The LPI-supplied optics use Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology from Osram Opto Semiconductor to illustrate how future automotive lighting systems will work. The LED lights burn brighter, and are more energy efficient than current lighting systems. In addition, they are expected to last for the life of the vehicle. Unlike incandescent bulbs, LED lighting performance does not deteriorate during its life.



Hyundai Brand Values

"Hyundai is about being bold and different in an automotive market that is not usually willing to take risks. Determination is also a core Hyundai corporate value," Piaskowski said. "The company has, in just 18 years, become the fourth largest import brand in the U.S." "Hyundai's dramatic growth has been fueled by being bold and different while offering customers greater value at a lower price point. Now we are taking that to a new design level," he said. "The HCD-8 represents what a next-generation sports car from Hyundai could be, It is bold and different. It crosses boundaries within its intended price point and market segment. It offers the consumer an alternative to the expected." The HCD-8 also illustrates the development of Hyundai's visual character. "We view the HCD-8 as an instrument to design exploration and design development, Zarlenga explained. "The design team examined Hyundai's design portfolio for a brand building opportunity. They used the face of the Elantra, the grace of the Sonata and the stance of the Tiburon as inspiration. The high quality interior design of Hyundai's current production vehicles was also an influence." Over the years the face of the Elantra has evolved to be more dramatic, yet still retains the 'furled brow' look of the headlamps. The graceful lines and surfaces of the Sonata have been elongated and exploited to promote a sense of beauty and power. With the Tiburon, the stance has been stretched and widened to add to its overall road presence. All of these Hyundai style attributes were catalysts in the design development of the HCD-8.



Marketing

"In the U.S., the sporty coupe segment is viewed as a flat or even a declining market" Piaskowski observed. "For this segment to grow, the vehicles must evolve to meet the needs of consumers. Their diverse lifestyles require vehicles with increased accessibility, more functionality and more cargo volume. The HCD-8 is designed to appeal to 'youthful minded professionals' who want a great looking, high performance sports coupe with added the added functionality they need," he said. "We used the findings from HMA Marketing and Product Planning studies and incorporated them into the HCD-8 sports tourer. This vehicle could be a first-time purchase or an addition to a fleet of household vehicles. Our consumer target is someone who is youthful minded and passionate about their cars and their driving experience," he said.



Hyundai HCD-8 Sports Tourer Concept Specifications

Configuration Front-drive, two-door sports tourer
Wheelbase 2633mm (103.6-in.)
Overall length 4326mm (170.3-in.)
Overall height 1339.5mm (52.7-in.)
Overall width 1822mm (71.7-in.)
Track F/R 1804mm (71.0-in.) / 1806mm (71.0-in.)
Wheels 9.5-in x 19-in. alloy
Tires Michelin Sport Pilot P255/R40-19
Engine Supercharged 2.7-liter, DOHC V6
Transmission 6-speed manual transaxle
Suspension Independent air-tuned performance suspension with adjustable ride height


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