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Peter Schreyer designs the future of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis

Peter Schreyer now leads the design teams at Hyundai, Kia, and the new Genesis brand. He has the difficult task of differentiating the three brands aesthetically, even if they share mechanical components. A new profile about the designer by Bloomberg shows just how much he means to the Korean brands, and it's well worth a read. According to Bloomberg, Schreyer has distinctive ideas for the Korean brands' design. A Kia should look sporty and appeal to young buyers. In contrast, a Hyundai would be for someone who prefers a minimalist design. So far, Genesis is blending those traits for its Athletic Elegance design language. Schreyer went to Kia from Volkswagen Group in 2006, and his mission was to revolutionize the Korean's brand's boring look. He succeeded with sharper, more modern designs for vehicles like the Optima and Sorento that arrived after he took over. He did such a good job there that Hyundai-Kia Motor Group appointed him as its first non-Korean president at the end of 2012. He also now oversees former Lamborghini designer Luc Donckerwolke at the Genesis luxury brand. Bloomberg speaks with industry analysts and other designers to get a better idea of Schreyer's meaning to the company. The piece presents him as an easygoing person who knows exactly how each vehicle should look. If you want to get a better Schreyer and his work at Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, the story is worth checking out. Related Video:

IED Torino students dream up the PassoCorto for Hyundai

Every year the students at the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Turin work up something new to unveil at the Geneva Motor Show. It's usually a concept for an Italian automaker (like the Alfa Romeo Gloria, the Cisitalia 202 E or the Abarth ScorpION) or at least something European (like the concepts they worked up with McLaren or the ones they did for Aston Martin). But this time they've wandered a little farther from home in designing a sports car for Hyundai.
It's called the PassoCorto - Italian for "short wheelbase" - and it was designed in collaboration between the grad students in the Master in Transportation Design program (under the supervision of Pininfarina design Luca Borgogno) and the Hyundai's European design center.
The design (theoretically) calls for a 1.6-liter twin-turbo four, mounted amidships and driving 266 horsepower to the rear wheels. It looks pretty promising, and if Hyundai were ever keen on taking on the likes of the Alfa Romeo 4C and Porsche Cayman, this strikes us as a damn good place to start.

Hyundai is showing a walking pod robot car for CES

Appropriate to its proximity to Area 51, CES 2019 is bringing out the sci-fi side of Hyundai. For this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which has quickly become one of the most important auto shows in the world, Hyundai ideated a multi-terrain pod that uses legs attached to wheels. It's called Elevate. This is one of the first ideas we have seen from Hyundai CRADLE, the Center for Robotic-Augmented Design in Living Experiences. Formerly Hyundai Ventures, CRADLE was formed for venture capital, collaboration with startups, and concept development, with investments focusing on robotic and intelligent systems, eco-friendly technologies, mobility, materials and manufacturing technology, and concept vehicles. The Elevate incorporates numerous aspects of these goals with a concept vehicle that incorporates robotics and electric mobility. In the photo here, it is shown in potential application for search and rescue missions. Because the pod uses wheels and robotic legs together, it can cross rugged terrain and even climb obstacles. Oddly, though, we wonder why something that heavy is depicted on top of rubble where they seem to be searching for survivors. Maybe that area has already been cleared. Hyundai hasn't offered specs or details on Elevate yet. It might at full launch, but it appears the Elevate runs on battery power and is about as tall as the workers. Stay tuned for more info in the coming week. Related Video: