Hyundai has presented at the Geneva Show the series model i30 hatchback and the new QarmaQ concept.The crossover Concept, which has been announced in a sketch published a few weeks ago by Hyundai, brings an important change of approach in what concerns the materials used in its composition.
While the traditional cars use metal and glass, QarmaQ is assembled from plastic materials made by GE Plastics. The QarmaQ concept is the result of the cooperation between the 2 companies and brings, as novelty, a vista of the kind that only a view from the chopper gives, because of the great surface of the plasticized windows from the car’s body.
By integrating GE’s polycarbonate glazing wrap-around and the GE Lexan windscreens, the body weight of the cars is reduced by almost 50 %. A unique technology characterizes Lexan screens: Exatec Technology. It’ s a technology through which a thin, protective layer of glass is deposited on the screen, which helps when protecting from scratching or effects of humidity. The material, much lighter than traditional glass used in automotive industry, also increases the impact resistance and both occupant and pedestrian safety. When talking about pedestrian safety, we can also mention the system that uses deformable sections under the concept’s body panels, which is able to absorb crush energy in case a collision with a person may happen.
GE Plastics’ High Performance Thermoplastic Composite (which is used for the horizontal body panels) manages to also save some weight. 900 recycled plastic bottles have been used when manufacturing other body panels.
The new concept is a showcase of 30 new technologies that will be found in the future Hyundai models. The car is the result of the hard work of Hyundai Motor Europe’s Design and Technical Center and it has been engineered in cooperation with GE Plastics. It will be ready to roll in 2008 to 2014.

Thin Bull Lambo have announced a lighter version of model Gallardo that is to make its debut at Geneva. Called “Superleggera”, this model is a replica given preventive to those rumours about a possible Ferrari F430 Challenge Stradale.The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera comes with robotized mechanical e-gear as standard, a sports package including shock absorbers and special suede-covered steering wheel. Available colours: Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Telesto Gray and Noctis Black. Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires (standard) on new Scorpius forged rims accentuate the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera.

Excitement at high level and maximum driving pleasure are provided thanks to 10 additional horsepower and a 154 lbs weight reduction, the new range-leading Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera.
It needs only 3.8 seconds to go from 0 to 62 mph; 0.2 seconds less than the basic model, and boasting speed and grit under other driving conditions which brings it to first position in its class.
The already low weight (when empty) has been decreased by Lamborghini engineers, by another 100 kg. This task was accomplished by using advanced materials and technologies. The engine hood is made of visible carbon fibre and transparent polycarbonate, a type of material that guarantees lightness and also shows off the magnificent V10. The rear diffuser and underbody covering, the rear-view mirrors, door panels and the central tunnel’s covering are also made of carbon fibre. Further reductions in weight were achieved by replacing certain glass surfaces with transparent polycarbonate. For the interior, monocoque carbon fibre sports seats covered in Alcantara were chosen to ensure restraint of the driver and passenger during the intense lateral accelerations that the Gallardo Superleggera is capable of achieving around curves.
Those with a “fat” bank account will be able to order the new Gallardo starting with March 2007, but the production volume will be smaller than the standard Gallardo model.