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Hyundai Shows an Innovative Future with Portico Concept

The Portico Features Hyundais Upcoming Hybrid Drivetrain

There are few automotive segments left for Hyundai to enter, now that its SUV lineup is filling out with the addition of the new compact Tucson and expectation rising for a larger 7-passenger replacement for the Santa Fe.

Its passenger car arsenal is up to five models now, leaving only the introduction of a pickup truck, something the automaker has been talking about for years now, and a minivan.

If Hyundai brings anything close to its new Portico concept to life, the minivan segment will never be the same. The new van, expected to share general

If Hyundai brings anything close to its new Portico concept to life, the minivan segment will never be the same. (Photo: Hyundai Motor America)

architecture with Kias next-generation Sedona (see automotive news for Feb 5, 2005: New Kia Sedona to Debut at Chicago Auto Show), will need to stand out in order to pull dedicated Dodge Caravan, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna buyers away from their trusted family haulers.

The Portico would without doubt raise the eyebrows of all

The Portico debuts a completely new design language for Hyundai. (Photo: Hyundai Motor America)

in its sightlines, its sleek, sporty lines making the minivan popular even among teens. Of course, this might be because Hyundais latest concept is not truly a minivan. At least, its missing some key minivan characteristics, such as sliding side doors, seating for seven or eight instead of six, and, as if I need to say it again, boring styling.

The Portico, introduced yesterday, February 9th, at the Chicago Auto Show, debuts a completely new design language for Hyundai.

"The

"The Portico is an example of the new market segments Hyundai is exploring - in this case, the next generation of family transportation." (Photo: Hyundai Motor America)

Portico is an example of the new market segments Hyundai is exploring - in this case, the next generation of family transportation," commented Hyundais Vice President of Product Development and Strategic Planning, John Krafcik. "Portico features seating for six passengers and roomy, flexible cargo space - previewing the types of attributes well be adding to our growing Hyundai lineup in the U.S. Well have two all-new Hyundai models with seating for seven and roomy, flexible cargo space within the next year or so - all part of the 24/7 new model launch cadence we started with the Hyundai

Not just another pretty face, the Portico comes with an extremely versatile interior layout. (Photo: Hyundai Motor America)

Tucson last fall."

Not just another pretty face, the Portico comes with an extremely versatile interior layout, featuring flat folding rear seats, a unique panoramic glass roof design, featuring the Polaroid-like capability of darkening when the overhead sun gets too bright and hot, and uniquely rear-hinged back doors.

Unlike conventional minivans or SUVs that carry more than five people in three separate rows, the Portico seats three across for a total of six. The advantages of this configuration include greater legroom for rear passengers, as well as improved ingress and egress for those who would otherwise be relegated to the third row. The seats can be staggered too, with the middle rows pulled backwards

The Porticos cabin is extremely stylish and filled with top-tier technology. (Photo: Hyundai Motor America)

for greater hip and shoulder room. An additional bonus is more cargo room, something that is usually lacking in conventional three row vehicles.

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