First look: Hyundai's high-tech coupe

HYUNDAI has revealed its plan for a high-tech future at this week's Seoul motor show in its South Korean home market, headlined by the world debut of the HIC luxury coupe.

While the HIC's sleek shape is the attention grabber, it's the technology within it that Hyundai is trumpeting.

HIC - which stands for High-Technology Intelligence Coupe - serves as a test bed for ideas such as adaptive cruise control, night vision and an "around monitoring system" which alerts the driver in unsafe lane change situations.

HIC also employs its own version of "iDrive", but rather than a push button it uses a multi-control stick.

That's not the only interior feature which grabs attention as there's also a topless aircraft-style steering wheel, a metal-look dashboard and a centre console with pop-up video screens in front of both the driver and front seat passenger.

Underneath the technical innovation and sheetmetal, the HIC sits on the platform of the Grandeur luxury sedan and is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine that produces 145kW and 294Nm.

The overall length of the four-seater is 4750mm and it is a massive 1995mm wide but just 1300mm high, with a 2750mm wheelbase. Naturally, being a show car, it sits on massive 245/40 20-inch tyres.

Other concept vehicles shown by Hyundai this week in Seoul included a hot version of the Tiburon sports coupe called the Tuscani (its Korean name) Aero and a beefed up Santa Fe with stacked headlights called the Mountaineer.

Hyundai also revealed a new generation of telematics technology under joint development with IBM.

On sale in South Korea next year, the services are expected to include email and internet access and concierge services, as well as data synchronisation for digital devices. The system will gradually expand into overseas markets.

Hyundai is claiming its work with IBM has resulted in a significant step forward in telematics development.

"Voice operated, scalable and totally secure, the Hyundai telematics portal will open the era of on-demand computing in the car enabling seamless roaming from network to network and device to device connectivity, plus a range of exciting new services that will make driving safer and more convenient," said executive vice-president of Hyundai's Advanced Technology Centre, Mr Kwon Moon-Sik.

Hyundai also displayed an active geometry control suspension it has developed and its take on variable valve timing technology.