Hyundai QarmaQ

QarmaQ is Hyundai's Advanced Technology Demonstration Vehicle (ATDV) that showcases over 30 different environmentally progressive technologies led by the Elastic Front, an innovative solution that can help reduce the risk of severe injuries in Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUV) pedestrian collisions.

Designed at Hyundai Motor Europe's Design and Technical Center in Russelsheim and engineered in close cooperation with SABIC Innovative Plastics, QarmaQ develops and validates over 30 key technologies, which will be selectively incorporated into Hyundai's new models to be rolled out from 2008-2014.

QarmaQ is lighter, stronger and more economical than any current production CUV in its class. It also offers significant recycling advantages both in construction and eventual disassembly. In short, it is a viable and realistic glimpse of the future potential of personal automotive transport.

More than a design concept, QarmaQ illustrates that environmentally responsible solutions can be elegantly incorporated to enhance safety, design, and performance.

Firmly positioned as a crossover Coupe/CUV, the QarmaQ derives its name from traditional Inuit dwellings, constructed from earth, whalebone, and animal skins. Like them, QarmaQ challenges conventional ideas on construction methods and materials. Also in common with the original structures, it boasts unusual strength, resilience, and protection.

This 2+2 vehicle targets the important empty nest baby boomers demographic, who are rediscovering a new-found freedom while remaining the wealthiest demographic in history. Today, this key group of consumers is beginning to spend their nest egg and enjoy the fruits of their labour, not on material possessions, but on experiences. QarmaQ soulfully blends the driving experience of a Coupe with the ability to manage multi-terrain driving of a CUV, providing empty nesters with effortless access to their outdoor playground

Connected by unique glazed surfaces, the exterior design relates strongly to, and interacts effortlessly with the interior. The unique division between the solid bodywork and transparent glazed areas creates a new perspective, whether viewed from inside or from the pedestrian standpoint.

Great features to look out for:

•Inclusion of smooth surfaces embedded with discrete or hidden touch activated sensors
•"Floating" elements pulsating and glowing with tinted ambient lighting
•Thoughtful ambient LED lighting, LLC glows through ceramic components


Another major safety advance is the use of sensors to detect vehicle presence in the blind spots of the rear view mirrors when pulling out or overtaking, and audio-visually alert the driver.

QarmaQ's 2-liter diesel engine is fully compliant with EURO5 emission regulations. It features the very latest technologies such as high-pressure fuel injection and fine fuel spray atomization for higher torque and better power output. Regulated emissions such as CO, THC, NOx and PM, were reduced drastically while a Catalyzed Particulate Filter system, CPF, is capable of cleaning about 90 percent of the particulate matter from the diesel emissions.