First unveiled to universal wows at the Geneva auto show this past March, the sleek, streamlined Le Fil Rouge concept from Korean automaker Hyundai is making its maiden North American appearance this weekend at the 40th edition of the Concours d’Elegance of America in Plymouth, Michigan.
The concept car represents the debut of Hyundai’s new design theme it calls Sensuous Sportiness, which the company plans to apply to future Hyundai models, sedans and SUVs alike. You’ll recall, however, that just this year, Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai’s Design Centre, was stating that the days of design homogeneity at Hyundai were over.
In any event, the prototype in question has been universally lauded for its attractive, innovative design, and it’s a testament to its beauty that it is appearing at an event like the Concours d’Elegance, usually the purview of classic and rare cars.
Le Fil Rouge is inspired at least in part by the Korean automaker’s Coupe concept, first created way back in 1974 (see just below). The car’s silhouette blends roof and front and rear pillars into a seamless, aerodynamically advanced shape.
“As its name implies, Le Fil Rouge (common thread) is a reflection of Hyundai’s belief that the brand’s past, present and future designs are all connected. Building on our long history of creating distinctive and sporty character in vehicles, we will open a new era for Hyundai design.”
- Luc Donckerwolke
No point asking when we might see this comely sport sedan on the road anywhere. For now Le Fil Rouge is not much more than a design study. But we can hope that an eventual production version retains as much as possible of the prototype’s visual attributes. Meantime, you might want to head to Michigan this weekend to see it in the flesh!
And tell us what you think of Le Fil Rouge.
