2007 Qamaq | Concept Car | Design

Design

As a joint project with GE Plastics, QarmaQ endowed designers with greater expressive freedom to create complex three-dimensional shapes that could not have been achieved with conventional production methods and materials such as metal and glass. "The powerful profile and stance of the design incorporates dynamic, sculptural qualities and elegant sportiness on one hand, with smooth refined surfaces on the other," said Thomas Bürkle, chief designer, Hyundai Motor Europe.

"Moreover, the various properties of the GE materials allowed more freedom in meeting or even exceeding safety requirements. The result is a uniquely balanced and harmonic design both inside and out," he added. Departing from conventional car design that combines a lower body and a glass cabin on top, QarmaQ blazes a new trail with panoramic wrap-around glazing area using GE's Lexan™ polycarbonate resin. This part sits between the two pronounced "muscles" above the front and rear wheels. The C-shaped side window enables innovative helicopter-like downward visibility and is a key design feature demonstrating the new glazing technology.

Exterior

Connected by unique glazed surfaces, the exterior design relates strongly to, and interacts effortlessly with the interior. The unique division between the solid bodywork and transparent glazed areas creates a new perspective, whether viewed from inside or from the pedestrian standpoint.The exterior contours and fluidity of line have been refined to give an immediate impression of movement frozen in motion.
This aesthetic is mirrored in the interior, so that the fusion and merging of the perceptual boundaries between inside and out delivers a feeling of integration and synchronization to the overall appearance. Although QarmaQ does not have a high waistline or small window area (conventional methods to convey a feeling of protection), the exterior design still communicates a commanding presence and a feeling of protection to the occupants. "The QarmaQ's exterior design communicates a commanding presence and a feeling of protection to the occupants," said Robert Butterfield, global market director, GE Plastics. " The twin domes on the sunroof, facilitated by the new glazing technology, increases the inner space for the rear passengers and creates a unique design feature." The wrap-around windscreen, in combination with the elongated bonnet delivers dramatic, almost classic, proportions and gives the car a unique sporty feeling. Finally, the contrast of the strong dark colored areas to the lighter tonal areas emphasizes QarmaQ's off-road DNA.

Interior

In response to shrinking family sizes and emergent customer preferences, QarmaQ is specifically designed to carry four people in above average comfort. The extensive use of new materials and techniques has resulted in a more fluid, more unified interior, by allowing seamless integration of otherwise intrusive elements. As the sporting exterior proportions suggest, the QarmaQ is primarily a driver's car. Within its unique interior architecture the cockpit is isolated in an active, yet protective pod structure. This helps promote a sensorial and highly self-indulgent driving experience. One of the main aims of the interior design was to develop a practical and interactive space, which wraps around the occupants.

The driver-oriented cockpit, which combines functionality with organic sculpted shapes, creates an attractive, fun-to-drive atmosphere.

This is further underlined by:
- Inclusion of smooth surfaces embedded with discrete or hidden touch activated sensors
- "Floating" elements pulsating and glowing with tinted ambient lighting The interior is brought alive by a variety of technologies, effects and surfaces, including:
- Thoughtful ambient LED lighting by Lumination, LLC glows through ceramic components
- Silicone applied next to leather, to give a pleasing tactile and visual experience The color harmony of the interior has been designed to enhance the feeling of serenity and spaciousness, which in turn relates directly to the high level of comfort enjoyed by the passengers. The mixed effects, textures and colors add sophistication to the dynamic forms and strong presence of the car. Functional elements made from aluminum emphasize the more technical aspects, contrasting with and highlighting the softness of the interior materials.