Frankfurt show: Hyundai shows EV styling direction

HYUNDAI has dipped 45 years into its history for inspiration for its latest concept car, the 45, that – like the original Pony Coupe Concept that established the South Korean brand’s styling DNA in 1974 – is all sharp angles and rigid lines.

While the Pony was a wedge-shaped sports coupe looking vaguely like the famous DeLorean, the 45 is a concept SUV that apparently re-imagines the design as a electric vehicle with autonomous technologies.

Apart from the historical reference, the 45 name also refers to 45-degree angles at the front and rear that form a “diamond-shaped silhouette”.

You better get used to it as Hyundai says the design foreshadows the design direction of its future electric vehicle (EV) models.

The designers say they have emulated the Pony concept by stripping away complexity in a simple design that combines heritage with vision and influence from 1920s aircraft design.

The fastback treatment at the rear supposedly gives the 45 “epitomises stability and dynamism”.

The side panels are dominated by two severe lines that meet with a point just behind the front mudguard.

The LED headlights have a lattice effect that Hyundai says pays homage to the lattice grille of the Pony Coupe Concept. These “kinetic cube lamps”, Hyundai says, “evoke analogue emotions”.

A modern touch has been added to the bottom of the door where LED lights indicate tell the driver how much life is left in the battery before they climb in the car.

Inside, the rear seats are lounge chairs, while the similarly soft front seats can be rotated to face the rear when driving autonomously. These seats also automatically swivel towards the door when a passenger enters.

Controls for various functions on the dash come in the form of a “projection screen interface” instead of a touchscreen.

The designers strived for a “high-end electronics feel” to the controls while at the same time trying to create a warm cabin with a fusion of wood, fabric and leather.

Loading the batteries below the floor in a skateboard design freed up room for a spacious cabin.

Door-mounted pockets are transparent so passengers can easily see what is in them.