Hyundai flips its lid

HYUNDAI has taken the wraps off its latest mid-engined two-seater sports car design at the Chicago motor show in the United States.

Dubbed the HCD6, the sports car is much closer to a production-oriented version than the radical NEOS, or New Evolution Open Sportscar, showpiece it unveiled at the Paris show last year.

While Hyundai executives have denied the roadster is ready for production, it clearly shows the Korean giant is close to having a Mazda MX-5 and Toyota MR2 rival in its ever-expanding stable.

The HCD6 features heavily sculpture bodywork, a see-through engine cover, high-mounted exhaust and detached bumpers.

The interior design is minimalist, with a dial each for the stereo and temperature control.

Power comes from a 2.7-litre V6 mated with a six-speed manual gearbox.