So, other than its obvious styling details and overall size, what specifically makes the HCD8 different than the current Tiburon sport coupe? According to Chris Zarlenga, Design Manager on the HCD8 project, "The HCD8 pushes the architecture and package to the limit. This provides a new and exciting proportion that can accommodate the needs of the concept. 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."
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| Hyundai Motor America President and CEO Robert F. Cosmai (right) and Hyundai Design Center Chief Designer Joel Piaskowski (left) took the wraps off the company's striking sports tourer during press days at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada) |
Hyundai's new concept is powered by a supercharged 2.7-liter V6 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transaxle. Its tuned dual exhaust system no doubt offers up an exciting preamble to what should be impressive off-the-line performance.
The HCD8's adjustable air suspension is where its "sports tourer" designation makes sense, with the system delivering up to four inches of travel. Its lowest position increases aerodynamic properties at high-speed, while the car becomes more capable of traversing challenging terrain like snow banks or roadway medians at its highest setting.
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| Will Hyundai build this concept? According to Chris Zarlenga, HCD8 Design Manager, something similar is being considered. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada) |
What other technologies has Hyundai packed into its new concept? The HCD8 gets state-of-art Light Emitting Diodes (LED) developed by Osram Opto Semiconductor, shedding some "light" on future possibilities for automotive lighting systems. Not only are LED lights brighter than conventional beams, but they're also more energy efficient. What's more, LEDs should last for the life expectancy of the vehicle as they don't deteriorate.
So, LEDs aside, will Hyundai build it? According to Zarlenga, something similar is being considered.
"The HCD8 is a conceptual design model used to evaluate the design, package and proportion of the next generation sports coupe," stated Zarlenga.
Of course the Korean brand will be weighing the pros and cons before going to market. So far Hyundai has been successful with the majority of its undertakings in North America, being that it has more or less offered similar products to its Japanese and Big 3 domestic competitors at lower prices. Venturing into unknown territory could be risky.
But now would be a good time for the brand to do so, as its sales are at the highest point ever due to better than average value and overall consumer confidence. Its nameplate reliability rating is extremely high too, matching Honda's according to a Consumer Reports study.