One of the earlier SUV models from the Korean carmaker, the Sorento enters its 4th generation this year, with the global debut to be at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show. The Sorento sits at the heart of Kia’s reinvigorated global SUV line-up which also includes the Seltos, Stonic, Sportage, and Telluride.
It is the result of a global collaborative effort between all Kia’s design network which has studios in Korea, Europe and North America. For this new generation, the designers adopted the concept of ‘refined boldness’, maintaining the robust, tough-looking aesthetic of earlier generations.
All-new platform with new design
The fourth-generation model sits on an all-new platform that is said to raise standards in the midsize SUV segment for space, practicality, efficiency and quality. The latest design incorporates sharper lines and uninterrupted surfaces, making it noticeably more sculpted than its more round-edged predecessor.
Besides more contemporary geometric details and swept-back, elongated proportions, the assertive ‘face’ of the Sorento has evolved too. There’s a new interpretation of Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger nose’ grille. It’s wider and more expansive, wrapping organically around the integrated headlamps on each side. The headlamps themselves feature a new ‘tiger eye’ LED daytime running light, adding extra focus to the design by depicting the intense impression of the lines around a tiger’s eyes.
In profile, the proportions of the SUV are subtly adapted to make it appear longer, with shorter front and rear overhangs and a longer wheelbase. Its new proportions also extend the length of the bonnet, drawing the A-pillar 30 mm further back from the front axle for a more ‘cab-rearward’ design.
The trailing edge of the bonnet wraps around the front wings and turns into a single, strong character line which extends along the side of the Sorento and flows into the new vertical taillights.
Most high-tech Kia model to date
Inside, the upscale cabin has a sophisticated new design incorporating cutting-edge infotainment, supreme practicality, and premium-grade materials. It is described as one of the highest quality interior spaces found in any Kia to date. The progressive technologies available in the new model also make it the most high-tech vehicle Kia has ever put in showrooms.
Blending metallic trims, leather upholstery and embossed wood-effect surfaces, the interior also subtly integrates other technologies to enhance connectivity, driver assistance and infotainment. Its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with audio-visual navigation system is complemented by a new 12.3-inch high-resolution digital instrument cluster.
Bookings are now accepted by Lexus Malaysia for the new UX 200, the premium brand’s compact SUV. Presumably, the stocks from Japan have arrived in Malaysia so the company should be launching it in the near future in three versions – UX Urban, UX Luxury and UX F-Sport. Prices (exclusing insurance) in Peninsular Malaysia range from RM243,888 to RM299,888 but if you buy and register in the duty-free zones, the price range would be RM156,472 to RM191,841.
“This dynamic new model is truly a product of creative engineering by Lexus led by its first female Chief Engineer. The design itself connects strongly with any audience as a car that is beautifully styled in the spirit of Engawa (Japanese traditional architecture seamlessly to connect inside with the outside). It also includes such high-end Japanese design elements as Sashiko upholstery (a Japanese stitching technique). The UX is the first Lexus model to offer a new trim grain finish that’s inspired by the grain of Japanese paper know as Washi, familiar in traditional Japanese home” said Deputy Chairman of Lexus Malaysia, Akio Takeyama.
Global Architecture-C Platform
The UX 200 has the signature spindle grille that unifies every Lexus model and of course, keen attention to detail and quality that have always been hallmarks of the brand. The compact SUV, developed on the latest Global Architecture-C Platform (GAC Platform), has a stable and dynamic chassis to give a distinctive driving character with refined driving dynamics.
Aiming to help lower road accidents, Lexus has installed the Lexus Safety System + (LSS+), an integrated suite of safety systems that assist the driver and enhance motoring safety. This system employs sophisticated sensors and cameras on board to not only reduce or avoid accidents but also removes the daily stresses of commuting through some of its functions.
Lexus UX 200 engine
10-speed direct-shift CVT
Features-wise (depending on the version), the UX 200 will have items such as a power back door with ‘kick-open’ function, wireless charging, panoramic-view mirror, and a 10-speed direct-shift CVT with the new M20A-FKS petrol engine.
“We believe that this All-New Lexus UX 200 model will be a head-turning model with a strong appeal to the urban motorist. Its high level of sophistication and technology with Lexus engineering makes this one of the most appealing compact SUVs available on the market today,” added President of Lexus Malaysia, Ravindran K.
All units of the UX 200 imported and distributed by Lexus Malaysia come with a comprehensive warranty of 5 years with unlimited mileage. Being the authorised distributor, Lexus Malaysia ensures that there is complete aftersales support available to its customers and has 7 locations across Malaysia with Lexus-trained technicians, diagnostic equipment and genuine replacement parts.
Visit www.lexus.com.myto know more about Lexus products and service in Malaysia.
It’s been just about 14 months since the Proton X70 was launched, during which time over 29,000 units have been delivered throughout Malaysia. The strong and positive response to the model has rejuvenated Proton, which has Geely as its partner, as well as brought back respect for the company from Malaysians. In retrospect, perhaps Proton should have found a partner earlier but being a national carmaker, it was important that anyone who partners Proton would need to be the ‘correct fit, as Proton Chairman Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar put it some years ago when DRB-HICOM was looking for a partner.
The speed at which the X70 was brought to the market was impressive although it must be said that the development and engineering work had all already been done earlier for the Geely Boyue. It was not as time-consuming and Azlan Othman and his team at Proton Design ‘Malaysianised’ it with styling cues that made reference to local culture and landscape. Of course, it still required an engineering program since there was no righthand drive version of the Boyue.
Launch of the Proton X70 in December 2018
Not wanting to waste time, a decision was made to build the SUV at a Geely factory in China first while renovating the factory at Tg. Malim in Perak. It needed changes and extensions to accommodate planned growth as well as a significant improvement in quality, something which had contributed to the brand’s downturn.
Geely would probably have preferred to keep building the vehicles in China where there would be economies of scale but understanding the aspirations of the Malaysian government to develop the domestic auto industry, it was agreeable to assembling the X70 here with a plan of making Malaysia a production hub for righthand drive models.
As the renovation works, costing RM1.2 billion, were completed, trial production of 130 units began in October 2019 alongside lines for the Iriz and Persona. Well aware that Malaysian buyers were skeptical of Made-in-Malaysia quality, much attention was put into quality control and ensuring that the locally-assembled or CKD (completely knocked down) X70 would be as good as the one that came from China. Proton acknowledged that the quality score of its products compared to other brands in the Geely Group was lower but had improved greatly with guidance and assistance from its partner.
And so today sees the CKD X70 being officially launched, and presumably ending the imports. According to Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton, the next model – which will be the X50 – will not have the same approach; local assembly will be done from the start, perhaps by the end of this year.
14 months is a rather short time in the market and with the looks of the X70 still fresh and appealing, the focus was on adding value to the product as well as addressing issues which owners complained about. The launch of the CKD model provided a good opportunity to make the changes and offer a product that would be better than the imported one.
Local assembly = lower prices
There are 4 variants to choose from – Standard, Executive, Premium and Premium X. All come only with 2WD (front-wheel drive) with no AWD variant. Meeting expectations that a locally-assembled model should be cheaper, the CKD X70 in Standard spec is priced at RM94,800 and that is RM5,000 less than the imported 2019 model. The Executive is also RM3,000 cheaper at RM106,800, while the Premium version which sold at RM123,800 last year is now RM119,800 – RM4,000 lower. the top-of-the-line Premium X is priced RM3,000 more than the Premium and you get a panoramic sunroof for the extra money. By Proton’s calculations, the total value added ranges from RM11,640 to RM13,140 with customers saving between 9% and 13%, depending on the variant. And as with the imported model, the prices are the same for Peninsular and East Malaysia.
On-the-road prices (excluding insurance) for private registration in Peninsular and East Malaysia.
Every version comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, a 5-year data package (1GB/month), free labour for scheduled maintenance (first 5 times) and for the first 3,000 X70 buyers, Proton is also throwing in an additional 4GB/month data package along with a package of accessories worth RM2,000. Customers who take their H-P financing from Proton’s partners can enjoy low interest rates as well as premium insurance coverage.
Until March 15, 2020, Proton is also having an Online Flash Booking offer for just RM99 (terms and conditions apply).
What’s new?
If you live in Malaysia, you will already know what the X70 looks like. As mentioned earlier, over 29,000 units on roads and in homes all over the country. Right off, we can tell you that there are no changes to the exterior and interior styling. The only exterior ‘change’ is the addition of a new colour choice – Space Grey – which joins the existing range of 5 colours.
New Proton logo, introduced last September, is used for the 2020 X70 (previous logo design shown in inset on top left).
While there are small improvements all over the vehicle to make it better, there are 5 which are significant and notable. The first is the engine which is still the 1.8-litre TGDI petrol engine (no, it is not a Volvo engine, as some people think) but retuned to give 15 Nm more torque (300 Nm) with power still at 184 ps. The extra torque improves 0 – 100 km/h acceleration by 1 second (9.5 seconds vs 10.5 seconds) which probably doesn’t sound like much but should prove useful when overtaking. The retuning has also made the engine less thirsty with a significant 13% reduction to 13.2 kms/litre, it is claimed.
Besides the retuning, what has also helped in increasing fuel efficiency and performance is the switch to a dual-clutch transmission, referred to as 7DCT. You may have heard bad things about fuel-clutch transmissions (of other brands) but those were the early generation and Geely would certainly have studied what the problems were and designed its DCT to be problem-free. Besides, the 7DCT is a wet-clutch type and the problems were with DCTs having a dry clutch.
The 7DCT in the X70 has shift-by-wire control, which means that electronic signals execute the changes instead of a cable. This enables shifts to be quicker and smoother, complementing the inherent benefits of the dual-clutch concept. The driver can choose from 3 driving modes and also shift manually but there are no paddle shifters.
The engine and 7DCT come from Geely’s factory in China already assembled, which is also the case with many locally-assembled models of other brands. It is likely that engines may also be assembled here later on if the production volume rises and justifies additional investment in an engine assembly plant.
New/improved comfort and convenience features
Next on the list would be comfort and convenience features, starting with ventilated front seats. This is a feature that is usually found on premium luxury models and is still rare at this price level. There are fans inside the seats which can be set at three different speeds. With air blowing upwards, things should be cooler on hot days. Presumably, Proton has omitted the HOT mode which is often found on imported models as they are also intended for markets where there is cold weather.
The fixed angle of the rear seat backrest was something owners (or rather their passengers) complained about. It’s not something we would have noticed as we spend most of the time testing the car from the driver’s seat. But Proton heard about the dissatisfaction and decided to make it possible to set the backrest at 2 angles over a range of 27 degrees to 32 degrees. As the backrest is divided (60:40), the left and right sides can be separated adjusted.
Another high-end feature which has been added is the powered tailgate with automatic opening (from Executive variant upwards). A sensor under the bumper will detect a foot and unlock/raise the tailgate. It’s a feature which is really useful when both hands are carrying bags or other items.
Other specs maintained
The prices are lower and Proton has even improved the value of the X70 with new and improved features but without taking away what it already had – which is a lot of good stuff. All variants are offered with the Integrated Cockpit Information System (GKUI) system via an 8-inch Android based touchscreen interface. With an embedded eSIM card for internet connectivity, the system can provide online music streaming, GPS navigation and weather forecasts.
It also has voice recognition and the Proton Link app which allows owners to stay connected to their vehicle via their mobile device. The app and creating a driving profile based on distance travelled, fuel economy and journey times while keeping them informed of service intervals.
5-star safety
The X70 has been tested by ASEAN NCAP and scored the maximum of 5 stars. That’s not surprising since it has a very extensive list of safety features and systems. Of note is the 360 Camera (Executive, Premium and Premium X variants) which gives the driver an all-round view to aid parking. On the Premium and Premium X variants, there’s also a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
The Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite is also standard on the two Premium variants. This provides Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Information System, Door Opening Warning System, and Intelligent High Beam Control.
Visit www.proton.com to locate a showroom where you can view, test-drive and purchase the new 2020 X70.
The Indian market has long received the attention of Korean carmakers who have seen its potential in the longer term. As such, they have been willing to make investments in production facilities as well as develop models just for the market since there is sufficient volume.
At India’s Auto Expo 2020 this week, Kia Motors India is not only showing off new products but also unveiled, for the first time ever, a concept model of a future global compact SUV. The concept will be developed further ahead of a launch in the Indian market in the second half of 2020.
The concept model is called the Sonet and is a preview of the third product offering from Kia Motors in India. Targeted at a demographic that is ‘always connected to the world in more ways than one, the Sonet is designed to exceed customers’ lifestyle and technology expectations’.
The Sonet has several first-in-class features, most of which are likely to be available in the production model. The dynamic and bold design incorporates Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, stepwell geometry within the grille mesh, ‘tiger-eyeline’ daytime running lights, and wide rear signature lighting.
The interior is designed to appeal to the young, social, connected, tech-savvy Indian customer. The cabin is fitted with a 10.25-inch infotainment and navigation system with UVO Connect and a Bose premium audio system Kia says the Sonet concept indicates best-in-class interior space.
From the pictures, the Sonet has compact dimensions so it would be taking on models like the Ford Ecosport. The engines would therefore be small, possible in the 1.0-litre to 1.5-litre range with both petrol and diesel options as well as turbocharging. An intelligent manual transmission will also be offered.
After cumulative sales of more than 3 million units since 2002, Kia’s Sorento SUV will enter its fourth generation this year with the world premiere of the model at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show early next month.
The Korean carmaker’s flagship global SUV will be the latest addition to the brand’s reinvigorated SUV line-up. The new model also marks the first-time adoption of hybrid power in the Sorento range.
The first vehicle based on Kia’s new-generation midsize SUV platform, the Sorento is said to raise standards in its segment for practicality, offering space on a par with larger vehicles.
Kia aims to outdo competitors in the global SUV market by applying a range of innovations to the new Sorento. These include advanced driver assistance systems and progressive connectivity and infotainment features.
Three generations of the Sorento have been produced since 2002.
Genesis, Hyundai Motor’s luxury division, has unveiled its first SUV, targeting the North American where it will be in showrooms from mid-2020. The new model introduces a variety of firsts for the brand, including responsive electronic control suspension, active road noise cancellation, and an active motion driver’s seat.
“GV80 is our proof of concept that we infuse the spirit of youth and wonder into everything we do,” said Mark Del Rosso, CEO, Genesis Motor North America. “We developed GV80 by looking inward and asking ourselves how Genesis brand DNA could differentiate our very first SUV. I’m overwhelmed by the bench strength at Genesis and what the design, engineering and development teams have accomplished with the GV80.”
The production GV80 realizes the vision of the GV80 Concept first shown at the 2017 New York auto show. It joins the line-up of G70, G80 and G90 sedans with more than a common thread of design identity.
Signature Genesis design elements are immediately visible on the GV80 from every vantage point. The Crest Grille emphasizes gravitas consistent with the positioning of GV80. The Parabolic Line runs smoothly along the side with precise execution, accentuated by power lines above each wheel emphasizing stance and presence. The Quad Lamps, which flank the Crest Grille, are made possible with sophisticated lighting technology.
Unique signature of Genesis design
“The Quad Lamp graphic will become the most recognizable, unique signature of Genesis design, as the simplest of lines communicate a distinct identity,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice-President, Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor Group. “Two lines will come to define Genesis.”
The G-Matrix pattern that appears in light fixtures throughout the exterior is inspired by orchids seen when diamonds are illuminated by light. The pattern also appears on the available 22-inch wheels.
The body structure of GV80 is enhanced with hot-stamped, high-strength steel, as well as lightweight aluminium used on the doors, bonnet, and tailgate that allow it to achieve competitive curb weight.
Luxury in space
The interior focuses on ‘the beauty of white space’, characteristic of the elegant South Korean architectural philosophy. The concept of ‘luxury in space’ defines the open feeling of the cabin of GV80, with the G-Matrix pattern as a motif.
“The concept of the ‘beauty of white space’ is a hallmark of Korean design. We were able to express a luxurious feel for the interior of GV80 through reductive design and channelling the Korean roots of the Genesis brand,” explained SangYup Lee, Senior Vice-President, Head of Genesis Design.
The width of the cabin has been emphasized through the design of sleek, thin air vents that run across the passenger compartment. A 14.5-inch, split-screen infotainment display sits front and centre atop the dashboard. The number of hard buttons and switches was intentionally kept to a minimum, both for aesthetic purposes and ease of use. In up-level variants, soft materials cover every surface, from the inside of the door handles to the quilted knee pads that line the lower sides of the console.
The ornate centre control unit on the middle console covers an electronic, shift-by-wire transmission base with dial-style shift. Handwriting recognition through the Genesis Integrated Controller helps users set a destination or enter data without having to operate a keyboard on the navigation screen — simply by using handwritten letters on the writing recognition control system.
A mobile ‘oasis’
The GV80 features the world’s first application of Road Active Noise Cancellation (RANC) technology, which dramatically reduces road noise while driving. Based on the science of digital signal processing, RANC overcomes the limitations of existing noise control technologies that rely on physical technology, such as materials and body structures, to quiet the cabin. RANC generates sound waves of opposite phases in 0.002 second by analyzing road noise in real-time, dramatically reducing irregular, simultaneous road noise.
Another world-first technology is an active motion driver’s seat that contains 7 air cells. This feature is said to reduce fatigue during long hours of driving. One-touch comfort control, adjustable from the front row, allows for limousine-level relaxation in the second-row seats with heating and ventilation available in the first two rows.
RWD drivetrain
As an ‘authentic’ Genesis, the GV80 sits on a unique rear-wheel drive platform, with all-wheel drive an option. Two turbocharged petrol engines (2.5-litres and 3.5-litres) will be available for the North American market, each paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive models will be equipped with an electronically-controlled Limited Slip Differential at the rear axle.
Electronically controlled suspension with road preview is another Genesis first. This contributes to optimal ride comfort by recognizing information on the road ahead in advance via the front camera.
Advanced safety with world firsts
The GV80’s advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including several world-first technologies, starting with Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning (SCC-ML). SCC-ML advances the science and engineering behind smart cruise control. It is an artificial intelligence-based intelligent navigation technology that enables the car to independently learn the driving characteristics of its drivers and implement autonomous driving similar to that of human drivers.
Highway Driving Assist II (HDA II) is a system that assists the driver in a wider variety of situations than before, including lane-change when the turn signal is used, and helping to merge in congested situations.
There are no less than 10 airbags around the cabin. This includes a centre-mounted airbag between the front occupants to reduce injuries that may occur as the front occupants’ bodies are subjected to lateral forces during a collision at the side of the car.
Unfortunately, the potential volume in righthand drive markets is not as large as for lefthand drive regions and from a business perspective, it would not be cost-effective to develop and produce a RHD version. So Genesis will focus on LHD versions only.
Volvo Cars was rather late in adding a SUV to its range, with its first model – the XC90 – launched only in 2002. The reason given for the delay was that it wanted to offer a SUV only when it could address known safety issues (like the effect on a tall body on handling) and resolve them. It had a strong reputation for safety, on which the brand’s strength grew, and it was not going to lose that. The XC90 certainly proved to be a SUV with innovative safety features like Roll-Over Protection which worked to counteract the risk of tipping over during hard cornering.
Volvo’s first SUV – the XC90 – was launched in 2002 after the carmaker addressed safety issues with innovations like Roll-Over Protection that reduced the risk of the tall SUV tipping over during hard cornering.
Like the other carmakers, Volvo Cars gave increasing attention to SUVs, expanding its range as the segment grew. 17 years later, its SUVs have helped the company gain market share in China, the USA and Europe amid stagnating car markets.
More significantly, in 2019, the Swedish carmaker set a new, sixth consecutive global sales record, breaking the 700,000-unit level for the first time in its 93-year history. 705,452 Volvo vehicles were delivered worldwide last year, an increase of 9.8% compared to 2018, solidly outgrowing the overall market across all regions.
During the past few years, Volvo has also been moving towards electrification of its range. It aims for plug-in hybrid models to make up 20% of total sales this year. Overall, Volvo sold 45,933 plug-in hybrid vehicles in 2019, an increase of 22.9% compared to 2018 and more than double the number in 2017.
Illustrating the strength of its portfolio and its sales performance in 2019, Volvo surpassed the previous full-year sales record of 642,253 cars, set in 2018, nearly a full month before the end of the year. December was the company’s best ever sales month, with a 23.4% year-on-year increase to 74,239 cars sold.
Sales by markets
In China, home of Volvo’s parent company, the brand sold 154,961 cars in 2019, an increase of 18.7% compared to 2018 and comfortably outperforming the overall market. The result was an all-time record for Volvo in China and the highest sales number it has ever reached in a single market.
Volvo Cars manufacturing plant in China
In the USA, a market that has usually been Volvo’s strongest customer, the 100,000-unit threshold was crossed for the first time since 2007 when 108,234 vehicles were registered by December 31. Compared to 2018, the sales increase was 10.1%.
European sales were particularly strong in Germany, where the company sold more than 50,000 vehicles for the first time in its history, while it achieved its best sales result since 1990 in the UK. Other markets that recorded their best ever sales performance in the company’s history included Australia, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Korea, Poland and Portugal.
Sales by models
The XC60 SUV continued to be the best-selling model for the company globally, followed by the XC40 and XC90 SUVs. Sedans and stationwagons remained popular, adding to volume growth in China and Europe, respectively.
The first Recharge model shares styling with the XC40 but is powered only by an electric motor.
The company will introduce its Recharge line-up in markets around the globe. Recharge will be the umbrella name for all chargeable Volvos with a fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Recharge car line aims to further boost sales of Volvo Cars’ chargeable cars and encourage plug-in hybrid drivers via incentives to use Pure mode as much as possible.
Every Volvo model already includes a Recharge option, from the XC40 SUV via the 60-Series cars to the large XC90 SUV flagship. Volvo is the only carmaker to offer a plug-in variant on every model in its line-up, with a fully-electric model – the XC40 Recharge P8 – to appear in showrooms in due course.
Following the global debut of the new Peugeot 2008 SUV in in Guangzhou, China, last November, sales of the model began yesterday in Europe, starting in France. After delivering nearly 1.2 million units of the previous generation worldwide, this new generation of the 2008 uses a new design language that has a more powerful and distinctive style.
From launch, Peugeot has made the new model available with three powerplants – electric, petrol and diesel. This not only gives customers more freedom of choice but also cater to the conditions in different markets. For example, some may not be suited for the electric variant yet so the focus will be on the petrol or diesel variants.
New all-electric e-2008
The new e-2008, which runs 100% on electric power, does not have a specific silhouette but will be identifiable by a few details. Forstly, there is a sparkling dichroic Lion, whose reflections alternate between green and blue depending on the angle of view. A discrete ‘e’ monogram on the front wings and tailgate identify this as a zero emissions car while the grille is body-coloured with horizontal lamp pods
Inside, exclusive Alcantara ‘Greval Grey’ seat upholstery is offered with the e-2008 GT. The on-board experience is completed by a display specific to the electric version in the 3D handset as well as in the touchscreen.
The new e-2008 is the first Peugeot all-electric SUV and is expected to provide a new experience for owners with silence and absence of vibrations. Because of the emission-free nature of the vehicle, it can be driven around town even in Green Zones (ecological zones) with restricted traffic.
Genesis, Hyundai Motor’s luxury division, used the first day of the new year to share the first official images of the GV80, its first SUV. It will become the fourth model in the Genesis line-up, joining the G70, G80 and G90 sedans. Sales will commence in South Korea this month and progressive launched will take place in other markets during 2020.
Like its sedan siblings, the 3-row GV80 will have a rear-wheel drive platform unique to the Genesis brand; all-wheel drive will be optional. The ‘V’ in the GV80 designation will appear on SUV models, denoting ‘versatility’.
“Over the last 4 years, Genesis has established itself as a respected luxury brand with superior vehicle quality and a line-up of class-leading sedans with charismatic and discriminating style,” said William Lee, Executive Vice-President and Global Head of the Genesis Brand. “With the launch of GV80, Genesis will elevate expectations for excellence within the luxury SUV market.”
The first images of long-rumoured GV80 provide a complete picture of the first SUV created by Genesis Design. The interior and exterior styling are based on the GV80 Concept displayed at the 2017 New York Auto Show, which was a collaboration between Genesis Design studios located in South Korea, the USA and Germany.
The GV80 Concept displayed at the 2017 New York Auto Show.
“GV80 allows us to expand our definition of Athletic Elegance design language to a new typology, while retaining sublime proportionality and sophistication of form,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice-President, Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor Group.
Signature Genesis design elements
Signature Genesis design elements are immediately visible on the GV80. Surrounded by the high-tech Quad Lamps, the Crest Grille emphasizes gravitas consistent with the positioning of model. The Parabolic Line runs smoothly along the side with precise execution, accentuated by ‘power lines’ above each wheel emphasizing stance and presence.
“The Quad Lamp, our design signature, introduces an unmistakable visual impression completely unique to Genesis,” explained Sang Yup Lee, Senior Vice-President, Head of Genesis Design. He added that the G-Matrix pattern that appears in light fixtures throughout the exterior, as well the design of the wheels, is inspired by beautiful orchids seen when diamonds are illuminated by light.
South Korean architectural aesthetic interior
The interior focuses on the beauty of open space, characteristic of the elegant South Korean architectural aesthetic. Minimalism is in the details, with a commanding driving position surrounded by high mounted control surfaces. The slim air vents stretch across the front to highlight the width of the cabin featuring minimal physical buttons with the new touch screen climate control. The centre console is equipped with a jewel-like, rotating electronic gear selector, providing an exquisite balance of simplicity and glamour.
The Genesis name was originally used for a flagship Hyundai model between 2007 and 2016. It was then used as the name for a division which would focus on luxury models, just as Toyota has Lexus and Nissan has Infiniti. As the company has indicated that South Korea, the Middle East, USA, China, and Europe are its target markets, it would unlikely have right-hand drive variants.
The carmaker recruited a number of experienced designers from European companies who work with Peter Schreyer, a company President responsible for design management of all brands in the group.
Off-road races have been held all over the world as organisers have searched for new and tougher challenges for participants. One region which has not seen such events has been the Himalayas, although there have been rallies in the foothills of the area.
In 2021, a round of the Extreme E series for all-electric SUVs will be held in the Himalayas. It will be the fourth round of the pioneering off-road race series. The Mountain Round, as it will be known, will take place in Nepal’s Mustang District in the mountain range.
Google Earth view of a section of the Himalayas
“Once again, we’re breaking the mold in motorsport as Extreme E will become the first race to ever be staged in the Himalayas…[it] will provide the sternest of tests to the world’s leading drivers, engineers and teams, supporting our aim to promote electric vehicles in the fight against climate change,” said Alejandro Agag, Founder & CEO of Extreme E.
The championship will be held in the deepest gorge in the world in the Kali Gandaki Valley. Located 2,750 metres above sea level, the Mustang District will challenge drivers with elevation changes, course gravel, rocky obstacles and turbulent rivers.
The Himalayas are what is often referred to as the ‘pulse of the planet’ and in need of protection. According to the UN, Nepal ranks as the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change. With the largest concentration of glaciers outside the polar caps, Nepal risks losing 66% of its ice due to climate variability and with it, the lifeline of river basins and ecosystems across Asia.
Besides the Mountain Round, Extreme E’s first championship will have 5 rounds – in the Amazon Rainforest (Para, Brazil), Greenland (Kangerlussuaq), and Saudi Arabia which will be the Desert Round. A fifth round will be an Ocean Round but the location has not been confirmed although it is believed to likely be an island in the Indian Ocean
Of the Desert Round which will take place in the world’s largest single continuous sand desert, Agag said: “One of the major cornerstones of this revolutionary championship is that we will race across terrain and environments that will push the world’s top drivers, teams and engineers to their absolute limits,” said Agag. “The Kingdom’s terrain is stunning and unforgiving, while the heat and conditions will be intense. So there is no question that the winning combination of driver and machine will be a deserving one.”
All Extreme E participants use the same SUV model (design proposal shown), built by Spark Racing Technology. The rules will provide for each team to additionally develop certain areas of the car. The batteries, made for the extreme conditions, will be compatible with Formula E-specification motors and produce a maximum power output of 470 kW (around 630 bhp).
Each Extreme E round will take place over 3 days, within an area no larger than 10 square kms. Routes will be designed to incorporate existing obstacles and features with elevation changes and jumps without the need to adapt the natural setting, thereby avoiding negative impact on the environment.
Continental is a Founding Partner of Extreme E and will be a Premium Partner of the series in 2021. The company will supply all the participating vehicles with extra robust tyres suited for the diverse and extremely demanding conditions that they will encounter.
Promoters Formula E Holdings Ltd. expect at least 10 teams to take part in the first season. Initial tests are currently being conducted for the series which is due to launch in February 2021. “With very exciting and completely different locations, we are looking forward to testing the performance of our tyres on various terrain and surfaces,” said Sandra Roslan, Continental’s Head of Content Marketing and Project Manager for Extreme E.
