At the 2011 Seoul Motor Show Kia has unveiled the Naimo Concept, a crossover utility vehicle (CUV) with a pure electric powertrain and a design with simple lines and elements inspired by Korean arts and crafts.



“Basically, the Naimo’s body volume is simple and modest. It was not easy to execute subtle changes in the body volume, as it could look too boring or too heavy depending on how the changes are made. It was necessary to obtain both balance and unity,” explained exterior designer Byung-Chul Kim.



Early rough sketches: The objective was to create a futuristic feel, concise dimensions and bold details. These renderings were inspired by shapes of soft rice cakes, boxy erasers and cute animals.

This was also stressed in creating the interior. “In the beginning, we were worried that it was too simple. We tried to work on fine details within the bigger frame and make sure that the design was never boring,” said interior designer Hae-Sung Shin.

“We strived to create a very unique and contemporary car with extra value and a strong personality. We hoped to provide a fresh impression of Korea and the Kia brand for worldwide consumers with a car that combines futuristic elements with traditional Korean beauty,” said Dae-Sik Shin, leader of the Naimo project.



Kia has pulled the sheet on its Naimo concept car at the Seoul Motor Show. The Naimo (pronounced ‘Neh-mo’, meaning ‘square shape’) is Kia’s vision of an all-electric B-segment car.

Stretching 3.9 meters in length, the Naimo adopts some of the boxy styling used on the larger Soul. The Naimo’s exterior design is highlighted by a wrap-around windshield, asymmetrical sunroof and front and rear dot-style LED lights. Rear hinged doors and a three-way split hatch allow for maximum cabin access.

The Naimo also features some trick technologies for styling purposes, such as side cameras in lieu of door mirrors and a high-intensity air jet that takes the place of conventional windshield wipers.

The Naimo’s interior was “designed to evoke a strong sense of tranquility”, featuring Korean oak for door panels and the entire floor and Korean “Han-ji” paper for the head lining.

“Naimo is a perfect balance of innovation, high-tech and Korean tradition. It was heavily inspired by the purity and grace of traditional Korean arts and crafts, but combines this with cutting edge technologies to deliver a truly premium experience,” said Kia Motors’ Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.

Power for the Naimo is provided by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor generating about 110 horsepower. The Naimo has a top speed of 93mph.

The Naimo’s floor and trunk-mounted Lithium Ion Polymer batteries can be recharged to 80 percent of capacity in just 25 minutes, while a full charge requires five and a half hours. Once charged, the Naimo can travel 124 miles.

The Cadillac BLS design was conceived by an international team of designers led by GM Vice President of Design Ed Welburn. The vehicle has clear, sharply defined contours, striking wedge shape and an elegant interior.

“The most striking feature is the vertical lines at the front and rear,” said Welburn. “The V-shaped chrome-plated grille, a Cadillac cue, is picked up again by the trunk lid. The large side faces communicate a sense of strength and solidity.”

The BLS also features jewel-like headlamps, fog lamps integrated into the body-colored bumper and a wide air intake below the grille. A narrow chrome strip runs along the side windows. The latest LED technology is used in the center high-mounted brake light, which is prominently positioned on the trunk lid and extends across the vehicle. The vertical taillights leave no doubt the BLS is a Cadillac.

A genuine fusion of sports car and SUV, the Infiniti FX37’s dramatic styling – shared with the Infiniti FX50 – sets it apart from the crowd. Built on Infiniti’s FM (front-midships) platform, the Infiniti FX37 blends sports car proportions with the character of a 4×4. That means a long bonnet and wheelbase, short overhangs and a coupé-like roofline, with the stance and strength of an SUV.



An all-new design, the latest generation FX range adopts Infiniti’s signature double-arch grille and ‘double wave’ frontal styling. The profile is dominated by a strong shoulder-line set off by functional side vents behind the front wheels while the swooping roofline is topped by roof rails, which are fitted as standard. At the rear, distinctive LED taillights wrap around the side of the vehicle.

Helping to contribute to a low overall weight, all four doors are made from aluminium.

The interior provides a driver-oriented cockpit combined with a luxuriously sophisticated passenger compartment. Natural materials including wood and quilted leather can be found throughout while the dashboard features the Infiniti signature double-wave design. Three interior colour schemes are offered: black plus duo-tone beige and grey or brown and black. Power adjustable front seats are ventilated for the ultimate in comfort at all times.








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