Modern cars are becoming increasingly packed with technology, but Kia believes driving enthusiasts are being overlooked as automakers prioritize safety systems, electrification and faster vehicle development. Graeme Gambold, Kia’s chief ride and handling engineer for Australia, says intrusive driver-assistance features and growing reliance on electronics are taking some of the enjoyment out of everyday driving.
Gambold’s comments highlight concerns about whether automakers are investing enough in traditional chassis engineering as the industry moves toward more software-driven vehicles.
Kia Engineer Criticizes Intrusive Driver Assistance Systems
Gambold expressed frustration with the difficulty of finding vehicles that deliver enjoyable driving dynamics without excessive safety-system intervention.
“It’s really hard to find a car that drives nicely. It’s really hard to find a car that has all the features but none of the safety intervention, as I don’t need it,” the engineer said.
His criticism is not directed at eliminating driver-assistance technology altogether. These systems have helped save lives, but Gambold’s concern centers on how intrusive they can become, potentially interfering with the driving experience rather than enhancing it.
Asked whether fun-to-drive cars are becoming a dying art, Gambold said that was not necessarily the case, although current market priorities have pushed enthusiasts further down the industry’s list of concerns.
Kia Continues to Invest in Chassis Tuning
Kia and Hyundai continue to maintain ride and handling tuning divisions in major markets, allowing their vehicles to be tailored to specific regional preferences.
That approach stands out at a time when automakers are under pressure to reduce costs. Kia remains willing to invest in market-specific chassis development rather than relying entirely on standardized engineering solutions.
Is China’s Rapid Development Changing Car Engineering?
The automotive industry is increasingly focused on launching new models at a faster pace, with pressure from China accelerating development in areas such as technology and electrification.
That push raises questions about how much attention automakers can devote to fundamental chassis engineering. Higher-end vehicles increasingly feature complex suspension systems, while active and adaptive suspension technology is becoming more widely available at lower price points.
Although these systems can improve vehicle behavior, their growing role also makes chassis engineering more dependent on electronics and software, adding complexity to modern vehicles.
There is also a question of whether advanced systems can compensate for weaknesses in basic chassis tuning. Greater reliance on electronic intervention may make it harder to determine how well a vehicle would perform without those technologies.
Mass-Market Cars Face a Different Challenge
As automakers race to develop vehicles more quickly, many buyers remain focused primarily on practical transportation from one destination to another.
That demand, combined with pressure to reduce costs and introduce new technology, gives manufacturers fewer incentives to prioritize engaging driving dynamics in mainstream models.
The industry may eventually move toward fully software-defined vehicles, a direction many automakers are already pursuing. However, Kia’s continued investment in chassis tuning shows that some manufacturers still see value in developing and calibrating a vehicle’s fundamental driving characteristics rather than relying primarily on active systems and software.
Gambold’s comments underscore the challenge facing automakers: balancing advanced technology and modern safety features with the traditional driving qualities that enthusiasts continue to value.
