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Hyundai Kite: Hyundai and IED Have Teamed up Once Again…

By Bryan D on March 20, 2018

There’s been an instance in the past when Hyundai have collaborated with the Istituto Europeo di Design – an Italian design school respected for their innovation and class. But, their latest joint venture has produced something which highlights how much creativity flows in effective relationships between brands and talented designers. After completing the project not too long ago, they decided to unveil it at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

It’s been labelled as the Hyundai Kite, and it’s a hybrid concept which sees a two-seater dune buggy transition into a single-seater jet-ski within minutes. Essentially, you could go from the Atacama Desert in Chile – somewhere that is starved of water – to the Atlantic Ocean – something the complete opposite in the same vehicle. Crazy, eh?

Speaking on the teamwork between 15 IED master’s course students and Hyundai, Thomas Burkle, the Chief Designer at Hyundai Design Centre Europe, stated –

“Design is the number on reason why our customers in Europe choose Hyundai cars. We are always evolving our design to reflect modern lifestyle, which is out key to success. We are delighted to contribute to the development of young talents in Europe who will be designing the cars of the future. The Hyundai Kite is a great result of an exceptional partnership.”

You see, the Hyundai Kite is arguably so cool because it has had huge influence from young, hungry designers from the IED school. Without vibrant and fresh thinking, Hyundai won’t be able to sustain their reputation for being a leader in Europe for design. Riccardo Balbo, from IED Italy, back up that claim –

“During these fifteen years, the Geneva audience got used to the design challenged and considerations proposed by IED. The idea that drives an international network to take part to such an important venue is to give free rein to a young and uncontrolled energy, re-organise it under the direction of important partners, developing visions and train designers with good skills and a promising future.”

No actual specs have been provided yet, and the reveal was probably down to showing off their design capabilities going forward. Nevertheless, we still found out that it would 3,745 MM long, and 1,455 MM in height. Plus, the electric propulsion, four brushless engines, water jet turbine and intuitive technology ensures it will be an extremely fun vehicle.

Who wouldn’t want a half-dune-buggy, half-jet-ski?

Tags: HyundaiConcept CarsTechnology