Design development: GAC Enverge concept
A look into GAC’s trend-driven poster car which prefaces its planned entrance to the US market
GAC Engineering have released new details on the backstory and design development of the Enverge concept car we saw at the Detroit Auto Show, with input from vice president and design head, Fan Zhang.
The Enverge Concept is one of the more noteworthy designs to emerge from the sea of electric Chinese SUVs, so we thought we’d share their development story to illustrate a bit of the thinking that goes into modern concept cars.
“We started a few years ago to think about a new innovative design approach for electric vehicles, ahead of the revolution in the automotive industry. While switching to a more sustainable energy source, how do we create the charm and the dynamic appearance that is unique to a modern EV? How do we make an EV look sexy and sporty? How do we attract and impress young people?” says Fan.
“Now, we have brought you the Enverge concept. It could be a great answer.”
As is fashionable, GAC wanted to create a tech-driven lifestyle vehicle for current and future generations, specifically aiming for “the conjunction of the digital world and reality.”
“Complementing your lifestyle, Enverge is not only well suited for the busy urban life, but also undertaking various heavy off-road tasks,” reckons Fan Zhang.
“Meanwhile, we were thinking about this radical, high-performance and sexy vehicle.”
Interior
While three main aesthetic themes were explored during the sketching phase, the first key sketch chosen to dictate the direction of the project was this clean, capsule-like interior, with its AR windows, suspended front headrests and bench-style rear seat.
Another main feature is the skinny, almost-full-width touchscreen dashboard. “We wanted the dashboard to be organically fused into the vehicle’s framework, and we’d like it to be light yet robust – that’s why it’s made from the same material as the cabin structure. We also kept the dashboard clean, without adding on any excessive details.”
The front seats’ design combines 3D knitted fabric with high-density transparent covers on the back, adding a lightweight feel.
The bench-like rear seating is integrated into the back of the interior ‘capsule’, with a central divide and contrasting headrests.
The side windows double as augmented-reality screens to stop rear passengers from being bored by showing them something better than real life. Speakers nestled into an aluminium frame [see gallery] in the doors, and smaller ones embedded in the headrests, add some aural enhancement.
Exterior
Fan wanted the exterior to be minimalist, as well as harmonious with the interior. The chosen key sketch features few creases, save for the line which reaches from the front wheel centreline and bends upwards to ring around the invisible DLO before returning to the front wheel.
The first full-size model was finished in early 2017. From there, the main focus was to simplify and improve the DRG and overall ‘face’ of the Enverge, resulting in a single ‘flying’ bar of light, kicking up at the outer edges and interrupted only by a large central badge.
The previously ‘smiling’ creases at the lower front corners were made into vertical air intakes with pull-out LED torches at their leading edge. A similar, but simpler taillight strip characterises the rear, with vent lights that mimic the front torches.
Along with clever lights, the full-length dihedral doors add some show-stand flair. “We were thinking about how to make the door as an art piece and to keep its simplicity. For that reason, 3D printing was proposed to manufacture the main door panel, which also helped us reduce its weight.”
Reducing weight was a consideration throughout, with Fan adding: “The transparent roof panel has been 3D printed as well. Combined with the architectural pattern, it brings a sense of extensive protection [to the car].”
The integrated roof box mentioned is designed to store ‘balance wheels’, drones and other examples of the compact gadgetry that is currently popular with any well-heeled millennials out there.
“During the design ideation process, we have created for this vehicle a brand-new driving experience that is full of fun!”
“Enverge is an excellent example to show our designers’ creativity,” concludes Fan Zhang. “We have a good understanding of what we are trying to achieve, and we believe the future is not beyond our reach, but in our hands to create.”