Hyundai has revealed a retro-tastic electrical idea based mostly on a first-generation Grandeur, the corporate’s former flagship from 1986. And holy cow, is it good. The mission was undertaken to have fun the thirty fifth anniversary of the Grandeur and took designers roughly eight months to finish.
The boxy, ’80s form of the Grandeur varieties the proper basis for an up to date electrical sled. Designers largely stored the strains of the unique, however up to date the grille, mirrors, moldings and lights. In fact, the drivetrain is battery-electric, however particulars weren’t disclosed. Nor was it the purpose. The outcome seems like an govt limousine from the unique Blade Runner or Tron. The wheels, too, evoke a Nineteen Eighties hubcap however seem like one-piece alloys.
After we interviewed ex-Bentley designers Luc Donckerwolke and Sangyup Lee in 2019, they’d massive plans to make lighting a giant a part of Hyundai design. That has since manifested itself within the novel illumination concepts which have spread throughout the Hyundai empire, and the Grandeur would not maintain again.
As an alternative of conventional lighting, the pinnacle and taillights are a grid of LEDs, repeating the squared-off theme of the physique and new eggcrate grille. That theme is echoed within the facet marker lights, which now mix right into a silver facet molding strip not like the amber ones of outdated.
Nonetheless, the cabin is the place the lighting actually shines (no pun meant). Ambient LEDs prolong from both finish of the dashboard alongside each the entrance and rear doorways like neon stripes. They even kind the silhouette of audio system after they go over among the cones of the four-way sound system. All that’s topped off by a blinding grid of lights embedded in an infinity mirror above the rear passenger bench. Sitting within the again should really feel such as you’re lounging within the foyer of a mid-century resort/on line casino.
The inside makes essentially the most wonderful use of velvet since Elvis. Blended with leather-based — on the seat backs, not the seating surfaces, thoughts you — it encapsulates what luxurious was within the Nineteen Eighties, and appears way more plush than the unique Grandeur ever was.
The dashboard is the place the idea’s electrical underpinnings rise to the floor. The unique instrument cluster and vents have given solution to a big digital show that just about spans everything of the sprint. It hides among the audio system within the 18-speaker sound system as effectively. A decrease degree concealing storage areas for sun shades and such opens just like the keyboard cowl of a piano.
The middle stack that used to accommodate local weather and stereo controls is now a tall touchscreen that controls the infotainment features. It additionally doubles as a digital piano in case musically inclined drivers all of a sudden get struck by inspiration whereas sitting in site visitors. A middle console has a sliding compartment for wristwatch-sized gadgets in addition to a handbag-style opening for bigger, flat gadgets.
The Grandeur is a follow-up to Hyundai’s electric Pony concept from April, constructed to commemorate the opening of a brand new design studio in Busan, South Korea. Like its predecessor, the Grandeur is an incredible idea that exhibits simply how a lot enjoyable one can have with trendy car design on an EV platform. Not each electric car has to look glossy and impassive. Just like the Pony, that is one thing we would ride.
Associated video:
