Hyundai QarmaQ Concept
If you're like us, you probably think there is entirely too much plastic used on today's automobiles. But Hyundai's QarmaQ, a crossover ute design study produced in cooperation with GE Plastics, makes ingenious use of various high-performance composites and thermoplastics that take the place of traditional metal, glass and other materials, more than 30 applications in all. There are five areas where QarmaQ gets the GE Plastics treatment, most notably in what's called the 'Elastic Front,' which uses various techniques and materials to help with pedestrian crash safety -- a big issue in Europe. Other areas include the exterior, with Lexan transparent plastic used instead of glass, as well as multiple areas in the interior, lighting and underhood connectors and wire coatings. And in addition to all the fancy new plastic, it's not a bad looking crossover, to boot.