Don’t bet on Kia ever building futuristic Futuron
Kia took the covers off of a wild concept vehicle, the Futuron, at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai in early November. The concept is a spaceship-inspired, high-riding twodoor coupe. Though around the same size as the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-pace, the Futuron has a significantly lower roofline to give it a sleeker appearance.
Kia’s trademark “tiger nose” grille has evolved to become a “tiger
face,” and now stretches from fender to fender; it also encompasses the headlights in a new Star Cloud lighting design. Movable scales in the face can change the aperture so the projectors go from daylight running lights to fullbeam headlights. The tail lights also make use of the scale-design element.
Inside, the Futuron is similarly futuristic, with a 360-degree panoramic glass roof, inspired by “UFO and flying saucer design,” the automaker says.
When the vehicle is put in Level 4 autonomous mode, passengers — and the driver — are able to enjoy the airy feel of the cabin and recline the seats, no longer focused on the road.
Powertrain specifications haven’t been discussed, but Kia does say the vehicle is powered by an electric battery located underneath the floor to save space, and to keep the centre of gravity low. An electric motor at each wheel will provide “lightning-fast responses to driver inputs.” It’s unlikely the vehicle makes it to production, but some of the design elements could make their way onto other vehicles in future.