Eco Factor: Zero-emission concept car powered by electricity.
MIT recently developed technology that could soon end up in cars that could recharge in seconds. But for some designers quick recharging isn’t the only way electric cars could be promoted. Designers like Nicolas Stone believe solar energy is the future and cars manufacturers should sooner or later venture into designs that generate their own fuel with on-board systems.
The designer has come up with a new family car designed for Hyundai dubbed the Hyundai 2020. The small car is aimed toward a family of four people. Inspired by plants, the car generates fuel for itself using nothing more than sunlight and water, the two fuels for plants to carry out their natural processes. The transparent solar cells that the car is equipped with generates electricity from ambient light and uses it to carry out electrolysis of water, finally generating hydrogen, which fuels the car. The only by-product of the car engine will be clean potable water and breathable oxygen.
The Dark Side:
The overall design of the car looks pleasing and the technology used by Nicholas ensures a pleasant ride. However, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen and then storing hydrogen in an on-board tank seems a complicated and a risky mechanism, not to mention the cost of incorporating this technology in a small car.
Hyundai QarmaQ Concept
The Hyundai QarmaQ concept presented at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show was built in conjunction with GE Plastics who helped in creating the mostly plastic and composite-construction QarmaQ. The concept helps to demonstrate the design freedom and practicality of using plastics in components traditionally manufactured from metal, glass, and thermosets.
Among the benefits of using materials from GE Plastics in constructing the QarmaQ are a weight reduction of up to 60 kg that can offer an average fuel savings of up to 80 litres/year; improved pedestrian safety; and the ability to create complex, 3D shapes.
Energy-absorbing structures and the natural properties of GE's plastics are seamlessly integrated into the futuristic styling of the Hyundai QarmaQ. Different impact zones on the car correlate to the various areas of a pedestrian's body likely to be contacted in a collision.
Movable side glazing and a panoramic sunroof help treat the occupants to an all-around open-air experience, Lexan side glazing is specially treated to provide an abrasion-resistant and weatherable glass-like layer on the surface.
The Integrated lift gate of the Hyundai QarmaQ was designed as a working subassembly, the rear lighting, wiring, sensors, and all the necessary electronics are integrated into the lift gate. The dramatically shaped glazing demonstrated on the system is made from material found on the side windows.
Hyundai Nuvis concept
The exterior styling of the Nuvis was partially inspired by the way water moves and flows around the hull and sides of a boat, creating a wake, and the way wind shapes a snowdrift or sandune.
"Our goal was to create a living machine, constantly moving, that the driver and passengers could be part of," said John Krsteski, Hyundai Design manager. "There are no lines on or in this car that are standing still."
The bold face of the Nuvis concept is dominated by the large central grille and elongated diamond-shaped headlights.
"One of the coolest attributes of Nuvis is that the protective roof appears to float on top of the body through the use of hidden pillars and high-contrast glass," said Andre Hudson, Hyundai senior designer. "This effect starts at the headlamps and is carried all the way through to the taillights producing a tall, strong body-side and rear."
Perhaps the most striking and unusual design feature of the Hyundai Nuvis are the massive gullwing doors which, when open, provide a completley unobstructed view of the interior.
In keeping with the exterior design theme, the interior of the Nuvis is dominated by a striking blue acrylic center stack that ebbs and surges like a river. The four sculptured, comfortable seats are custom woven with a graduated fabric that is formed from 100% recyled plastic drinks bottles. A futuristic infotainment system is fed by outside sources – the occupants, for example, can learn of a restaurant's specials that evening as they drive past it.
Powering the Hyundai Nuvis concept is a hybrid drivetrain which consists of a fuel effcient 2.4 litre engine and a 30kW (205 Nm) electric motor.
Hyundai Veloster concept
The Hyundai Veloster concept, codenamed the HND-3, was a concept sports coupe unveiled at the 2007 Seoul Motor Show.
The Veloster name, a compound of velocity and roadster is intended to highlight the sporty characteristics of a classic two-plus-two layout. A panoramic glass roof and other futuristic styling cues including LED lighting help the Veloster project a high-tech image.
"With Veloster, we wanted to try something really different. We're keenly aware that we need radically new products for the Y-generation, the first-time twenties something buyer," said Oh Suk-Geun, Hyundai's vice president of design. "This is really a bold new direction,"
Power for the Hyundai Veloster concept comes from a 2.0 litre DOHC inline 4 cylinder engine connected to a 5 speed transmission driving the front wheel
The Hyundai ix-Metro
The Hyundai ix-Metro is a Hybrid Electric CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle) designed to compete in the European sub-B segment. The ix-Metro is the fifth concept in a series of vehicles created by Hyundai's Global Design Team based in Namyang, South Korea.
The ix-Metro's hybrid drivetrain consists of a 1.0 litre, turbocharged three-cylinder engine with direct injection and dual CVVT (Continuous Variable Valve Timing). This is combined with a six-speed dual clutch transmission, and an electric motor. With its frugal drivetrain the Hyundai ix-Metro promises CO2 emissions of just 80g/km.
The styling of the ix-Metro is daring to say the least. This is in part due to the design influences. "We wanted the ix-Metro to be something out of this world. We took our inspiration from NASA and even sci-fi movies because spacecraft are universally understood symbols of progress and innovation," explained Rogelio J. Flores, Chief designer on the ix-Metro project.
The front has a gaping and aggressive grille which would not look out of place on a high-powered sports vehicle. Of particular interest are the unique ice-blue LED headlights which have a distinctive scale-like design motif, this design cue is carried over to the taillights.
In profile the ix-Metro shows off its four doors, however due to the positioning of the door handles and the apparent lack of any B-pillars, at first glance it appears to be a two-door vehicle.
Instead however it has conventional front doors, while the rear doors slide backwards to allow access to the rear sears. The pillar less design not only enlarges the greenhouse to improve all-round visibility, but more importantly allows easier entry and egress into the rear passenger area.
The interior of the Hyundai ix-Metro is as adventurous as the exterior. Taking inspiration from sci-fi movies, the designers have chosen a white semi-transparent silicon-like material to cover the dashboard area, which conceals the central display to deliver route information and key controls. The complicated organic shapes, and panels separated by brightly colored highlighting strips look futuristic and daring for what is essentially an everyday vvehicle.
Hyundai Blue-Will concept
The Hyundai Blue-Will concept is a all-new concept car which was first revealed at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show.
The Blue-Will is a plug-in rechargeable hybrid powered concept which uses an all-aluminium Gasoline Direct Injected 1.6-litre engine coupled to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and a 100kw electric motor for propulsion. The Lithium Ion Polymer battery pack is located near the fuel tank under the rear seat to maximize luggage space. To help top up the power levels in the battery pack the Blue-Will is equipped with solar panels stylishly integrated into the roof panels and rear window.
Aside from the power source the Hyundai Blue-Will concept also utilizes recycled materials to help reduce its impact on the environment. The headlight bezels were formed from recycled plastic drinks bottles, while the interior features numerous components which are made using Polylactide acid (PLA) plastics. PLA is a plastic produced from cane sugar or corn starch and has the benefit of being both easily processed and manufactured while also being biodegradable at the end of its lifespan. The Blue-Will also uses components made from PA 11 plastic, this compound, while not biodegradable requires less energy during production than standard plastics.
The exterior design of the Hyundai Blue-Will is both futuristic and at the same time feasible for production. The crisp styling lines which intersect on the front door define the overall style of the vehicle and lend the concept an almost Seat-like styling quality.
hyundai hybrid i-flow concept
hyundai just pulled the cover off their new ultra curvy hybrid i-flow concept car at the 2010 geneva motor show. the new vehicle is described to be a an edgier take on the very staid design language of other hyundai. the car is powered by a 1.7 litre hybrid turbo diesel engine and has solar panels on the roof to provide additional power. and as if this were not enough, the car also harnesses excess exhaust heat and transforms it into usable energy. the interior is pretty bare bones with the same curvy design as the exterior and swiveling glowing blue seats.
Hyundai Rickshaw Concept