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It used to be that only minivans were designed from the inside out, but the latest crop of new production and concept vehicles coming out of the recent Detroit and Chicago auto shows illustrates that interiors are getting at least as much attention as exteriors these days.

Whether it is a luxurious cross/utility vehicle concept, or a sporty halo car such as the new Dodge Challenger, the interior plays a crucial role in establishing a new vehicle's image and personality.

For instance, Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln MKT concept CUV unveiled at the North American International Auto Show rides on the same platform as the forthcoming '09 Ford Flex but sports dramatically different sheet metal.

Peter Horbury, executive director of design-The Americas, says his team referred to the MKT as the “Learjet of the road” during the design phase.

Target customers will range from “business executives to families,” he says. “It shows the versatility of (Lincoln) DNA.”

Unlike the 7-passenger Flex, the MKT provides seating for four, with a cavernous bustle-back cargo hold behind the second-row seats. The cargo area can be separated via a power-lift system that raises and lowers a series of rails.

“The classic look provides massive storage capacity, crucial for any trip,” Ford says.

Rear-seat occupants get the full executive treatment, courtesy of heated and cooled thigh supports that deploy from under the seats. Backseat passengers also have the ability to fully recline thanks to footrests underneath the front seats.

The MKT's oversized seats are meant to emulate those found in first-class aircraft cabins, as is the abundance of legroom provided by the cabin configuration.

Ford says the concept's interior boasts soothing tone-on-tone colors, eco-friendly materials, ambient lighting and flexible storage.

The center stack features a new solid-state lighting technology that allows projections — previously relegated to flat surfaces — onto contoured surfaces in 3-D, Ford says.

Instrumentation also is decidedly high tech, with light-emitting diodes positioned so light appears to emanate from the center of three circular dials.

Ford makes use of a number of “upcycled” materials in the MKT, as well, including Valox iQ and Xenoy iQ, resins produced from discarded soft-drink bottles and other polyester waste. The resins are supplied by SABIC Innovative Plastics and are used in the body panels, energy absorbers and wire bundles.

These components traditionally required heat protection, Ford says, but the resins negate the need for such protection due to their inherent chemical composition. The resins also help dampen noise and vibration.

The MKT's long, low and wide exterior evokes a limousine-like appearance, while wide C-pillars provide a degree of privacy for rear passengers, the auto maker says. A transparent and lightweight polycarbonate plastic roof allows in ambient light.

While the MKT is a concept vehicle, Horbury says it is as “realistic as any production vehicle.”

Hyundai Motor America made its highly anticipated foray into the luxury segment with its new Genesis sedan that debuted at NAIAS. Its interior plays a key role in establishing the car's credibility as a competitor in the luxury market.

The car marks many firsts for Hyundai, including the auto maker's first V-8. But in the cabin, buyers will discover features similar to those found on competing luxury models, such as a soft-touch instrument panel, Bluetooth hands-free technology, a heated and cooled driver's seat and advanced audio and navigation systems.

Hyundai says other than the Rolls Royce Phantom, the Genesis is the only vehicle to offer a Lexicon audio system, which in the Genesis has 17 speakers and emits more than 500 watts.

Volkswagen AG joins Germany's 4-door coupe craze with the highly stylish Passat CC unveiled at NAIAS.

The new model is one of 12 vehicles VW CEO Martin Winterkorn promises to unleash over the next three years as VW looks to challenge Toyota Motor Corp. globally and make a bigger dent here in the U.S. market.

Visually striking is the car's large panoramic sunroof, which measures 29.5 ins. (75.0 cm) long and 44.1 ins. (112.0 cm) wide, covering the entire front passenger section up to the B-pillars.

Inside, the Passat CC features a new-generation radio and navigation system, with the top-of-the-line version offering what VW promises is an “intuitive” touch-screen interface. Images from the rear appear on the screen as part of the “Rear Assist” parking feature, also available in the new model.

Chrysler LLC suggests Chicago auto show visitors take a good look at the '08 Dodge Challenger SRT8, because they may not be on dealer lots very long. But the SRT8 is much more than a halo car company officials insist.

The Challenger SRT8 is an integral part of Chrysler's marketing plan, insiders tell Ward's. It has “long-range” implications, a source says, adding: “This is going to be a big part of our production.”

“Our designers wanted to capture the mind's-eye view of what people today remember about the Challenger from 35 years ago, but with today's quality and performance,” Chrysler design guru Trevor Creed says.

In keeping with a main tenet of Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology brand, the Challenger SRT8 features a race-inspired interior. Highlights include leather seating with beefed-up bolsters and an orange accent stripe.

But the trapezoidal theme of the door and gauge cluster, slanted shifter console and dark headliner are derived straight from the original Challenger.

“The dark headliner was very important to us when designing the interior,” says Brian Nielander, manager-Dodge Challenger exterior and interior design. “It not only stays true to the original Challenger, but it also gives a sinister, more business-like atmosphere.”

American Honda Motor Co. Inc.'s Acura luxury brand is looking to increase sales of its flagship RL with the refreshed '09 model, says Dick Colliver, executive vice president, at the Chicago auto show. And again, an improved interior is expected to play a role.

Particular attention has been paid to the RL's interior amenities. The AcuraLink satellite communication system now has real-time weather information, available on a single screen.

Bluetooth Audio is added to Acura's Bose 10-speaker audio system, as is “improved button legibility” and a USB port to plug in MP3 players.

Other new interior features include a 10-way power front-passenger seat and trim that more closely resembles real wood.

Rear-seat passenger room, a complaint of the original model, has been increased, Acura says.

“By the end of this year, I guarantee you won't mistake an Acura for anything on the road,” Colliver says, noting the new RL, which hits showrooms in April, and the all-new TSX and TL sedans, also due this year, will be “just the start” of Acura's renaissance.
— with reporting by Byron Pope, Christie Schweinsberg, David Zoia and Eric Mayne.