Guangzhou presents its First Concept Car

Guangzhou Auto Group Co. (GAC), a Chinese automotive maker, has created its first hybrid concept car, which will be displayed at AutoGuangzhou 2007.

GAC will be using the glazing solutions from SABIC Innovative Plastics (a leading materials supplier to the China market) and Torino Design (Italian design house). The traditional glass will be replaced by Lexan GLX polycarbonate (PC) resin glazing with Exatec coating. The material will create an edgy style along with lower weight for better performance, handling, and fuel economy.

The PC was created as a stunning component to provide an art to the five-door minivan-style Guangzhou hybrid concept. With such unique and complex glazing designs, the A-HEV offers more compelling vehicle experience.

According to Eric Herman, general manager, Automotive, China, SABIC Innovative Plastics, “Our participation in this landmark project attests to SABIC Innovative Plastics’ strong and growing presence in China’s automotive industry.” “It has been an honor to play a key role in the design of this beautiful and practical concept vehicle. Our Lexan GLX glazing technology enabled Guangzhou Automobile Group’s designers to break new ground in styling and practicality – in fact, many of the components simply could not have been created in any material but Lexan GLX resin. We look forward to expanding our work with China’s automakers by bringing the aesthetic and performance benefits of lightweight, impact-resistant glazing solutions to consumers,” he added.

The GAC hybrid concept vehicle will be featuring door and fender inserts, a panoramic roof that flows seamlessly into the windscreen, and a two-part tailgate window. Those features have been designed with the use of Lexan GLX PC glazing with Exatec coating technology. They will be integrated with printing, defrost, and hidden antenna.

Lexan GLX glazing will provide an amazing combination of design flexibility (to promote creativity and part consolidation), light weight (to boost fuel economy) and impact resistance (for occupant safety).

Comparing it with the traditional glass, the Lexan GLX resin can be transformed into complicated three-dimensional shapes. The material will weigh half of the weight of the glass, mainly to optimize fuel efficiency and eventually reduce emissions.

Roberto Piatti, CEO and managing director of Torino Design, said, “The A-HEV design is notable for its extensive use of glazing to eliminate traditional barriers between the vehicle’s occupants and the landscape for a more intense and immediate driving experience. The sleek, single-piece panorama roof and windscreen provide visibility comparable to a convertible without sacrificing safety, and the door/fender inserts provide a unique side view of the road. The two-part tailgate window gives the A-HEV a distinctive appearance from the rear.”

Overall, this technology is seemingly a potential key for enhanced hybrid conceptualization and one that will capture the buyers who consider practicality along with elegant design and impressive vehicle performance.