum shift knob. Also new is a dedicated +R button that when engaged, tweaks the engine power/torque mapping, steering feel and damper firmness to higher levels of enthusiast-pleasing intensity. Buyers also will be able to opt for a GT Pack that adds Garmin satellite navigation, Honda Connect Infotainment, 320-watt premium audio package and a full set of advanced driver safety/assist technologies that include Forward Collision/Lane Departure Warning and Honda's City Brake Active systems

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