QOROS
2 SUV PHEV CONCEPT
The
Qoros 2 SUV PHEV Concept is a sub-compact SUV design study with plug-in hybrid
technology. Featuring a striking new design theme, it is conceived to appeal to
trendy, creative young people. It points to possible future design, technology
and product expansion strategies for the brand.
At
this year's Shanghai Motor Show, Qoros is unveiling the Qoros 2 SUV PHEV
Concept, offering a look into the possibilities for the brand's future.
Featuring a striking new design theme, the Qoros 2 Concept is a design study
that was conceived as a possible future entrant into the world's fastest
growing passenger car segment, the B-segment.
The
concept car signals Qoros' intentions to tackle new market segments with new
technologies in the future. Qoros already has three production cars, the Sedan,
the Hatch and City SUV, all of which sit within the C-segment.
The
Qoros 2 Concept features contemporary and rugged SUV design features combined
with dynamic coupe upper body lines to showcase the vehicle's muscular stance.
A new and highly distinctive design impression is created through details such
as vertically-orientated front and rear lamp clusters and an open V-shaped
front bumper.
With
advanced plug-in hybrid electric technology incorporated within its 4WD
drivetrain, the Qoros 2 SUV PHEV Concept car will appeal to young, open-minded
and efficiency-conscious metropolitan consumers. Charging is undertaken via a
process inspired by the aerospace industry's "Don't touch a cable"
principle, and represents an industry first.
Exterior
design
The
2 Concept combines Shanghai spirit with German-inspired design. The colours and
finishes used pay homage to Chinese tradition. The exterior colour is 'Misty
Cyan', a light green/blue inspired by 'Ru Kiln' porcelain, used during the Song
Dynasty and still very popular today. The red accent details are 'Cinnabar
Red'. Cinnabar is a material that can produce a deep red ink, and has been used
in Chinese art for centuries.
The
2 Concept features a long wheel base, short overhangs and a wide track,
offering a reassuringly planted and rugged road presence. Styling of the lower
body is strong and wide generating a muscular impression while reinforcing the
same feeling of safety and security as expressed by the current models. Coupe
styling lines of the upper body produce an emotive and sporty appeal.
The
2 Concept is the first car Qoros has designed to showcase a new vertical
styling theme, presenting a rugged, masculine appearance to signal Qoros'
future move into the B-segment.
The
lamp clusters at both the front and rear now feature a vertical design, moving
away from the current horizontal theme as seen on the Hatch, Sedan and City
SUV. Extending up and over the quarter panels, the lamp clusters give a dynamic
impression of movement. The vertical theme continues into the front bumpers
which flank the edge of the vehicle, extending from the top of the headlamp
cluster and continuing down through the fog lamps. The bumper features an open
V-shape that dominates its muscular face. The face also features a lower chrome
trapezoidal front grille frame, the lower edge of which forms a protective
front skidplate.
Air
intakes in the front bumper have been designed to channel the airflow to cool
the front brakes. The roof spoiler and rear diffuser optimise the aerodynamic
flow, while extended wheel arches add to the bold, solid look.
A
floating roofline and high waistline add a touch of elegance and class to this
rugged vehicle. Roof rails add load-carrying practicality and lower bodyside
protective cladding inserts accentuate the masculine robustness of the car.
The
2 Concept is still unmistakably a Qoros. The signature Qoros design DNA can
still be seen throughout the car. The LED strips in the tail lamp cluster
feature the power of three theme, as seen on the Sedan, Hatch and City SUV. The
rear window line still features the hockey stick design while the circular
design articulation of the front lamp clusters, fog lights and tailpipes is
similar to that of the current production models.
The
Qoros 2 SUV PHEV Concept features a panoramic glass roof, which makes for a
light and airy passenger cabin while incorporating a Chinese pattern in white
jade. The pattern is traditionally used in Chinese windows, and synonymous with
the layout of "Siheyuan" a historical unique folk house in the
Hutongs in Beijing with a long history in Chinese architecture. A QR code has
been embedded within the design of the roof graphics, directing viewers to the
Qoros website. The driver's side rear wheel also pays homage to the Chinese
Year of the Goat celebration with a special rim inlay design.
Looking
more closely at the car, there are nine name 'stamps' featured throughout the
exterior and interior. These reflect the nine design team members that worked
on the car, but also have a deeper meaning. In mandarin, Nine九 (pinyin: jiŭ) sounds exactly
like 久 (jiǔ)
- which means "long lasting" or "a long time" and therefore
is often used in weddings. But the number nine also describes something
"big" or "more'. This reflects the fact that more than just nine
designers and technicians were involved to make this project happen.
Interior
design
Simple,
minimalist interior design is based on bold graphics and incorporates some
signature cabin designs from today's existing production cars, such as elegant
horizontal lines and the 'floating' upper instrument panel. The colours carry
on the exterior design theme, with white elements designed to reflect the look
of white Tallow Jade, and other features light clay shades and natural
materials like bamboo. In combination with cold metallic features and Cyan
ambient light it develops a modern and futuristic appearance.
An
innovative digital instrument cluster displays all the information the driver
needs in a full colour display and is linked to the pop-up drive mode
controller in the floor console.
The
climate control system incorporates multi-zone temperature control allowing
each occupant to personalise their own settings with the temperature displayed
in the centre of each air vent for true individual control.
As
with all Qoros vehicles, the Qoros Multi Media Hub (MMH) is the central focus
of the dash, through which the latest version of Qoros' cloud-enhanced
connected services platform, QorosQloud, can be accessed.
The
Qoros 2 SUV PHEV Concept boasts exceptional, class leading interior space with
a seating position which provides greater visibility of the vehicle's
surroundings. An elevated seating position gives a commanding view of the
environment for a feeling of safety and security, and is ideally suited to both
urban and active lifestyles.
The
interior space provides excellent practicality thanks to long doors for easy
entry and exit, while a wide rear tailgate opening and low load height makes it
easy to load larger and heavier items, perfect for active weekend pursuits.
The
interior is highly versatile, a cutaway floor console incorporates a large
storage space while the trunk has many individual storage compartments to
ensure it provides the flexibility demanded by the modern consumer's active
lifestyle; running shoes, for example, can be stored in a sealed compartment to
prevent odours from entering the passenger cabin; other compartments could be
used to securely store valuable equipment out of sight.
Vehicle
technology
The
Qoros 2 SUV PHEV Concept incorporates a number of innovative technologies with
the four-wheel drive stemming from advanced plug-in hybrid electric technology.
The latest ultra-high density batteries – incorporated into the chassis floor
structure – and two high-capacity electric motors power the rear wheels through
an Electric Rear Axle (ERA) drive system.
The
next-generation highly-efficient small displacement turbocharged gasoline
engine powers the front wheels.Drivers
can choose a range of driving modes through the pop up controller that rises
from the floor console:
·
Hybrid-specific
apps are included as part of QorosQloudTM, providing constantly updated
remaining range estimations based on various electric and gasoline drive modes
combined with live traffic, weather conditions and driving styles. The driver
can use a pop-up drive mode controller that rises from the floor console to
select one of several drive modes.
The
2 Concept incorporates innovative charging technology that has been inspired by
aircraft fuelling, an automotive industry first. A foldable charging 'probe' –
containing the electric charging socket – is hidden under a cover at the lower
leading edge of the windscreen; it will automatically rise at the touch of a
button on the dash.
Based
on the "Don't touch a cable" principle that is stipulated for the
aerospace industry, the electric charging probe unfolds to a specific height to
meet 'receiver sockets' on charge point pods at the kerb, in car lot charging
bays or installed in garages at home. This innovative charging system means
drivers never need to get hands dirty by touching charging socket covers and
cables, and makes the charging operation safer.
An
alternative underfloor contactless inductive charging plate is also available
for future 'on-the-move' and static road surface charging systems.