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

The HCD8 Sports Tourer could very well be Hyundais replacement for the current Tiburon. (Photo: Hyundai Motor America)

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.

The HCD8 is a stunning styling exercise and one that could go far to increase both the visibility and continued mainstream popularity of Hyundai. (Photo: Hyundai Motor America)

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

The HCD8 is a performance-oriented coupe that also offers greater flexibility and room. (Photo: Hyundai Motor America)

"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

According to Chris Zarlenga, Design Manager on the HCD8 project, "The HCD8 pushes the architecture and package to the limit." (Photo: Hyundai Motor America)

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."

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