Genesis just pulled the cover off its newest product at a rather avant garde NYC event ahead of the 2019 New York International Auto Show. There was music and dancing and even a sort of fashion show. We half-expected Kanye to appear from the mist. And of course, there was the car, the Genesis Mint Concept, a two-door, two-passenger all-electric vehicle with no trunk, scissors-style side openings and a screen in the centre of an oblong steering wheel. Now that’s how to unveil a concept! At least, that’s how to unveil a concept as funky as this. View this post on Instagram Oh hai, it’s the Genesis Mint EV Concept. #genesis #ev #conceptcar #mint #genesismint #nyautoshow #nyautoshow2019 A post shared by Roberto Baldwin (@strngwys) on Apr 16, 2019 at 4:20pm PDT Whatever casual vibe you get from its diminutive, hatchback-esque stature and Hunter Green matte paint evaporates when you catch a glimpse of the interior, or how the rear windows/trunk doors open. The interior experience is what Genesis calls reductive and decluttered, featuring lots of leather and a new digital UX. It’s got an oblong steering wheel, with a rectangular screen displaying primary info dead in its centre and six circular copper Graphic User Interface dials mounted around the wheel. In place of rear seats or any sort of conventional rear storage space is a “parcel shelf,” which is accessed by those nifty scissor-style openings. Specs are sparse, but Genesis says the mini-EV should manage 322 kilometres per charge and be capable of 350-kWh quick charging. In the “lightweight runabout,” that 350-kWh ability will probably result in a speedy re-up, making the Mint convenient for the city life it was designed for. So, is this concept just a hype machine or is it destined to come to fruition? According to Manfred Fitzgerald, the global head of Genesis, who addressed reporters ahead of the reveal, Genesis is all in if its parent company Hyundai Motor Group gives the green light.
Origin: Genesis unveils the Mint Concept, a teensy, luxury all-electric city car
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New hydrogen-only car firm launches with Pininfarina concept
New Chinese start-up Grove, which claims to be the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell-only mass production company, has launched at the Shanghai motor show with a concept car designed by Italian styling house Pininfarina. The concept car is the result of a “wide-ranging” deal between Pininfarina and Grove, which is based in the Chinese province of Wuhan and has a design studio in Barcelona, Spain. The Grove Pininfarina concept is a striking four-door coupé-style saloon, with a bold front grille and a highly sculpted rear diffuser. It also features frameless doors and cameras in place of wing mirrors. No technical or performance details have been revealed. While the firm has not confirmed a name for the car in press materials, the rear number plates suggests it uses the moniker Granite. Grove is currently developing a range of hydrogen-powered vehicles, beginning with a four-door SUV called the Obsidian, which was also on display in Shanghai. The firm has said that this machine will have a range of up to 625 miles, with a powertrain that use regenerative charging to regain energy under braking. The company aims to start sales in China later this year, with volume production starting in 2020, and plans to expand into other markets with the goal of becoming “a world leader in clean transportation”. Grove recently secured an agreement to expand into Australia and New Zealand, but there are no details of European expansion plans yet. Grove Hydrogen was established by the Chinese Institute of Geosciences and Environment, which currently manufactures and distributes hydrogen extracted from industrial waste. The Institute says it is working with large Chinese cities to install and expand hydrogen a charging infrastructure in the coming years. Pininfarina has also designed a new Karma sports car, which is on display in
Origin: New hydrogen-only car firm launches with Pininfarina concept
Lotus celebrates motorsport success with Evora GT4 concept
Lotus has unveiled a GT4-spec race variant of its Evora GT430 hardcore sports car at the Shanghai motor show. Developed and built at Lotus’ headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, the track-prepped Evora GT4 concept is finished in a distinctive two-flag livery that celebrates its British heritage and Chinese launch location. The 1200kg model’s 3.5-litre petrol V6 has been tuned to produce 444bhp and 376lb ft at 4000rpm, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 370bhp per tonne and a claimed top speed of 170mph. Sitting on race-spec centre-lock wheels shod with slick tyres, the Evora GT4 sports an adjustable rear wing, a roof-mounted carbonfibre air intake and aerodynamics-enhancing louvres on the front wings. The carbonfibre front bumper has been adapted to feature removable canards and brake cooling vents, while a four-vein diffuser and large ducts at the rear enhance downforce and aerodynamic efficiency. Further weight-saving measures include plexiglass for the side windows, a carbonfibre bootlid and 12-spoke aluminium wheels. In line with motorsport regulations, driver safety features include an eight-point roll cage, a six-point race harnesses, an emergency engine kill switch and a fire extinguisher. Speaking at the concept’s unveiling in Shanghai, Lotus CEO Phil Popham said: “All of our cars retain motorsport within their DNA, and almost every road car in the company’s history has raced successfully at some point. “It’s the philosophy that Colin Chapman founded Lotus on and that we proudly continue to this day.” Also announced at Shanghai was the launch of Lotus’s new Chinese driving academy, where newly appointed factory race drivers Cui Yue and Gaoxiang Fan will host track training days and hot lap sessions. The Evora GT4’s unveiling comes on the same day as confirmation that Lotus will reveal the Type 130 electric hypercar, its first all-new model since 2008, in London later this year. The 1000bhp-plus rival to the Pininfarina Battista is set to have a range of more than 250 miles. Fewer than 50 examples will be
Origin: Lotus celebrates motorsport success with Evora GT4 concept
Mercedes-Benz targets Audi Q3 with rugged GLB concept
Mercedes-Benz has previewed a new G-Class-inspired rugged compact SUV at the Shanghai motor show with its Concept GLB. Scheduled to go into production later this year, with five or seven seats, the GLB features a boxy off-road design and variable four-wheel drive that Mercedes hopes will combine to give the car some Land Rover Defender-style cachet as one of its more distinctive models. The GLB will serve as a rugged rival to the Land Rover Discovery Sport, BMW X1 and Audi Q3. As well as being offered with petrol and diesel engines, by 2021 the GLB will be available as an electric variant, dubbed the EQB. The new SUV is described by Mercedes as offering class-leading levels of versatility, and will be positioned between the upcoming second-generation GLA and the recently facelifted GLC. The GLB follows the A-Class hatchback and saloon, China-only long-wheelbase A-Class Saloon, B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake and GLA as the eighth model to be based on the firm’s MFA architecture. “We asked ourselves whether there is space between the GLA and GLC,” said Britta Seeger, Mercedes-Benz board member responsible for sales. “The GLB is the answer to this question: a durable and practical SUV with nonetheless compact dimensions.” The Shanghai concept is said to provide a close preview of the production version of the GLB, although a number of styling elements have been added to the exterior in a bid to provide it with a more rugged and upmarket appearance than that of its forthcoming showroom sibling. Among the concept car flourishes are widened wheel-arch cladding, reworked sills, additional lights incorporated into its glass roof and a cargo box nestled within its roof bars. At 4634mm in length and 1890mm in width, the concept is a considerable 149mm longer and 34mm wider than the Q3. The wheelbase is 2829mm – some 100mm longer than that used by the A-Class hatchback. The Concept GLB receives a luxurious interior swathed in a combination of nappa and nubuck leathers, walnut trim and elements milled from solid aluminium. Predictably, the production version of the new SUV will be less opulent, although the basic layout will remain unchanged. “As with the exterior, we’ve taken some liberty with the concept to provide a more luxurious feel,” said Mercedes-Benz interior design boss Hartmut Sinkwitz. “But it is based on the production version of the GLB.” The dashboard features the same configurable digital instruments and infotainment panel as found in the GLB’s platform-sharing relatives. The GLB also features a uniquely styled centre console between the two front seats. With the gearlever mounted on the steering column, the console accommodates a touchpad and a large oddment bin housing a pair of cupholders. In a move it claims will see it appeal to family car buyers who may have otherwise opted for an MPV, Mercedes-Benz has developed the GLB with both a standard five-seat and optional seven-seat layout. In the concept, the second row of seats can be slid by 140mm to free up leg room for occupants sitting in the third row. The backrests of the second row of seats also offer eight-stage inclination. They split in a 40:20:40 configuration and can be folded down to create a level load bay, with the third row sitting flush to the floor. To ease access to the third seat row, the outer seats within the second row receive a so-called easy-entry function, which allows the backrest to fold down and the entire seat to be pushed forward. Up to four child seats can be accommodated in the second and third rows. Hinting at the top engine planned to be offered in the standard GLB line-up, the Concept GLB receives a turbocharged M264 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The transversely mounted unit, which uses a two-stage variable valve timing system among other efficiency-boosting measures, develops 221bhp and 258lb ft and is set to power the initial range-topping GLB 250. Other engines, including diesels, will be available when sales commence, including an even more potent version of the M264 producing 302bhp and 295lb ft and set to appear in the AMG-badged GLB 35. Drive is sent through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and a multi-plate clutch 4Matic fourwheel-drive system featuring Standard, Eco/Comfort and Sport drive modes. Each drive mode apportions a different distribution of torque between the front and rear axles. The Standard mode is 50:50 front to rear, in Eco/Comfort mode it alters to 80:20 and in Sport it becomes more rear wheel-biased, at 70:30. The GLB’s engine range at launch is set to be petrol- and diesel-based, but Mercedes’ commitment to launch over 130 electrified models before 2023 means a fully electric version will appear within the next couple of years. Fitting into the maker’s EQ sub-brand and due to be dubbed EQB, the electric SUV will sit below the recently launched EQC and feature a similar, aerodynamically optimised redesign including a
Origin: Mercedes-Benz targets Audi Q3 with rugged GLB concept
Audi unveils AIme concept
Audi unveils AI:me concept The electric Audi has been designed to suit driving needs in megacities The Audi AI:me has been launched at Auto Shanghai, with the compact EV showcasing autonomous driving systems and features aimed at urban driving. Coming in smaller than the current A1 supermini, the AI:me has hints of the old A2 citycar to its design and efficient focus. A 65 kWh battery powers a 165 kW electric motor, and although range isn’t quoted, Audi says there will be plenty to allow ‘hours’ of driving at speeds of between 12mph to 44 mph – typical city driving averages. Automated driving systems are core parts of this model’s make-up, and the AI part of the badge links to the car’s artificial intelligence, learning how to deal with traffic even in megacities. The AI:me seats four in comfort, including luggage, thanks to the flat floor and electric motor configuration, freeing up interior space. There are even plants in the rear to help purify the air inside, and the interior is designed to be relaxing even in rush hour traffic. Although not earmarked for production currently, it looks as though the AI:me is based on the VW Group’s MEB platform, and certainly shares certain elements with other group concepts confirmed for launch. Whether it becomes the smallest Audi available or not will remain to be seen.
Origin: Audi unveils AIme concept
Futuristic Audi AI:ME concept hints at Volkswagen ID rival
The new Audi AI:ME concept, which has made its public debut at the Shanghai motor show, previews the firm’s vision of shared urban mobility in the future – but also provides hints to a forthcoming A3-sized compact electric model. The model is the third of four concepts the manufacturer is producing to show its vision for shared motoring in 10 years’ time, with the idea that subscribers choose the car they need for any given moment. It follows the 2017 Aicon concept, designed for inner-city journeys, and last year’s PB18 E-tron sports car. While the PB18 E-tron likely previews Audi’s future R8 successor, the styling of the AI:ME hints at a compact crossover. The firm says it isn’t built on a specific platform, but at 4300cm long, 1500cm high and 1900cm wide it is similar in size to the Volkswagen ID hatch and Seat el-Born EVs, both of which use the VW Group’s MEB electric vehicle platform. Audi chief designer Andreas Mindt said the car was styled in such a way because “urban cars all look like telephone boxes, and we didn’t want a machine like that.” He added: “It’s still simple and boxy, with clear lines.” Asked whether Audi would launch an MEB-based EV similar in size to the AI:ME, Mindt said: “We are working on this, let’s say. There can be. I’m not allowed to say too much, but maybe. Why not?” He added that several design elements of the concept would be seen on Audi models in the near future. The AI:ME is designed for functionality in tight city environments, with a compact crossover-like body intended to maximise manoeuvrability and visibility. Unusually, the top section of the windows – distinguished by a distinctive line running around the car – is wider than the bottom part, which Mindt explained is to ensure “the widest point is where your head is, where you want the most space.” Only the bottom half of the windows open, which Mindt said is designed to direct the air to your body rather than face. The exterior also features LED lights front and rear, which have been designed to send signals to pedestrians and other vehicles through light sequences and colours. The AI:ME has a 65kWh underfloor battery, which drives a 167bhp motor on the rear axle. Because the concept is designed to allow for Level Four autonomy, the interior is particularly future-focused, with a retractable steering wheel to maximise space in autonomous mode. There are two tables for practicality, a food storage unit and magnetic cupholders. A large storage area in the dashboard, along with door cubbies, are open, to reduce the chance of leaving personal belongings in shared cars. Much of the car’s infotainment and systems are operated through a large augmented reality display, which in autonomous mode can be controlled by gesture or by looking at it, using built-in eye-tracking cameras. The systems can also be operated via touch panels built into the doors. The interior materials are designed to be soft and tactile, while live plants are built into the dashboard and panoramic roof, to highlight the in-built air filtration
Origin: Futuristic Audi AI:ME concept hints at Volkswagen ID rival
Volkswagen Roomzz concept previews 2021 Model X rival
Volkswagen has extended its range of ID concepts to include a new 302bhp electric-powered SUV, known as the Roomzz. Unveiled at the Shanghai motor show, the contemporary seven-seater acts as a preview to a production model of similar size and shape Volkswagen says will be launched in 2021. It’s a crucial part of the German car maker’s plan to become the world’s leading manufacturer of electric vehicles by the middle of the next decade. Set to be positioned above the upcoming production version of the Crozz and a more sporting Crozz Coupé, the Roomzz is said to offer interior space superior to that of the Touareg in a body measuring 4915mm in length, 1890mm in width and 1760mm in height. “The ID Roomzz shows us what we can expect from full-size electric SUVs in the future,” said VW brand design boss Klaus Bischoff. “The puristic look emphasises the clear function and the user experience is intuitive and natural. Plenty of space inside allows for completely new seating configurations.” The sixth ID concept is based on a new variant of VW’s MEB platform. It has a wheelbase of 2965mm – some 192mm longer than the Crozz’s but 135mm shorter than that of the Buzz. Developed under the internal codename VW316 and previously dubbed ID Lounge, the Roomzz gets its own unique styling that Bischoff describes as featuring “seamless transitions of individual elements” for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. Key cues include an almost completely enclosed front end featuring illuminated horizontal elements that act as a grille and extend outwards into in the outer edges of the headlights to provide the new SUV with exaggerated visual width. Also included is an illuminated VW badge – a feature Autocar can confirm will be offered as an option on all upcoming ID production models in markets where it is permitted. The Roomzz also receives prominent front wheel arches and a side feature line that runs back through to the middle of the front doors. Traditional exterior mirrors are replaced by a camera, which is mounted on a discreet arm within the leading edge of the front doors. The doors open on opposing hinges, providing uninterrupted pillar-less entry to the cabin. Also evident is a rounded roof turret. It houses two Lidar units that form part of a level four autonomous driving system VW is touting for future ID models. Contrasting aluminium is used for the roof rails, while the side glass is almost completely flush with the bodywork to smooth airflow along the flanks. To highlight the interior, the concept also goes without a B-pillar. The rear is distinguished by a full-width light band whose graphics can be customised via a smartphone app. “Lighting is the new chrome,” said Bischoff of the possibilities made possible by the latest generation of LED lighting. Previewing the cabin design VW proposes to provide future models with advanced autonomous driving functions, the Roomzz features a digitised steering wheel. It is designed to retract back into the dashboard when the driver chooses a fully autonomous driving mode. Further interior highlights include a 13.8in digital instrument unit and augmented reality head-up display. Although the new concept features four individual seats, VW insiders have confirmed the production version is planned to provide seating for up to seven in three rows of seats. Power for the Roomzz comes from the same electric driveline previewed by the earlier Vizzion. It uses two electric motors – one acting on the front axle with 101bhp and 103lb ft and a more powerful unit at the rear with 201bhp and 228lb ft. The total system output is 302bhp and 331lb ft. Depending on the driving mode, the new SUV can be driven by the rear wheels as standard or all four wheels. VW quotes a 0-62mph time of 6.6sec and a top speed that is limited to 112mph. Electric energy for the motors is provided by an 82kWh lithium ion battery mounted within the flat floor structure of the Roomzz’s MEB platform. It is claimed to provide a range of 280 miles on the WLTP test cycle, while the charge time to 80% of the battery’s capacity on a highpower 150kW system is put at “approximately 30
Origin: Volkswagen Roomzz concept previews 2021 Model X rival
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