Hyundai has shown off its Vision T plug-in hybrid SUV concept in Los Angeles.
Sharp lines for Hyundai's future design
Roughly half way in size terms between a Tucson and a Santa Fe, the Vision T is part of Hyundai's ongoing series of concept cars to help it develop its next generation of styling. "We pursue innovative solutions in design and add emotional value to our product experience through sensuous sportiness design language," said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center. The SUV concept has a matte-green exterior finish and gets a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Dynamic opening grille effect
There are no details of that powetrain as yet, but Hyundai has shown off the Vision T's snazzy grille. Called a Parametric Air Shutter, the grille actually consists of lots of diamond-faceted surfaces, which can all open and close individually. The system is designed so that these little doors open and close in a rolling sequence, which acts as both a striking visual effect as the car drives, and also functions as a variable grille shutter, to improve aerodynamics, engine warm-up and reduce emissions.
'Masculine' styling
As for the very crisp, very sharp-edged styling, Hyundai says that this is part of its new 'Sensuous Sportiness' global design language and that the "crisp geometric angles and edges create a striking contrast between a sleek silhouette and masculine wedge lines."
The design is intended to look more or less seamless and items such as the headlights and daytime running lights are tucked away to give it more of a shark-nosed look. The headlights in particular are hidden using a clever half-mirror system that looks like ordinary chrome trim when the lights are switched off.
There's also an illuminated Hyundai logo at the rear which, with along with the brake lights, goes through a little light show shut-down sequence when the engine is switched off. The battery charging port is also lit up, featuring a metered circle effect - when the circle is fully lit, the battery is charged. Orange brake callipers and satin chrome alloy wheels complete the rather striking design.
Please, please, Hyundai - can we make sure that the next Tucson looks this good?