HYUNDAI HCD6 CONCEPT CAR
This concept car provides a strong indication of where Hyundai is going in
the sporty car market," said David Weber, Vice President, Marketing
at Hyundai Motor America. "The HCD6 is a car that is fun to drive,
fun to look at and fun to own. When you can just look at a car and have it
put a smile on your face, it's a winner."
The Hyundai HCD6 is aimed at those drivers who are young at heart and use
their vehicles as an expression of freedom. "We feel the HCD6 will
appeal to young people and to baby boomers who enjoy driving with the wind
in their hair," Weber added.
STYLING
The Hyundai HCD6 Roadster was styled by the talented team at the HATCI
California Design studio in Fountain Valley, California, located near the
famed shores of Newport Beach. The two-seat open top roadster has many
unique design features including detached, floating front and rear carbon
fiber bumpers, a clear, see-through engine cover and high-mount exhaust.
"The most striking feature is a deeply sculpted side air intake
system," said HCD Senior Designer Dragan Vukadinovic who led the
exterior design team on the HCD6. "The entire side of the car serves
as ducting to the engine. This design also improves aerodynamics by taking
normally turbulent wheel well air, smoothing it out and using it for
engine cooling." A striking design deserves a striking paint job and
the HCD6 is finished with a unique teal and dark purple color using an
experimental pigment supplied by DuPont. The three-stage Mysteria paint
system allows the HCD6 to change color from dark purple to teal, based on
the angle of viewing. The front end features distinctive prismatic
headlights. Eight lighting elements are fed from an efficient centralized
"light engine" and delivered via fiber optics to the lights. The
outboard projector beam lights turn with the front wheels providing the
driver with a clear view ahead for spirited night driving.
The rear deck of the Hyundai HCD6 slopes away from the seats and displays
the 2.7-liter V6 engine via a see-through engine cover. Dual fuel inlets
reflect the performance spirit of the HCD6. The high-mount exhaust sits
above the floating rear bumper and it is surrounded by a ceramic heat
shield.
Hyundai's new concept roadster sits on high-performance 245/45-18 run-flat
tires mounted on custom-machined billet alloy wheels. The unique design of
the wheels was inspired by the shape of a propeller.
The engine is a modified, high-performance version of the sophisticated
2.7-liter DOHC Hyundai V6 engine used in the Santa Fe sport utility. The
high-performance engine is matched to a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual
transmission.
INTERIOR
The cockpit of the Hyundai HCD6 roadster is a simple, functional place for
enjoying the driving experience. A unique single roll bar rises from the
center console. "This design provides protection and, by being in
line with the axis of the car, improves aerodynamics as well," said
Andrew Kort, Senior Designer at the Hyundai California Design Studio and
the person responsible for the design of the interior.
"The open, structural shapes were inspired by windsurfing and kite
flying. For example, the panel section has a unique concave shape
representing a sail filling with air," he added.
The simple, minimal console acts as a bridge across the "open
air." There are only two knobs visible on the instrument panel, the
control knob for the stereo system and the control knob for the HVAC. The
stereo control also functions as the lid for the CD/MP3 player.
The simple and straightforward design carries through to the dashboard
instruments. A large, round analog tachometer is complemented by a
speedometer. Two smaller gauges (fuel and oil pressure) float in the
concave dial section.
The remaining instruments provide information only when necessary via a
warning light system. The dials on the gauges feature a unique pointer and
dual magnifying feature inspired by classic watch face design. The round
dial fits into a tall, narrow shroud that resembles a windsurfing sail.
The door trim carries on the minimal, simple theme with the armrest,
speaker grille and courtesy lamp all enclosed in a single, lightweight
enclosure. The see-through Lexalite enclosure has a triangular theme that
is repeated throughout the interior and includes the knobs and the seat
itself.
The enclosure is stepped off the door panel, echoing the sensation of
being filled with air. The interior features unique materials including
Lexalite acrylic panels on the doors, center console and instrument
cluster. A lightweight, stretch fabric is used on the doors and seats. The
entire interior is tied together with smooth leather and metal accents.
There are currently no plans to build a production version of the HCD6,
however certain design and style elements from the HCD6 may be included in
future Hyundai production cars.
Source: Hyundai Motor Company
So, what do you think? Would you want to buy a car like
this? Let us know of your opinion! Email us at viewermail@blueskyproductions.tv |