Kia Futuron SUV Concept previews electric Kias of the future
The Futuron Concept from Kia is touted as a sports car sitting on an SUV platform. The All-Wheel-Drive electric concept, though ages away from production, hints at a potential design inspiration for future electrified models from Kia.
By Divyank K. Bansal
The Futuron Concept from Kia is touted as a sports car sitting on an SUV platform. The All-Wheel-Drive electric concept, though ages away from production, hints at a potential design inspiration for future electrified models from Kia.
At the ongoing 2019 China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, Kia Motors has revealed a new concept vehicle, called the Futuron. The Korean carmaker claims the Futuron represents its vision of 'a progressive electric SUV.' With a rather sleek two-door body, giant wheels, & high ground clearance, the design hints at a combination of finesse and off-road capability.
Touted as a sports car with proportions of an SUV, the Futuron features an all-wheel fully-electric drivetrain. While Kia hasn't revealed in-depth equipment details, it has given us an idea of the concept's dimensions – 4,850mm long, a 3,000mm wheelbase, and just 1,550mm tall. At the front, the signature 'Tiger Nose' grille has been reimagined, as it is wider & incorporates the Futuron's headlights. The lighting follows Kia's 'Star Cloud' design that projects a distinct night-sky inspired light signature with the help of Matrix LED units. The '360-degree' design theme not only applies to the Futuron's exterior but also to the lighting. As the lighting forms a sharp character line encircling the Futuron's body, the light responds to physical gestures & movements made outside the car.
A diamond-shaped panoramic glasshouse forms the roof of the Futuron Concept and also extends till the bonnet to form a UFO-inspired canopy. The glasshouse also houses LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensors capable of providing Level 4 autonomous driving features.
As per Kia, the interior of the Futuron is just as appealing as the exterior, courtesy of a sea of uninterrupted flowing surfaces & reclining front seats that provide lounge-like comfort (when the autonomous driving mode retracts the steering.) The driver is greeted by a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that flows from the door and merges with the centre console. The GUI is AI-controlled.
While the Futuron is far from any kind of production, expect some of its design elements to eventually pass on to future electric models from Kia.
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