Kia has marked eight decades of automotive production by treating itself to a dramatic new concept car, called the Vision Meta Turismo. The eye-catching machine was unveiled at a big 80th birthday party event held at the Kia Vision Square in Yongin, South Korea.
Can we start with the Vision Meta Turismo itself, then, rather than the birthday party?
No problem. This latest concept car is said to embody Kia's vision for a new era of mobility. The Vision Meta Turismo is based on three 'core' experiences, which are: performance driving; immersive driving through digital interaction; and the spaciousness of a lounge ambience.
Kia wants the Vision Meta Turismo to pay homage to the speed and elegance of 1960s-style long-distance grand touring, so to start with, it has a striking and futuristic exterior design based on the 'Opposites United' philosophy of the Korean company. That sees the silhouette of the car blending soft surfaces with geometric elements, and there are even a few features on the outside which tie it in with the current model range - like that full-width light strip at the rear of the Vision Meta Turismo.
Looks nice. What about the cabin?
Kia says the design of the passenger compartment "enhances human-mobility interaction through digital technology and creates a highly immersive experience for both drivers and passengers, with unique design elements and a spacious layout”. This most pertinently pertains to the steering 'wheel', which is not in fact the familiar circular device (or even vaguely of that shape), but is one of the next generation of control systems in the form of a steering yoke. Make of that D-shaped contrivance what you will.
Beyond that, the augmented reality (AR) head-up display can deliver tailored user experiences to the occupants through one of three main digital modes - called Speedster, Dreamer and Gamer - by displaying its virtual graphics as if they are floating above the road in three-dimensional form. Very snazzy.
Sure is. Do we know anything about the specs?
Not yet, but Kia says it will unveil 'full information' on the Vision Meta Turismo in the near future, which could mean this is going to morph into a production model before too long. An all-electric replacement for the Kia Stinger, anyone?
Moving away from such conjecture at this point, Karim Habib - the executive vice president and head of Kia's global design - said of the concept car: "The Vision Meta Turismo embodies Kia's vision that integrates dynamic mobility and human-centred spaces. It is an expression of Kia's commitment to continually bring technologically advanced mobility and experiences that engage, stimulate, and inspire.”
Excellent, I look forward to hearing more about the VMT. What else happened at the 80th party?
The Kia 80th Anniversary Exhibition was on display in the square, with an overarching theme of 'The Legacy of Movement'. It featured Kia's heritage, ranging from some of its most distantly historical models to the latest products from the automaker. This exhibition in Yongin will be open to visitors until 2029, so you've got a few years yet to get over to Korea and see what it's all about.
If you want a precis, though, then know that the exhibition is split into eight Legacy display zones, each exploring certain themes and spotlighting associated vehicles from the first 80 years of Kia's manufacturing past.
These run: Wheel, looking at the inception of the company by Kim Cheol-ho and featuring the 3000-Liho bicycle, a K-360 three-wheeled commercial vehicle (CV), and the Brisa passenger car; Evolution, including the Bongo CV and the current PV5 electric MPV; People, which is centred on long-running models like the Sportage and Carnival; New Road, which looks at localised production and sales strategies, involving the Ceed, Cerato R, Sonet and Telluride; Identity, with some of the most successful models such as the Pride, Soul and Stinger; Progress, demonstrated by the 650hp EV6 GT; Inspiration, once again focusing on the Soul crossover; and Movement Archive, which chronicles Kia's evolution through 100 models in line with the brand philosophy of 'movement that inspires'.
All sounds very nice. What did some of the bigwigs who attended the event say about it?
Ho Sung Song, the president and CEO of Kia, said: "Drawing on the lessons learned from compiling Kia's 80-year history, we will reaffirm the spirit of determination that has driven us since our founding. At the same time, we are committed to preserving and sharing our heritage, including intangible assets, as a driving force for the future.”
And Euisun Chung, the executive chair of Hyundai Motor Group, added: "Kia's 80-year history has been a remarkable journey, an epic narrative. On behalf of Hyundai Motor Group, I extend my gratitude to everyone who has been part of Kia's 80-year legacy.”
Other members of the Kia senior executive leadership team attended the 80th birthday event, where they were joined by approximately 400 guests. All who were there were treated to a variety of performances and shows, including a solo piece by Kia Ambassador and multi-award-winning violinist, Clara-Jumi Kang.