07 Mar 07
Hyundai's QarmaQ 'crossover utility vehicle' is a joint project with specialists GE Plastics to highlight the use of the latest composite materials in mainstream production cars, which allow designers to create shapes that could not have been made with metal or glass.
The wraparound windscreen is made of a material called GE Lexan, which is half the weight of glass. The curved side glazing is more flexible than glass, allowing for some give in the event of an impact, helping to reduce the risk of injury to both occupants and pedestrians. A similar tactic is applied to the 'Elastic Front' design, with its energy-absorbing panels.
The whole thing is 60kg lighter than a conventional equivalent, and Hyundai reckons it could emit over 200kg less carbon dioxide a year as well as save fuel. It's powered by a Euro 5-compliant clean diesel engine, and further eco credentials come with the use of recycled plastic bottles for the bonnet, doors, crumple zones and parts of the lights.
