Detroit Auto Show: Hyundai OLV Concept Vehicle Debuts

    DETROIT, Jan. 5, 2003; Hyundai's latest concept vehicle, the
exciting OLV (Outdoor Lifestyle Vehicle) made its world debut today during the
first of three press preview days at the North American International Auto
Show at the Cobo Exhibition Center.  The low-cost, high-fun OLV concept
vehicle presents Hyundai's view of how to put the fun back in sport utility
vehicles.
    "Many sport utility vehicles on the road today are huge, clunky-looking
boxes," said Dragan Vukadinovic, senior designer at Hyundai's California
Design Center in Fountain Valley, Calif.  Vukadinovic worked on the exterior
design of the OLV along with his counterparts at the Korean Design Center in
Nam-Yang, South Korea.  "The OLV is designed to be agile, both in dynamic
performance and in its ability to carry cargo.  The convertible trunk that can
easily be transformed from a conventional trunk to a utility bed demonstrates
some of that agility."
    The OLV is designed to be flexible, allowing people to take their
recreational equipment with them to outdoor sites or simply carry home
products from the local home center.
    "OLV is designed to be as much of a functional solution as a visual
expression," said Doug Mottram, national manager, Product Planning at Hyundai
Motor America.  "We see the OLV as a fun, affordable vehicle available at a
compact sedan price," he added.  "The OLV became a reality through a strong
cooperative relationship between Hyundai design and product planning.  No
existing products were referenced in the OLV development -- only market-based
thoughts have led to the OLV concept vehicle displayed at the North American
International Auto Show."
    Designed to be economical in both operation and price, the OLV is powered
by a four-cylinder DOHC engine equipped with a Borg-Warner supercharger and
intercooler system, installed by Street Concepts.
    The modular roof of the OLV is made up of three separate panels that can
be removed manually and then stored and secured to the roof rack.  This allows
the driver and passengers to remove one, two or all three panels for maximum
open-air fun.
    The OLV's Convertible Trunk operates as a typical trunk in standard
layout.  However, when large cargo needs to be moved, the rear window hinges
up, the trunk lid is removed and the tailgate drops down to form a utility
bed.  The trunk lid can then be reattached to the tailgate and the side guards
installed to complete the transformation from trunk to utility bed.
    The convertible trunk configuration recognizes that consumer needs are not
always best served with an SUT (sport utility truck)-style open bed.  For most
consumers, a conventional trunk is the most useful storage solution most of
the time.  OLV is designed to meet that need, but still allows the trunk to be
converted into an open utility bed when necessary.
    The first generation of SUVs featured vehicles that were engineered and
built to be nearly indestructible, but many consumers drawn to the SUV segment
have grown tired of their truck-like ride and handling.  The emergence of car-
based SUVs is a solution that maintains the advantage of utility while adding
a smooth ride, more responsive handling and better fuel economy.  OLV offers
all of those advantages and builds in a level of functional and tough utility
that has been steadily declining in the market.
    The OLV marks a return to the fun and durability of SUVs with an interior
that uses materials resistant to water, scratches and dents.  The unique
tailgate on the OLV is made of injection-molded urethane that is so durable it
does not require a paint coating for protection from the elements and cargo.
    Safety features include strong unit body construction and prominent
bumpers along with front and side impact airbags.  The body is small, strong
with wide shoulders and a strong upper greenhouse area.  It was designed to be
cocoon-like and safe while at the same time providing an invigorating driving
experience.
    Hyundai Motor America is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea.
Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed in the U.S. by Hyundai
Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 600 dealers nationwide.

    Hyundai OLV Concept Vehicle Specifications

    Front-drive sport utility vehicle (all-wheel-drive available)

    Wheelbase:            103.8-in (2637mm)
    Overall length:       164.2-in (4170mm)
    Overall width:        71.9-in (1827mm)
    Overall height:       68.3-in (1734mm)
    Track, front/rear:    59.4-in. (1510mm)
    Curb weight:          3000 lbs (est.)
    Approach angle:       36 degrees
    Departure angle:      45 degrees
    Overhang
        Front:            30.9-in. (785mm)
        Rear:             29.5-in. (748mm)

    Engine:
    Supercharged and intercooled DOHC four-cylinder
    Transmission:  4-speed automatic transaxle

    Suspension:
    Front:  Independent, MacPherson strut with coil springs, gas-filled
hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar
    Rear:  Independent, double wishbone with coil springs, gas-filled
hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar
    Wheels:  18" x 6.5-in. aluminum alloy
    Tires:  255/55HR-18 Michelin Diamaris