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New York Auto Show 2008 - Highlights
by CDN Team
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Bucking the common procedure of creating concept cars to gauge public reaction before launching a more subdued production model, the production Genesis Coupe was actually conceived at Hyundai's design studios in Irvine, California, before the concept. The car was then reworked, to give the enthusiast an idea of how they could customize the model.
The design of the production car is no less purposeful and deliberate, with a definitive side feature line that extends from the front fender and gradually dissipates through the middle of the door. It is then picked up again lower in the door before rising up and becoming more defined as it blends into the rear haunch. Another very notable feature is the DLO, which dips down aft of the B-pillar for greater outward visibility for the rear seat passengers. Hyundai hopes this feature will be further developed and carried over to other vehicles as a clear visual identifier for the brand.
At the front the face has been toned down from the aggressive demeanor of the ‘tuned' concept, with a more subdued headlamp design. At the rear the lines of the car transfer seamlessly from taillights joining the bumper with the light on the opposite end, giving the vehicle a clean and elegant aesthetic.
The interior, created at Hyundai's design center in Korea, is a more conservative approach than the exterior, yet retains the sporting theme. The upper portion of the IP is a darker color than the lower half, which neatly integrates the vents into the corners. The pronounced center console features an aluminum appliqué, which enhances the sport aspect, while a small display screen adorns the top center of the IP.
Hyundai has clearly used Nissan's upscale Infiniti G37 as a benchmark in creating its new coupe. It is a well-resolved design which pushes the sporting nature of the brand forward.
Related Article:
Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe - LA 2007
Bucking the common procedure of creating concept cars to gauge public reaction before launching a more subdued production model, the production Genesis Coupe was actually conceived at Hyundai's design studios in Irvine, California, before the concept. The car was then reworked, to give the enthusiast an idea of how they could customize the model.
The design of the production car is no less purposeful and deliberate, with a definitive side feature line that extends from the front fender and gradually dissipates through the middle of the door. It is then picked up again lower in the door before rising up and becoming more defined as it blends into the rear haunch. Another very notable feature is the DLO, which dips down aft of the B-pillar for greater outward visibility for the rear seat passengers. Hyundai hopes this feature will be further developed and carried over to other vehicles as a clear visual identifier for the brand.
At the front the face has been toned down from the aggressive demeanor of the ‘tuned' concept, with a more subdued headlamp design. At the rear the lines of the car transfer seamlessly from taillights joining the bumper with the light on the opposite end, giving the vehicle a clean and elegant aesthetic.
The interior, created at Hyundai's design center in Korea, is a more conservative approach than the exterior, yet retains the sporting theme. The upper portion of the IP is a darker color than the lower half, which neatly integrates the vents into the corners. The pronounced center console features an aluminum appliqué, which enhances the sport aspect, while a small display screen adorns the top center of the IP.
Hyundai has clearly used Nissan's upscale Infiniti G37 as a benchmark in creating its new coupe. It is a well-resolved design which pushes the sporting nature of the brand forward.
Related Article:
Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe - LA 2007
Kia Koup concept
One of the surprises in New York was this Koup concept unveiled by Korean automaker Kia. Speaking with Kia's head of design Peter Shreyer, CDN was told that the show car actually previews a forthcoming sedan set to be revealed by the automaker in two years, if public reaction is positive.
Designed at Kia/Hyundai design center in Irvine, California, the Koup is much less conservative than previous Kia designs. Lead exterior designer Kurt Kahl told CDN his brief was to create a car that was emotional and sporty but also retained an aspect of simplicity. One of the most notable aspects of the design when seen in profile is a ‘whiplash' element that sweeps over the roofline from the C-pillar - there is no B-pillar - joining the A-pillar before coming back toward the rear below the DLO. This creates a subtle forward-lunging motion, adding dynamism.
The body side wraps around to the A-pillar and also becomes part of the hood at the front. The grille design is similar to that first seen on the Kee concept, minus the chrome surround, while airscoops in the side of the bumper and a hood bulge emphasize power. The rear also displays sporting cues with dual exhaust tips protruding from a carbon fiber lower valence.
Inside, the red-lit cockpit is driver oriented and the IP features a cutout that hovers above it, making it appear lighter. The chunky steering wheel is trimmed in leather and Alcantara, as are the multi-colored seats with horizontal ribbing. Lead interior designer Andrew Cort explained how the color used on the interior continues the sporting feel of the exterior, complete with door panels that mimic the shape of the front grille.
The Koup clearly demonstrates Kia's design direction is gaining momentum as the company creates its own brand identity. We look forward to the production design.
One of the surprises in New York was this Koup concept unveiled by Korean automaker Kia. Speaking with Kia's head of design Peter Shreyer, CDN was told that the show car actually previews a forthcoming sedan set to be revealed by the automaker in two years, if public reaction is positive.
Designed at Kia/Hyundai design center in Irvine, California, the Koup is much less conservative than previous Kia designs. Lead exterior designer Kurt Kahl told CDN his brief was to create a car that was emotional and sporty but also retained an aspect of simplicity. One of the most notable aspects of the design when seen in profile is a ‘whiplash' element that sweeps over the roofline from the C-pillar - there is no B-pillar - joining the A-pillar before coming back toward the rear below the DLO. This creates a subtle forward-lunging motion, adding dynamism.
The body side wraps around to the A-pillar and also becomes part of the hood at the front. The grille design is similar to that first seen on the Kee concept, minus the chrome surround, while airscoops in the side of the bumper and a hood bulge emphasize power. The rear also displays sporting cues with dual exhaust tips protruding from a carbon fiber lower valence.
Inside, the red-lit cockpit is driver oriented and the IP features a cutout that hovers above it, making it appear lighter. The chunky steering wheel is trimmed in leather and Alcantara, as are the multi-colored seats with horizontal ribbing. Lead interior designer Andrew Cort explained how the color used on the interior continues the sporting feel of the exterior, complete with door panels that mimic the shape of the front grille.
The Koup clearly demonstrates Kia's design direction is gaining momentum as the company creates its own brand identity. We look forward to the production design.
Saleen S5S Raptor
The Saleen S5S Raptor concept was named after the bird of prey, but the name also stands for ‘Saleen 5-liter Supercharged', denoting its undeniable intention to compete in the supercar performance sector.
Designed at Detroit-based ASC by CCS graduate David Byron, the Raptor is more subtle than the somewhat vulgar S7 - as is apparent by its more reserved use of the definitive ‘gills' adorning the body panels - but no less American. Aspects of its limited-edition V12-powered predecessor have been retained and transferred to this concept, such as the lower front air intake and grille design, which is similar in shape. The front and rear end feature intersecting airvents that hint at other Saleen Mustangs currently in production.
But while certain elements have a family resemblance, the design of the S5S Raptor is more elegant, with headlamps containing numerous LEDs that climb along the fender, giving it an aggressive DRG. Its muscular proportions are intersected by sleek lines which pull from the front over the fenders, with a chiselled edge running through the door to the air intake ahead of the rear wheel. Another air intake at the edge of the DLO against the C-pillar also feeds air to the mid-mounted V8.
Above the unfinished interior is an all glass canopy, which flows over the cockpit to the rear, with the engine on display beneath. Like the front, the rear end also features LED lamps, but these span the width of the car below the integrated rear spoiler. The exhaust outlets are well integrated into the rear end and placed close to the ground, improving the dissipation of heat.
Though Saleen is still currently considering whether it will build the S5S concept, the design is decidedly more refined than the S7. And with the company's long-standing reputation for creating high performance vehicles, it would certainly do well with buyers.
The Saleen S5S Raptor concept was named after the bird of prey, but the name also stands for ‘Saleen 5-liter Supercharged', denoting its undeniable intention to compete in the supercar performance sector.
Designed at Detroit-based ASC by CCS graduate David Byron, the Raptor is more subtle than the somewhat vulgar S7 - as is apparent by its more reserved use of the definitive ‘gills' adorning the body panels - but no less American. Aspects of its limited-edition V12-powered predecessor have been retained and transferred to this concept, such as the lower front air intake and grille design, which is similar in shape. The front and rear end feature intersecting airvents that hint at other Saleen Mustangs currently in production.
But while certain elements have a family resemblance, the design of the S5S Raptor is more elegant, with headlamps containing numerous LEDs that climb along the fender, giving it an aggressive DRG. Its muscular proportions are intersected by sleek lines which pull from the front over the fenders, with a chiselled edge running through the door to the air intake ahead of the rear wheel. Another air intake at the edge of the DLO against the C-pillar also feeds air to the mid-mounted V8.
Above the unfinished interior is an all glass canopy, which flows over the cockpit to the rear, with the engine on display beneath. Like the front, the rear end also features LED lamps, but these span the width of the car below the integrated rear spoiler. The exhaust outlets are well integrated into the rear end and placed close to the ground, improving the dissipation of heat.
Though Saleen is still currently considering whether it will build the S5S concept, the design is decidedly more refined than the S7. And with the company's long-standing reputation for creating high performance vehicles, it would certainly do well with buyers.
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