2004 Hyundai HCD8 Sports Tourer Concept

Hyundai Surprises Show Goers in Detroit

Could this be the next-generation Tiburon? Hyundai is keeping tight lips about this concepts future but considering the interest the car created after it was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, something similar would be a smart bet.

Hyundai calls its new concept the HCD8 Sports Tourer, the latter two words being normally associated with SUV/wagon crossovers. But theres a reason for this sport coupes unusual designation. The HCD8 gets an adjustable air suspension, allowing 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, a perfect combination with an all-wheel drivetrain.

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 theyre also more energy efficient. Whats more, LEDs should last for the life expectancy of the vehicle as they dont deteriorate.

Technologies aside the HCD8 is a stunning styling exercise and one that could go far to increase both the visibility and continued mainstream popularity of the South Korean manufacturer in North America.

"The Hyundai HCD8 sports tourer was designed to address the sporty car market and still meet the values and needs of todays consumer," commented Joel Piaskowski, Chief Designer at the Hyundai Kia Design and Technical Center in Irvine, California.

Hyundai reports that its design team incorporated in-house market research to help develop the basic premise for the new cars design, which essentially is a performance-oriented coupe that also offers greater flexibility by delivering more interior room and easier access for occupants and luggage.

"We used the findings from HMA Marketing and Product Planning studies and incorporated them into the HCD8 sports tourer," Piaskowski commented. He also stated, "In the U.S., the sporty coupe segment is viewed as a flat or even a declining market. 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 HCD8 is designed to appeal to youthful minded professionals who want a great looking, high performance sports coupe with the added functionality they need."

So, other than its obvious styling details, increased interior room and off-road capabilities, 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."

So its practical, but what about performance? Hyundais 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.

It sounds as if Hyundai has found a unique and more or less untapped niche, which can either be a bang or bust proposition in todays fickle market. Some automakers, such as Chrysler, have done well with "segment busting" vehicles, the PT Cruiser comes to mind, but others, such as Subaru, have had trouble getting customers to buy into their unusual ideas, the new Baja being just one example.

With that in mind, will Hyundai build a production version of the HCD8 Sports Tourer? 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. As stated above, 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 Hondas according to a Consumer Reports study.

In the end the HCD8 Sports Tourer is a bold, innovative new concept that could be just whats needed to reinvigorate the sports coupe market. If Hyundai chooses to build it theyll need to consider the strong Tiburon following already in place, which could become disenfranchised if the new car deviates too far away from the current model.

Personally, I have a fondness for the current Tib and would hate to see its basic mission modified beyond recognition by a need to incorporate more functionality. Maybe theres room for two coupes in the brands lineup? Hmmm, what do you think Hyundai?