We take great pleasure in bringing to you the hihglights of Geneva Autoshow 2014. The 84th edition of Geneva was a mixed bag of automotive releases. The Europeans were out in full force, but the Asians were inconspicuous by their absence,except for Qoros. We had gotten used to intermittent releases by our very own Tata, including the Pixel and MegaPixel concepts, but no such luck this time. But nonetheless, it was a very eventful and exciting show. On to the coverage, then !
The Intrado debuts Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, and is also the first Hyundai designed under the direction of Peter Schreyer. The innovation here lies as much in design, as in the new carbon fibre chassis developed by Hyundai, which allows more flexibility than conventional materials. The new chassis also makes do without a B pillar, giving further freedom to the designers. Another unique element in the Intrado is the opening tail hatch. The 3 dimensional hexagonal grille is flanked by mean looknig LED lamps and LED DRLs, the barn doors open to reveal a very bright orange interior. IP centre tunnel etc are covered by this orange soft touch material giving the interiors a very warm, humanly feel. The opt laer of the IP is covered in contrasting grey and houses the instrument cluster, AC vents etc.
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Lamborghini Huracan
The Huracan is here to replace the much vaunted Gallardo, and as such has some really big shoes to fill in. But the Huracan is proving to be a worthy successor. It is very well refined, and has some classic Lambo cues, most notably the very cab forward stance and the Y0 in one single sweeping line. The lower rear bumper is blacked-out for further exaggeration and adds oodles of drama by giving the impression of a tall tail and a short overhang. The insides are traditionally Lambo with brightly coloured leather seats and tonnes of contrasting Alcantara on the IP, vents etc. The Gallardo can rest in peace !
Hyundai Intrado
The Intrado debuts Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, and is also the first Hyundai designed under the direction of Peter Schreyer. The innovation here lies as much in design, as in the new carbon fibre chassis developed by Hyundai, which allows more flexibility than conventional materials. The new chassis also makes do without a B pillar, giving further freedom to the designers. Another unique element in the Intrado is the opening tail hatch. The 3 dimensional hexagonal grille is flanked by mean looknig LED lamps and LED DRLs, the barn doors open to reveal a very bright orange interior. IP centre tunnel etc are covered by this orange soft touch material giving the interiors a very warm, humanly feel. The opt laer of the IP is covered in contrasting grey and houses the instrument cluster, AC vents etc.
Skoda Vision Concept C
Here's the angriest Skoda you've ever seen. Based on VW's MQB platform, the Vision C has the classic 4 door fastback proportions of the A7. Although more in line with the VW's group design language, the Vision C is a far departure from the generous volumes and the functional utility of the previous Skodas. These were the very aspects that made Skoda such a hit in Europe as well as emerging markets like India etc.
Volvo Concept Estate
The Concept Estate shown here at Geneva completes the trio of concept cars Volvo has shown under it new design chief Thomas Ingenlath. The concept carries on the legacy of the P1800ES. It is typically Scandinavian in its execution and especially in the interior details, a lot of the smaller components being developed and crafted by Swedish artisan firms. On the exterior it carries on the from the design language set up b y the Concept Coupe, with its taut surfaces and distinct headlamp and taillamp graphics. Interiors feature some very interesting touches like saddle leather on the IP and a lit crystal gear shifter knob.
New Audi TT
Audi presented the all new TT this year at Geneva, eliciting a mixed reaction from the crowds. Although sporting unparalleled refinement and surface finesse that Audi is so well-known for, the new TT has lost the original quirkiness that the car was so loved for. The most noticeable difference is the replacement of soft voluminous surfaces by taut surfaces ending in hard edges. Other details that are sorely missed are the bonnet shutline jumping over the wheelarches, the single curve roofline etc.
