SsangYong's latest concept, the LIV-1, has taken their 'interface' theme a step further; the acronym stands for Limitless Interface Vehicle and it's all about how man and machine communicate, as smoothly and as seamlessly as possible.
It's a big, robust SUV, 4.87 metres long, 1.95 metres wide and 1.85 metres high, with large bumpers at both ends, an automated side-step, a big glasshouse with slim A and B pillars reminiscent of the original 1970 Range Rover, a full-length glass roof and a fully-electronic all-wheel drive system controlled via - you guessed it - an interface.
Flexibility is the key design concept for the interior, with 'limitless potential' for the driver to create their own driving environment, in an upmarket environment of piano black trim with contrasting aluminium detailing.
3S-CUBE
The car-driver interface is based on the 3S-Cube, the core of SsangYong's future technology, combining the elements of Smart Link, Safe Way and Special Sense to allow the vehicle to be remote-controlled using a smart device and to provide entertainment both inside and outside.
Smart Link is a roof-and-glass system created from nanotube technology that removes frost quickly via remote control for safe winter driving, while Safe Way actively prevents collisions in blind spots and at intersections.
Special Sense allows the driver to re-arrange the instrument panel to suit themselves, as well as setting up the sound, seats and interior lighting to create a bespoke personal driving space.
In total there are no less than five touchscreen displays where car and occupant can communicate, including a 250mm monitor in the centre stack and a 180mm monitor in the headrest.
The LIV-1 follows the XIV (eXciting User-Interface Vehicle) series and SIV-1 (Smart Interface Vehicle) shown at Geneva earlier this month, showing the design direction the brand is taking and what can be expected in the future.