To make beautiful cars, Hyundai spends time designing things you can't even see
Sanjay · Jan 7, 2022 01:45 PM
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Conventional ideas of design usually concerns what can only be seen on the surface, but this being Hyundai, their ideas can be a little bit unconventional. Case in point: their intricate designing of what's commonly invisible.
See that crease by the door jamb? That's the Gray Zone design in action
Termed 'Gray Zone Design', this is Hyundai's way of introducing some zing to areas usually unseen, like the car's floor, inner panels, intake/exhaust parts, joints between doors, and even the nuts and bolts used.
Going beyond traditional design
The mounting points and intricacies are usually filled in by the time the car reaches production
But what's the 'Gray Zone'? This refers to the process between engineering design, and the car's aesthetic design. In other words, the Gray Zone are parts that can only be seen when the door is opened, or when the trim surrounding them are removed.
This means parts like the car's floor, engine bay, panels usually hidden, and even thevery nuts and bolts used have their own aesthetic touches to them.
An example of BIW, this is the Genesis GV60
To look at them clearly, one needs to see the car's basic skeleton (Body in White, BIW). This refers to the state in which the frame and panels of the car are assembled, but everything are exposed as they are. No sound deadening, no paint, nothing – just a bare-boned look at a car's functional structure.
As much as they may initially seem, these aren't mindless exercises in self-indulgence as some parts can also be visible such as during maintenance or refueling. But above all it's also an opportunity for the different brands under Hyundai Motor Group to solidify their position.
One philosophy, different takes
For Hyundai and Kia cars, the engine covers are meant to convey a sense of solidness and functionality, while pure-electric cars like the Ioniq and Kia's EV range are meant to look 'high-tech'.
Conversely Hyundai's pop-and-bangs N line-up of cars get dynamic engine covers, while Genesis ones have an air of luxury to them.
Same goes to the underbody panels, in which different brands under the Hyundai Motor Group umbrella further seperates themselves from one another through different looks.
Genesis GV60 charging port housing has unique indicator lights
If you've been in awe with recent Hyundai/Kia designs, then this is part of your answer: sometimes designing the unseen is the crucial step in making the entire package pop.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
