According to John Paxton, Senior Designer at Kia Design Center America, “the centerpiece of the interior is the touch panel wing display. I wanted to have all of the traditional controls condensed into one slim fluid panel. A panel which in and of itself would say ‘future’ as soon as you sat in the vehicle, an embracement of moving forward and keeping in touch with the fast progressing technologies around us.”
“The center console, door armrest, and overhead console have a floating feel to continue the theme of lightness and airiness. All of which incorporate touch panel switches in place of traditional switchgear,” he added.
“With such a slippery exterior design, I felt it appropriate to echo this aesthetic in the interior with very fluid forms, reinforcing the sportiness and athleticism of the vehicle. We wanted a continuous flow exterior to interior, so the hexagon motif that is used throughout the exterior is extended into the interior details. A warm felt floor accents the light interior palette.”
“We wanted a modern, yet also inviting feel, nothing cold or dark, and nothing overtly masculine. Within the felt floor are rubber inserts that again repeat the hexagonal motif.”
The Ray Concept is powered by a 53-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) 1.4l engine, paired with a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). To help the all-aluminum unit, Kia deployed a 78kw electric motor.
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