Hyundai reveals all-electric Prophecy concept

HYUNDAI has revealed its latest concept EV dubbed Prophecy, which shows off the future design direction of the South Korean brand while showcasing the benefits of an EV platform for interior packaging.

The exterior of the Prophecy is a realisation of Hyundai’s new Sensuous Sportiness design philosophy first seen on the 45 concept from last year’s Frankfurt motor show, with a clean, simple design that does away with angles and sharp lines.

Hyundai’s quest for a more streamlined design is evident in the Prophecy’s side profile, with the car featuring a long, sweeping belt line that runs from the front wheelarches, under the side windows and through to the car’s rear haunches, creating a design that seems to narrow at the rear.

Dubbed ‘One Curve’, Hyundai likens the design to a “perfectly weathered stone”, while the roofline continues the smooth, sculpted theme with a rounded silhouette reminiscent of four-door coupes like the Mercedes-Benz CLS or BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe.

The headlights are integrated simply into the vehicle’s front, housing the pixel lamp lights first seen on the 45.

Pixel technology is also used for the tail-lights, and will become a signature design element for future Hyundai models.

The Sensuous Sportiness design is not just made for aesthetics, with Hyundai saying its new language provides enhanced dynamics, which works in tandem with features like the functional rear spoiler and alloy wheels, which include propeller-like shapes in the spokes to allow air to be drawn in and flow alongside the vehicle.

A wide air intake installed under the bumper also channels air to the batteries stored under the vehicle’s floor, creating a cooling effect.

The Prophecy is also designed as a showcase for what Hyundai can do with interior packaging using EV architecture, with the brand creating what it calls a “lifestyle space of comfort and refinement”.

Hyundai has done away with a steering wheel in favour of a pair of joysticks located in the centre console and door trim, which the company says provides new yet familiar driving experience while also making use of autonomous driving technology.

The extra space liberated by the joystick layout results in greater visibility for the driver and passengers, making the full-width digital dashboard easy to read for all.

Environmentally friendly materials have been used in the Prophecy’s interior, while intakes placed at the bottom of the side doors allow air to circulate with Hyundai’s Clean Air technology, allowing for a constant stream of purified air to pass through the cabin and back out into the atmosphere.

The ambient lighting and interior colour palette encourage rest and relaxation for the passengers, which can be achieved when driving in autonomous mode.

Hyundai Global Design Centre chief SangYup Lee said the Prohecy represented an expansion of the brand’s design horizons.

“We have brought to life yet another icon that establishes a new standard for the EV segment as well as pushing Hyundai’s design vision to even broader horizons,” he said.

“A part of that expansion is what we call Optimistic Futurism, a design concept embodied by Prophecy. With Optimistic Futurism, our aim is to forge an emotional connection between humans and automobiles.”