Kia showcases the future of in-vehicle infotainment
Kia is displaying two innovative in-car infotainment concepts at Geneva, offering a glimpse into the future of in-car technologies.
First shown to the public on Kia’s stand at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January 2012, the IVI (in-vehicle infotainment) and UCD (user-centred driving) concepts are displayed in separate vehicle cockpit ‘pods’.
In-vehicle infotainment (IVI)
Kia’s IVI concept is designed to be a hub of information and entertainment. It is capable of delivering satellite navigation, entertainment playback, wireless charging for smartphones or tablet PCs and networked computer functions – all from a single unit.
The concept features five main menu items – navigation, media, music streaming, smart device interlock and app store – operated through a combination of a 10.6-inch multi-touch screen located in the centre console, steering wheel controls and in-car voice recognition software.
A second 11.1-inch screen on top of the dashboard displays directions from the innovative Augmented Reality Navigation (ARN) system, plus driver-customized widgets (providing weather, news and financial market updates) and information regarding the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
The ARN system is delivered by cameras on the exterior of the vehicle, working in conjunction with apps and the voice recognition system. In addition to clear and concise turn-by-turn directions, ARN also overlays information such as points of interest (POIs), traffic information and traffic light recognition onto a virtual street-view map displayed on the auxiliary screen.
Smart device interlock allows users to link their smartphone or tablet PC to the IVI via a specially-designed app. Once linked, the user will be able to download and store information about their car, where it is parked, send and receive route instructions, access internet radio services and browse the media in the car via their smart device. IVI also offers revolutionary wireless charging for smartphones or tablet PCs. This maximizes the battery life of the device and removes the need for wires.
Once the device is docked to the car, many of its features and apps become available through the IVI system which is capable of playing a multitude of formats, including plug-in MP3 and CD music players. Users will also be able to transfer music, contacts and directions between their smartphone or tablet PC, and their car.
Accessible via an icon on the main menu of the IVI, the App Store capability will allow users to download a variety of applications, from weather and news services to navigation.
User-centred driving (UCD)
The UCD concept represents a new start to the relationship between the vehicle and its occupants, and signifies the next step in driver / passenger safety and pleasurable driving.
Developed by a special technical team over four months, Kia has invested nearly $500,000 in the UCD project, with the aim of combining all of its latest technological developments into a single concept.
The UCD concept system is operated via a touch-sensitive 12.3-inch full colour TFT-LCD screen, which gives a pin-sharp image resolution of 1280 x 480 pixels. This is complemented by a heads-up display projected on the vehicle’s windscreen that incorporates key instrument gauges as well as AR features such as satellite navigation.
A driver-status monitor utilises an infra-red LED and camera to monitor the driver’s face, detecting changes in eye movement. The system is able to recognize whether the driver’s eyes are opened or closed, monitoring alertness and safeguarding against an accident caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel.
To further improve safety, the infotainment functions on UCD can also be operated by a haptic switch mounted on the steering wheel. Haptic means ‘relating to, or based on, the sense of touch’, and the switch gives the user touch-sensitive feedback – through minute vibrations – enabling them to easily navigate the car’s infotainment systems without taking their eyes off the road.
Kia was the first manufacturer to build a haptic control module into a vehicle in 2010, and it is updated for the UCD concept in 2012. Working in conjunction with the new larger TFT-LCD screen, the switch now features ‘Human-Machine Interface’ buttons which change colour depending on menu selected.
Kia has already developed a black and white ‘Smart Night View’ system that helps drivers better identify potential hazards when daylight fades. The Colour Night Vision (CNV) system takes this a step further, combining two infra-red (IR) cameras, an IR lamp, and a processor to give a clearer picture of the road ahead, projected on the TFT-LCD display in full colour.
The integrated processor is able to distinguish pedestrians in the IR camera’s field of view, and highlights them on screen, as well as triggering a warning sound to alert the driver.
Kia’s advanced powertrain technologies
Kia is displaying two very different examples of its advanced powertrain technologies at Geneva, illustrating the company’s commitment to lowering emissions and fuel consumption in both diesel and gasoline engines.
The gasoline direct injection (GDI) system being introduced for new cee’d (already available on Sportage), is fitted to Kia’s 1,591 cc Gamma engine and achieves three historically incompatible goals – it raises power output, while improving fuel economy and lowering emissions. In new cee’d, maximum power is 135 ps, combined cycle consumption is 5.8 l/100 km and its CO2 rating is 135 g/km.
At Geneva, this engine is displayed with Kia’s all-new Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) which will be offered for the first time with new cee’d. The DCT delivers smooth, fast and quiet shifts for maximum driving comfort, and new cee’d models fitted with DCT benefit from significantly reduced emissions over the previous automatic transmission.
Developed by Kia’s in-house transmission development team in partnership with a German-based engineering firm, the DCT makes the Korean brand one of a very small number of car makers in the world to produce its own dual-clutch transmission.
The DCT concept combines two manual transmissions within a single housing, each with its own dry clutch. One transmission shaft is dedicated to 2nd, 4th, 6th and reverse gear, while the other operates with 1st, 3rd and 5th gears.
Working in parallel, one shaft prepares to engage the next gear ratio, while the other shaft is still engaged with a gear. Electric motor-driven actuators controlled by the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) execute gear selection and clutch engagement, resulting in swift and precise gear changes and uninterrupted torque transfer to the driven wheels, with a minimum of the efficiency loss normally associated conventional automatics (with a torque converter).
The 1,120 cc three-cylinder version of Kia’s ‘U2’ diesel engine exhibited at Geneva is fitted in the Rio EcoDynamics model and delivers performance among the very best in class. Fuel consumption is as low as 3.2 l/100 km, with a CO2 rating of just 85 g/km. These impressive figures place Rio among the most efficient and least polluting vehicles currently on sale in Europe.
Maximum power is 75 ps at 4,000 rpm, while 170 Nm of torque is available from just 1,500 rpm. Standard transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox and with this powertrain Rio will accelerate from 0-to-100 kph in 15.5 seconds, with a top speed of 160 kph.
Gasoline GDI 1.6-litre 135 ps *
| Type / capacity |
Gamma, GDI, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1591 cc |
| Power / torque |
135 ps (99.0 kW) @ 6300 rpm / 165 Nm @ 4850 rpm |
| Fuel consumption |
5.8 l/100km (combined cycle) |
| Emissions |
From 135 g/km / 119 with ISG and EcoDynamics |
Diesel WGT 1.1-litre 75 ps **
| Type / capacity |
U2, DOHC, three-cylinder, with WGT / 1120 cc |
| Power / torque |
75 ps (55.0 kW) @ 4000 rpm / 170 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm |
| Fuel consumption |
3.2 l/100km (combined cycle) |
| Emissions |
From 94 g/km / 85 with ISG and EcoDynamics |
* Figures relate to new cee’d
** Figures relate to Rio EcoDynamics
Kia Ray EV marks beginning of new era
Kia Motors introduced Korea’s first electric production vehicle in December 2011, with the launch of the Kia Ray EV – a zero-emissions city car with lively performance and a range of up to 139 km (86 miles) on a single charge. Designed exclusively for the domestic Korean market, the 3.6-metre long, front-wheel drive Ray EV being displayed at the Geneva Motor Show is powered by a 50kW electric motor and a high-capacity 16.4 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack. Engineered for a 10-year lifecycle, the battery is skilfully packaged under the rear seat and cabin floor.
Although Ray EV weighs more than the gasoline version, the electric motor’s generous torque (167 Nm, an increase of 77 per cent) ensures responsive performance. The EV’s acceleration is brisker than the gasoline model’s (0-to-100 kph in 15.9 seconds), while top speed is 130 kph. Recharging times are six hours using a 220V household supply and just 25 minutes in fast-charge mode.
Inside, the Ray EV features unique instruments, with the first-ever EV-specific navigation system that shows slow and fast recharging destinations within the vehicle’s current range. The automatic transmission offers the driver a choice of two modes while in ‘D’ drive. ‘E’ (or ‘eco’) mode delivers minimum battery consumption and maximum driving range, while ‘B’ (or ‘brake’) mode maximises braking power when driving on steep descents.
The Kia Ray EV features numerous other innovations. The electric motor achieves 93 per cent efficiency, which is the best in its segment. The design of the battery’s cell has reduced its weight by 13 per cent and increased its energy density by 15 per cent compared to the leading competitor system.
Ray EV is also equipped with a new type of regenerative braking system, featuring an active hydraulic booster that utilises the electric motor to create hydraulic pressure for a consistent brake pedal force in all driving conditions. For maximum safety, Ray EV is equipped with six airbags and electronic stability features – VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) and HAC (Hill Assist Control, to prevent roll-back) – as standard.
Kia is planning to manufacture 2,500 examples of the Ray EV during 2012, many of which will go to Korean government departments and public offices. These units will form part of Kia’s long-term real-world research and development programme to provide environmentally friendly transport to customers around the world during the next decade.
Kia Ray EV /
Technical specifications
DIMENSIONS
Length 3,593 mm Width 1,595 mm
Height 1,700 mm Wheelbase 2,520 mm
Kerb weight 1,185 kg
POWERTRAIN
Electric motor 50 kW
Max power 68 ps Max torque 167 Nm (17.0 g/km)
BATTERY
Power / type 330V Lithium ion polymer
Capacity 16.4 kWh
Charge time 6.0 hours (slow) / 25 minutes (fast)
PERFORMANCE
0-to-100 kph 15.9 sec
Max speed 130 kph (81 mph)
Max range 139 km (86 miles)
Kia dreams big with Track’ster performance concept
- European debut for Soul-based high-performance concept coupe
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Aggressive design, all-wheel drive and 215 horsepower
Making its European debut at Geneva is the purposeful Kia Track’ster concept, a performance-oriented three-door Soul coupe concept that hints at the possible future of Kia’s successful B-segment MPV.
“The idea was to make the Track’ster tough looking, like a bulldog,” comments Tom Kearns, Chief Designer for Kia Motors America. “But the car had to be approachable as well. We wanted to base the car in reality so people instantly knew it was a Soul, but with even more attitude. It had to be a bold interpretation that would challenge people’s conceptions of what a sporty Kia could be.”
The bold attitude Kearns refers to starts with the eye-catching Whiteout and Inferno Orange paint scheme. Kia’s signature grille is trimmed in lightweight carbon-fibre and flanked by headlights which sweep back over the flared wheel arches. Most striking at the front is the lower intake grille, which has been expanded to allow greater airflow to the engine. The lower lip spoiler, trimmed in carbon-fibre and accented with orange, sits low to the ground and adds to the car’s menacing stance.
While the concept on display at Geneva is largely unchanged from the one originally unveiled at the Chicago show, for Europe a 1.6-litre gasoline engine replaces the US show model’s 2.0-litre 253 ps unit.
This engine features turbocharging and gasoline direct injection (GDI) to produce an impressive 215 ps, which is channelled to all four wheels via an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system. The short-throw six-speed manual transmission is engaged via a stubby spherical shift lever. Lowered sport-suspension tuned for track performance delivers impressive handling.
Tucked beneath the Track’ster’s flared arches are custom monoblock extruded performance wheels, wrapped in 245/40 R19 (front) and 285/35 R19 (rear) Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 high performance tyres. The wheelbase is stretched to 2,570 mm, almost 250 mm longer than the production Soul. As expected on a car with the Track’ster’s performance intentions, large 355 mm ventilated and cross-drilled Brembo disc brakes with six-piston calipers are fitted at the front, with 345 mm discs and four-piston calipers at the rear.
While Soul inspired, this concept is missing the Soul´s rear doors. The front doors have been lengthened and fitted with extruded aluminium push-style handles which echo the racing-inspired fuel cap and unique front LED housings. Carbon-fibre lower side skirts are also accented in orange and incorporate functional rear-brake cooling ducts. The rear hatch incorporates a horizontal orange panel that accentuates the concept’s 1,918 mm width, which is more than 7 mm wider than a production Soul.
Opening the driver’s door reveals a light and airy interior highlighted with deeply bolstered suede-covered racing seats. Granite grey leather envelopes the interior, and matching suede wraps the sports steering wheel and door panels. Primary dials are located deep within red-glowing instrument clusters, while auxiliary vehicle information (such as oil temperature and battery voltage) is displayed on top of the dashboard. Navigation, entertainment and HVAC controls are accessed through a large touch-screen panel located just above the engine start/stop button.
The rear seats have been removed and replaced with a fully integrated equipment tray and spare-tyre well. A rear strut brace incorporates a quick-release handle to allow for fast wheel changes. “We saw the Track’ster as a performance-inspired concept that could spend time both on the road and racetrack,” continues Kearns. “The idea was to make the tools and equipment necessary to keep the car performing in top condition easily accessible.”
While there are no current plans to bring the Track’ster to production, Kia’s California design centre team enthusiastically took on the project. “Concept cars like the Track’ster allow Kia’s design teams to dream about what could be,” Kearns concludes.
