Hyundai has just lifted the veils of its 45 EV Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show and it’s a study that looks to the future while paying tribute to the past.
Inspired by one of the most iconic vehicles in the brand’s history, the 1974 Pony Coupe Concept, the 45 design study showcases Hyundai’s future design direction for electric vehicles. Additionally, the concept “reimagines the in-car experience in the age of electrification and autonomous technologies,” according to the automaker.
The Hyundai 45 EV Concept‘s name is also a throwback to the Pony Coupe Concept as 45 years have passed since that vehicle was unveiled. Furthermore, the name owes itself in part to the 45-degree angles at the front and rear that form a diamond-shaped silhouette which Hyundai says it anticipates the design direction of future EV models.
The 45 EV concept adopts a monocoque-style body as well as aerodynamic and lightweight design inspired by aircrafts of the 1920s. Just like the original coupe concept, it features clean lines and a minimalistic structure.
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1974 Hyundai Pony Coupé
At the same time it incorporates the evolution of Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design language. Exterior highlights include the lattice radiator grille with a “kinetic cube lamp” design echoed at the rear by a similar arrangement, fastback profile with a forward-oriented posture, a significant width, and suicide doors.
The details are striking as well and include the special garnish at the bottom of the front doors which shows the status of the battery via active LED lights, hidden Camera Monitoring System (CMS) which uses side cameras instead of traditional wing mirrors, and intricate design of the alloys.
Also read: Hyundai Said To Be Planning Electric Compact SUV, Could Launch In 2021
The interior is described by Hyundai as “a unique living space capable of transforming to accommodate a range of passenger lifestyle demands.” Since the 45 EV Concept packs autonomous driving technology, designers have fitted the minimalist cabin with a combination of wood, fabric and leather in order to create “a warm atmosphere that is both relaxing and spacious.” The car features lounge chair-style rear seats and front seats that can rotate to face other passengers.
Front-seat passengers can interact with the infotainment system via a projection-beam interface that replaces a single central touchscreen with a series of displays and functions integrated into the dashboard itself.
According to Hyundai, the fully-electric powertrain enables the maximization of interior space as the batteries and motors are positioned outside or below the passenger compartment. The 45 EV Concept also refines the concept of door-mounted device pockets by introducing a horizontally elongated shape that allows books or tablet PCs to be stored. The storage space uses a transparent material, making it easy to see the contents.
The automaker does not provide any details regarding the powertrain.
