The swoopy concept appears to lack door handles and mirrors.
The 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show
is right around the corner, which means that between now and next
week’s first press day, we are going to be bombarded by automakers with
teasers about their new products. More than 65 debuts are planned, and
at least one of them will be from Hyundai. We’re talking about the SUV teased here and described by the South Korean brand as being a “ground-breaking” concept.
Hyundai is being coy on details for the time being, but we did modify
the teaser images in an attempt to reveal the vehicle’s exterior
design. From the nearly square wheel arches and intricate front grille
pattern to the absence of conventional door handles and side mirrors,
you can easily tell this is something a bit more special.
The way the grille blends with the headlights makes us think of the recently introduced 2020 Grandeur facelift
as well as the spectacular 2018 Le Fil Rouge concept, while the front
bumper appears to boast air curtains to guide the airflow and improve
aerodynamic efficiency. That fancy grille is more than just for show as
it has active panels (air shutters) that remain closed when the vehicle
is stationary and slide open as needed when the SUV is in motion to
further boost fuel efficiency and aero.
Hyundai
has also released a short clip of what its swanky new SUV concept,
revealing a full-width rear light strip we’ve been seeing so much
lately. We can also briefly check out the charging port as the vehicle
boasts a plug-in hybrid powertrain, although technical specifications
are still shrouded in mystery.
We’ll know what’s what next week when the “eco-focused” SUV concept
tailored to city use according to Hyundai will debut in L.A. It’s the
seventh showcar in a series of vehicles penned by the Hyundai Design
Center to highlight the company’s evolution of the Sensuous Sportiness
global design language.
