Thomas Burkl, chief designer of Hyundai, in an interview with the editor-in-chief of “Behind the Wheel. RF” shares his view on the “Flowing Sculpture” style and the future of the brand.
Thomas Burke
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- The “Flowing Sculpture” style unites all Hyundai models. It was developed for brand recognition in the stream of cars, so that our Hyundai differed from Volkswagen or Ford. I think we succeeded, moreover, our cars look more emotional. Remember Getz - a great, strong, well-established machine, but it lacked emotion. Now we turn to the hearts of customers so that they do not remain indifferent. From these positions, we approach cars of all classes.
It is as if we are moving away from strict forms. Flowing lines, for example on i40, were born from the motives of the forms of ancient Korean temples. Everyone knows that their roofs are not straight, but concave. It was they who inspired the designers. My first show car for the Hyundai Ginos was shown at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. Even then, a hexagonal-shaped radiator was clearly identified in the design. Today we see the embodiment of ideas in the i40. I am pleased with my work because my approach also pleased our customers.
I-Oniq concept car
I-Oniq concept car i-Oniq concept car i-Oniq concept car
- How much does your design satisfy customers around the world, because Hyundai sells cars in Korea, Europe and America?
- My work is more focused on car design for Europe, which includes Russia. Of course, we will coordinate actions with Korean headquarters and global marketing. But we have cars focused on the American market, such as the Sonata or i40. The “Flowing Sculpture” style was perfectly embodied in crossovers, on which its three-dimensional component is sharper. A good example is the ix35.
I-Oniq concept car
I-Oniq concept car i-Oniq concept car i-Oniq concept car, driver's seat
- Does it mean that butterfly-type doors shown on the i-Oniq concept car will appear on future models of the company?
- No, the doors that open upwards are specially made for the exhibition, in order to give an opportunity to all interested to better consider the interior. But if such a decision appears in the series, it will be an exclusive car. I will not hide, we are nurturing the idea of creating a sports car that would emphasize our achievements as one of the world's leading automotive designers. Perhaps the future sports car will incorporate something from the concept shown here.
I-Oniq concept car
I-Oniq concept car i-Oniq concept car i-Oniq concept car
- Yesterday, the concept itself went to the podium. So this is a real car?
- Yes, this is a driving prototype with a hybrid installation and an increased radius of movement on electric traction. Without the inclusion of internal combustion engines, i-Oniq can travel 120 km, and using the internal combustion engine as a generator, all 700 can travel. So this concept is interesting not only in terms of design, but also in terms of future technologies.
