We already knew that the retro-inspired Hyundai 45 Concept would become a reality and the Korean automaker recently re-confirmed that.
It’s not very clear at the moment just how similar the production car will be to the concept, though these latest spy shots seem to suggest the electric vehicle will retain quite a lot of the study’s character.
We can’t see many details because of the full body wrap, but we can tell that the bodywork will have a similar shape, albeit slightly less dramatic and with a more generous glasshouse. One of the two prototypes spotted by our photographers features slightly less camouflage than during the previous sighting, revealing new details such as the plastic wheel arches, a chrome strip under the taillights, and sharp side sills.
See Also: Hyundai 45 EV Concept Finds Inspiration In The Past For The Design Of Upcoming EVs
We also get a clearer look at the headlights, which don’t seem to feature LED pixels like the concept and are softer around the edges. We can’t give a final verdict until we see the car without any camouflage, but ditching the concept’s lights will likely make the production Hyundai 45 look less striking.
Not much else is visible on these prototypes other than the aero-style wheels and the multitude of sensors / cameras on the bumpers.
The Hyundai 45, internally known as the NE EV, takes inspiration from the 45-year-old icon Pony Coupe, adding modern crossover styling into the mix. It also uses a dedicated architecture called Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), shared with the upcoming Prophecy electric sedan.
No official details are available about the drivetrain, but the Hyundai 45 is expected to get two electric motors for eAWD capability – a smaller one on the front axle and a larger one at the back. According to the Korean Car Blog, the 45 could debut as early as January 2021 as a roomier and more upscale alternative to the Kona Electric.