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2005 Hyundai Portico Concept

February 15, 2005

The pillarless clamshell doors make getting in and out of the Portico all the easier, except if parked next to another vehicle

The Portico's cabin is extremely stylish and filled with top-tier technology. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada)

in which the small crowd getting out of the vehicle would be trapped between both doors with no way to get out - a common problem with pickup trucks that make use of rear "suicide" doors. Hey, there's a reason why all minivans have adopted rear sliders. They're the most convenient door design possible.

Once inside, the Portico's cabin is extremely stylish and filled with top-tier technology, such as a DVD-based infotainment system with separate screens for front and rear occupants.

New age technology is featured under the hood too, in the way of Hyundai's 24-valve, DOHC, Lambda V6, featuring aluminum heads and cylinder block, an engine that will first show up in the 2006 Sonata. It's joined to a sophisticated 6-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual mode, also said to be available in upcoming production models soon.

But there's more under its pretty skin than just internal combustion power. The Portico also displays the automaker's future

The Portico concept was designed and manufactured by Hyundai's Advanced Design Team at the Design Center in South Korea. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada)

hybrid drive system, which features two electric motors; the first driving the front wheels and the second powering the rear wheels, in essence providing all-wheel drive. The wheels in front are powered by a 110 kW (136 horsepower) electric motor, while a 60 kW (83 horsepower) motor drives those in the rear.

The Portico concept, designed and manufactured by Hyundai's Advanced Design Team at the Design Center in South Korea, will be displayed at the Chicago show for its duration before making rounds throughout the auto show circuit.

Specifications: