Chevrolet Global Concepts
The Chevrolet 'triplets' as they are affectionately called by David Lyon, Executive director of GM's Asia Pacific Design, were all conceived in GM's design studio in Inchon, South Korea.
"The design team was very involved in setting the proportions of the vehicle, they all share the same basic engineering but we're showing the bandwith of what can be done with the same architecture," said Lyon. "We've got different windshield angles, different profiles, different ways of attaching fenders to hoods - this was an experiment to be able to show the flexibility of this architecture, the bandwith of Chevrolet, and the different characters of a minicar."
On the far right of the stage was the Trax concept, designed by Sangyeon Cho. The concept is a front wheel drive crossover with an electric differential (and an independent battery pack) with an electric motor driving the rear wheels, transforming it into an all wheel drive car. A single-unit bumper and fender front and rear, pronounced front wheel arch shape, prominent side sills, and a rear-mounted spare tire and roof rack complete the package.
The Groove concept designed by Jawook Koo features an upright windshield and prominent fender flares giving the car a strong stance, albeit with diminutive proportions. Its matte 'lunar quartz' paint contrasts with chrome detailing in the vents and on the bonnet, and large 17-inch wheels pushed far to the corners give the impression of a longer vehicle. The front overhang includes open-air vents that are integrated into the front LED fog lamps and elongated front headlamps.
Flanked by the Groove and Trax at GM's press conference it seemed the unanimous vote went to the Beat concept, a bright 'vertigo green' show car that was built in sheetmetal in India (the other concepts are fibreglass shells built in North America) and was the only model with a finished interior. Designer Injo Kim aimed to create a micro import tuner with fascias, rocker panels, lamps and wheels which could be easily personalized.
Lyon would not comment on when we might see the triplets on the road.
Ford Flex
Rarely does a car make the transition from concept to production unscathed. The Flex is one of those rare instances. Having first seen light as the Fairlane concept which bowed at the Detroit motor show in 2006, this new crossover is virtually unchanged. Speaking with J Mays, Ford's Group Vice President of Design, CDN was told that only the tailgate (the concept featured dual action) and suicide doors have not been carried over from the concept car. "The only difference is that we have made the car fit this platform." Mays said.
The Flex is a seven passenger crossover vehicle with a bolt-upright greenhouse and an accommodating interior. Designed for families who want a stylish vehicle but need room for their families, the crossover seeks to answer the call of those who are tired of driving conventional MPVs and SUVs.
"What this vehicle does is it gives people a really stylish alternative to people movers that are out on the road right now and with the glut of minivans out there" said Mays, "There's nothing exciting going on in that market right now,"
Ford's goal is to capture sales in the burgeoning crossover market just as it capitalized on the MPV market in the 1980s and the SUV market of the 1990s. The Flex wears Ford's defining three slat chrome grille and features cut lines along both doors, a styling theme echoed in the metal applique of the tailgate in Limited models. A contrast coloured roof houses multi-panels of glass and offers a skylight for passengers in the rear.
"What we're trying to do is compensate people for all those years of minivan driving by offering something stylish," added Mays, "We think this is the best effort today between what used to be gas-guzzling SUVs and pretty boring minivans. This seems to fit the bill for both of them."
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Ford Fairlane concept - Detroit 2005
The Infiniti EX concept is a fresh take on the crossover SUV, according to Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President of Design for Infiniti. The concept is a more subdued interpretation of the FX crossover currently offered in the US and emphasizes elegance over the robust "macho" qualities of the FX - with more compact proportions.
"We are targeting the ladies," said Nakamura in an interview with CDN, "I saw the ladies were very excited by this [car]; that was our intention."
The EX concept's design combines the practicality of an SUV and the enticing sporting attributes of a luxury coupe, with sculpted lines and a flowing roofline meant to portray speed and finesse. The car's short front and rear overhangs and prominent 19-inch wheels emphasize its sporting intentions while enabling a spacious interior space complete with a raised ride height and generous luggage capacity.
The exterior features signature Infiniti touches, including the double-arch grille, large L-shaped headlights, integrated front fog lamps, and LED tail lamps. Sash-style side door mirrors also include LED turn signals.
Access to the interior is gained through electric door handles, activated with push switches. Once inside, a liquid crystal full-length glass roof panel features over the occupants and can be altered from transparent to translucent electrically, via a touch sensor system - giving the interior an open feel. The 'wave-inspired' cabin layout is focused on the driver, with high-contrast violet-coloured gauges. The seating surfaces are swathed in white leather and the instrument panel and steering wheel are also finished in white. Aluminium-alloy trim adorns the interior and lines the cargo area floor, while the headrests include ambient lighting.
The production version of the EX will be available for sale in the US by the end of 2007, but buyers in Europe will have to wait until next year.
