Hyundai's QarmaQ Has Plstic Skin, Reduces Weight & Gas Use Any concept vehicle with a name derived from the word the Inuit’s use for their dwellings made of Earth, whalebone, and animal skins is bound to be interesting. Hyundai Europe's Design and Technical Center in Russelsheim, Germany partnered with GE Plastics in the Netherlands to create the QarmaQ – a quirky looking Crossover Coupé concept. One of the QarmaQ’s key features is its innovative use of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles to create a large portion of the vehicle’s skin. GE says the use of plastics, instead of more traditional metal and glass, gives the vehicle a 130-pound weight savings. That weight loss equates to 20 gallons a year savings in gas, not to mention fewer plastic bottles clogging up the local landfill. These numbers are nothing to scoff when you think of all the cars on the road. The Green theme extends further as the vehicle use less paint and other chemicals that create massive amounts of greenhouse gases. Hyundai said some of the production techniques used in the QarmaQ could roll out beginning with the 2008 model year. “QarmaQ demonstrates our commitment to safety innovation and our determination to bring more environmentally responsible technologies to the market,” said Dr. Kwon Moon-Shik, Hyundai Motors vice president of advanced technology. “QarmaQ will provide Hyundai owners with a safer, more environmentally responsible car and a better driving experience.” We couldn’t agree more. What We Think: Plastic, green, and it looks good – who knew? With its hatch-like doors, oddly compelling design, and a ‘stolen from Logan’s Run’ interior, the clean-burning diesel QarmaQ is a green futurist dream car.
Like the article says, when you think of all the cars there are out on the road today it is. Just think if you could reduce gas consumption of all automobiles on the road by 20 gallons. That would be significant. Of course, the first thing that needs to be done is actually getting more fuel efficient cars on the road first. More action, less talk.
also, it runs on clean burning diesel, which in itself is great for the environment. Couple that with the trend moving towards bio-diesel and you're making a big step in the right direction.
Nice futuristic look. The only thing missing is the ability to transform into a robot and become my best friend while fighting Decepticons. But I doubt this model makes it from concept to production looking like that. It will probably look like a Honda Civic clone by the time the design passes through management.
