September 17, 2024
Performance and Power Versus Functionality
A new hypercar from Bugatti and a racing concept from Genesis launched in the gaming world showcase performance and power, while Hyundai's latest compact EV focuses on functionality.
The new Bugatti Tourbillon hypercar is the first since the company was taken over by EV specialist Rimac. The Tourbillon looks very familiar on the outside, but it's the interior that demands attention. A trio of titanium skeleton watches, one large central dial flanked by two smaller ones, makes up the driver instrument cluster and instantly provides an analogue, mechanical feel. These are the results of a trip to Geneva, whereby Bugatti's interior design team learnt from classic Swiss watchmakers.
A thin floating centre console and bridge includes an engine start pull lever, a cluster of aluminum switches, and a transparent crystal glass panel. Hidden from view until needed is a digital touchscreen that pops out of the top of the centre console and displays vehicle data as well as the reversing camera view. This top panel of the console extends upwards towards the windscreen and converges with the windowsills, acting as a cocoon for the driver and front passenger.
The new Bugatti Tourbillon hypercar is the first since the company was taken over by EV specialist Rimac. The Tourbillon looks very familiar on the outside, but it's the interior that demands attention. A trio of titanium skeleton watches, one large central dial flanked by two smaller ones, makes up the driver instrument cluster and instantly provides an analogue, mechanical feel. These are the results of a trip to Geneva, whereby Bugatti's interior design team learnt from classic Swiss watchmakers.
A thin floating centre console and bridge includes an engine start pull lever, a cluster of aluminum switches, and a transparent crystal glass panel. Hidden from view until needed is a digital touchscreen that pops out of the top of the centre console and displays vehicle data as well as the reversing camera view. This top panel of the console extends upwards towards the windscreen and converges with the windowsills, acting as a cocoon for the driver and front passenger.
The latest concept car to make its debut in the gaming world of Grand Turismo is the Genesis XGran Racer VGT Concept. The maximalist exterior is countered by a minimalist interior, designed to put the spotlight on the driver. An F1-inspired steering wheel includes three rotary dials to adjust traction control and brakes, above which is a small digital display for driver information. Two more rotary dials are mounted to the lower IP, with the narrow centre console bridge housing control switches.
Raw structural elements like the roll bar and door cross beams are on show, which emphasizes the lightweight racing design, but other surfaces are given a luxurious feel with soft suede or textured carbon fibre cladding. The driver gets a skeletal bucket seat that is void of heavy padding and cushioning, while there is an empty space on the passenger side which could possibly be filled with a second seat. This proves that the concept has been created for one purpose: racing.
Raw structural elements like the roll bar and door cross beams are on show, which emphasizes the lightweight racing design, but other surfaces are given a luxurious feel with soft suede or textured carbon fibre cladding. The driver gets a skeletal bucket seat that is void of heavy padding and cushioning, while there is an empty space on the passenger side which could possibly be filled with a second seat. This proves that the concept has been created for one purpose: racing.
Compact and quirky, the Hyundai Inster EV embodies and evolution of Hyundai's distinct design language. A neutral colour scheme of muted browns and greys is punctuated only by a warm glow created by the lights inside a hollowed-out section of the IP. The 10.25-inch digital touchscreen sits alongside a digital driver cluster of the same size.
There is no dividing console between driver and front passenger. Instead, a separate panel of buttons and switches for climate control and seating adjustments extends from the bottom of the IP, with a deep storage bin too. This has been done to provide a sense of space up front, while the two other rows of seats can be altered in numerous layouts depending on passenger requirement. And as well as space, sustainability was also a key factor for designers, as many as the surfaces consist of recycled bottles and bio-polypropylene material extracred from sugarcane.
There is no dividing console between driver and front passenger. Instead, a separate panel of buttons and switches for climate control and seating adjustments extends from the bottom of the IP, with a deep storage bin too. This has been done to provide a sense of space up front, while the two other rows of seats can be altered in numerous layouts depending on passenger requirement. And as well as space, sustainability was also a key factor for designers, as many as the surfaces consist of recycled bottles and bio-polypropylene material extracred from sugarcane.