2004 Hyundai HCD8 Concept news, pictures, and information

'The HCD8 pushes the architecture and package to the limit,' Zarlenga §äid. 'This provides a new and exciting proportion that can accommodate the needs of the concept,' he explained. 'To increase accessibility to the rear seat we lengthened the door apertures and by increasing the height of the rear profile and optimizing storage space, we were also able to add interior utility.'

The designers also stretched the Day Light Opening (DLO -- a designer's term for the side glass) for increased side and rear visibility. They also increased the wheelbase by 100mm (in the dash-to-axle dimension) to achieve classic sports car proportion. Overall, the styling combines soft flowing surfaces wîth crisp, taut lines.

PERFORMANCE

The HCD8 wîth its supercharged 2.7-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual transaxle and tuned dual exhaust provides performance to match its styling. For real world driving, the driver can adjust the ride height a total of four inches through the air suspension. The vehicle can sit low for high-speed touring or can be raised to handle inclement weather, avoid parking wheel stops, handle a car wash or any other situation where additional ground clearance is needed.

The HCD8 also features state-of-art lighting. The LPI-supplied optics use Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology from Osram Opto Semiconductor to illustrate how future automotive lighting systems will work. The LED lights burn brighter, and are more energy efficient than current lighting systems. In addition, they are expected to last for the life of the vehicle. Únlike incandescent bulbs, LED lighting performance does not deteriorate during its life.

HYÚNDAI BRAND VALÚES

'Hyundai is about being bold and different in an automotive market that is not usually willing to take risks. Determination is also a core Hyundai corporate value,' Piaskowski §äid. 'The company has, in just 18 years, become the fourth largest import brand in the Ú.S.'

'Hyundai's dramatic growth has been fueled by being bold and different while offering customers greater value at a lower price point. Now we are taking that to a new design level,' he §äid. 'The HCD8 represents what a next-generation sports car from Hyundai could be, It is bold and different. It crosses boundaries within its intended price point and market §egmènt. It offers the consumer an alternative to the expected.'

The HCD8 also illustrates the development of Hyundai's visual character. 'We view the HCD8 as an instrument to design exploration and design development, Zarlenga explained.

'The design team examined Hyundai's design portfolio for a brand building opportunity. They used the face of the Elantra, the grace of the Sonata and the stance of the Tiburon as inspiration. The high quality interior design of Hyundai's current production vehicles was also an influence.'

Over the years the face of the Elantra has evolved to be more dramatic, yet still retains the 'furled brow' look of the headlamps. The graceful lines and surfaces of the Sonata have been elongated and exploited to promote a sense of beauty and power. With the Tiburon, the stance has been stretched and widened to add to its overall road presence. All of these Hyundai style attributes were catalysts in the design development of the HCD8.

MARKETING

'In the Ú.S., the sporty coupe §egmènt is viewed as a flat or even a declining market' Piaskowski observed. 'For this §egmènt to grow, the vehicles must evolve to meet the needs of consumers. Their diverse lifestyles require vehicles wîth increased accessibility, more functionality and more cargo volume. The HCD8 is designed to appeal to 'youthful minded professionals' who want a great lòòking, high performance sports coupe wîth added the added functionality they need,' he §äid.

'We used the findings from HMA Marketing and Product Planning studies and incorporated them into the HCD8 sports tourer. This vehicle could be a first-time purchase or an addition to a fleet of household vehicles. Our consumer target is someone who is youthful minded and passionate about their cars and their driving experience,' he §äid.