Hyundai's Future Design is Basically a Porsche

Hyundai has unveiled what its future EVs could look like with the Prophecy. Supposedly a clear expression of their latest design philosophy, Sensuous Sportiness and their “ultimate automotive form,” it’s basically a Porsche with a Hyundai badge. I mean, just look at it.

The Korean team behind the Prophecy says it’s expanding on last year’s 45 Concept EV, but at least that one brings a bit of retro and mixes it with Blade Runner-like futurism. This one? It’s a Taycan in black paint. Still, Hyundai says there’s no Germanic influence here. Instead, the Prophecy is supposed to look like a perfectly weathered pebble.

Regardless, at least the Prophecy makes use of the fact that it runs on an EV platform. With that, the cabin pretty much spans the entire length and width of the car. Moreover, Hyundai believes it’s got the steering wheel of the future—a pair of joysticks that pivot left and right. The carmaker says it’s much more comfortable than the traditional tiller.

As with any bonkers concept, don’t expect the Hyundai Prophecy to arrive in dealerships as is. That being said, certain elements of it will likely make it to production. Let’s hope though that by that time, it’ll look more Porsche and less Hyundai.

Is Hyundai Making a High-Performance All Electric Vehicle?

Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design philosophy is coming to EVs, and it’ll be previewed by the Prophecy which will be shown in full at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show.

The new concept is accentuated by curves flowing over the broad rear blanks with a boat-tail line, created by the rear quarter panels, complemented by an integrated spoiler and pixel lamp taillights.

“‘Prophecy’ does not follow trends. It accentuates timeless beauty that will stand the test of time,” said SangYup Lee, Head of Hyundai Global Design Center. “ Its iconic design stands to expand Hyundai’s design spectrum toward even broader horizons.”

The name “Prophecy” reflects the concept’s purpose, defining the direction of future Hyundai designs, while establishing itself as a design icon for Hyundai’s EV lineup.

Hyundai Could Be Chasing After Supras With This 390-Horsepower Sportscar

It sure looks like a beefed-up Veloster, but beneath this weird looking exterior could be Hyundai’s high-performance future. How high-performance? Well, it’s time to think supercar levels.

Designed under the leadership of Albert Biermann, former BMW handling guru and now head of global research and development for Hyundai, the RM19 or “Racing Midship” 19 is ready to catapult the Korean carmaker to the big leagues with its “supercar-level handling balance and low-polar-moment-of-inertia agility for outstanding connection to the tarmac at all speeds and driving conditions.”

Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injected engine based off Hyundai’s TCR racecars, the RM19 produces 390 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h of about 4 seconds. And unlike its racecars which are affected by “Balance of Performance” adjustments, the RM19 doesn’t have any of these restrictions. Thus, it offers racecar-like levels of performance, balance, braking and grip while retaining daily road-going capability.

Confirmed as an engineering testbed for now, the Hyundai RM platform is versatile—enabling it to fit not just a turbocharged engine, but even electrified powertrains as well.

The question is, will Hyundai actually build a supercar out of the RM platform? Well, they’re currently coy about it. However, Thomas Schemera, executive vice president and head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Product Division didn’t mince words and said that Hyundai has the aspirations to take the high-performance Hyundai N brand “into the prestigious area of supercar-level performance.” Furthermore, it’s been revealed that Biermann “isn’t doing these just for kicks.” If that’s really the case, don’t expect a Hyundai supercar to hit the road soon. The earliest they’ll come up with one would be sometime beyond 2022.

For the uninitiated, the “N” in Hyundai N stands for Namyang, home to Hyundai Motor’s global R&D Center in Korea since 1995, where the N concept was born, and for the Nürburgring, home to Hyundai Motor’s European Test Center. The close connection between Namyang and the Nürburgring created the foundation for N, building upon the company’s motorsport experience to bring thrilling road dynamics for those customers who truly love driving. The ‘N’ logo itself embodies this idea, as it symbolizes a classic road course chicane.

Hyundai Previews Next-Generation Tucson with the Vision T Concept

Hyundai is showing off what its next-generation Tucson compact SUV could look like with the Vision T Plug-In Hybrid SUV Concept. The seventh model in a series of concepts from the Hyundai Design Center, it is a strong indication that the upcoming Tucson will finally carry the Sensuous Sportiness design concept.

In designing the Vision T, Hyundai designers used parametric elements throughout. Additionally, it also takes on the hidden signature lamp—an element first seen in the Le Fil Rouge concept. Hyundai is particularly proud of this element and says it will be integral in their design.

Meanwhile, the side profile is said to convey a sense of speed and forward motion. It has a long hood, a level roofline, short overhangs, and a long wheelbase—contrasting prevailing compact crossover designs. Measuring in at 4,610 mm in overall length, the Vision T Concept rides on a 2,804-mm wheelbase—the longest in the compact crossover class.

The Hyundai 45 Concept Shows Koreans Now Look at Iconic Models for Inspiration

Hyundai is having one eye looking firmly at the past, while showing off a concept of the future: meet their 45, an electric vehicle concept that fuses the Korean carmaker’s heritage while also showing off their advancements in electrification and autonomous driving tech.

The first vehicle from Korea that draws inspiration from an iconic model from the past, in this case, the 1974 Pony Coupe Concept, which was unveiled, aptly 45 years ago, the Hyundai 45 uses 45-degree angles at the front and rear to form a diamond-shaped silhouette that indicates Hyundai’s direction in their EV design.

Like a certain Japanese carmaker, the Hyundai 45 strips away complex lines, moving towards a clean, minimalistic look—a further evolution of their Sensuous Sportiness design. The headlamps themselves are cubic in design, making the Hyundai 45 instantly recognizable.

At the bottom of the door, a special garnish highlights its long-distance battery capability and, through active LED lights, drivers can intuitively know how much longer they can drive even before they get in the car. Cameras also replace traditional side mirrors allowing the 45 to mark a start to Hyundai’s self-driving car dreams. The system even has an embedded turntable that rotates the lens past a brush to ensure perfect visibility at all times.

Inside, the Hyundai 45 is minimalist in design. Inspired by furniture, it fuses wood, fabric, and leather. The seats can be made to rotate allowing passengers to face each other, while the infotainment system itself is interfaced with a projection-beam interface.

While the design of the Hyundai 45 is clearly just for show, what’s more important is what’s found underneath. Using a skateboard floor, the 45 keeps its battery and drivetrain stored underneath the cabin creating a larger, more usable space despite a compact footprint.