New Hyundai 45 Electric SUV Spied

[Nairrk]

The 45 concept was revealed as an homage to the company’s first ever concept – the 1974 Pony Coupe. The production model will be the first car based on the Hyundai Group’s new scalable electric car platform, similar to the Volkswagen Group’s MEB system. In the coming years it will underpin a range of new EVs across the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands.

From its unveiling, the Hyundai 45 concept was said to be a close representation of the eventual production model – and initial impressions suggest the rumours were accurate.

Naturally, some of the concept’s sharper angles have been toned down in the interest of pedestrian safety – but this mule and Hyundai’s show car share the same basic silhouette, the same tailgate spoiler, a similar radiator grille, comparable front and rear lamps and a near-identical set of alloy wheels.

The 45 concept’s interior also sported a range of yesteryear designs and materials, with recycled wool floor mats, a wooden dashboard, heavy cotton upholstery and louvres for the panoramic glass roof. These were blended with modern technology, such as hidden ambient lighting and back-lit touch sensitive pads for some of the controls.

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[Nairrk]

Hyundai 45 EV Concept revealed - UPDATE: video tour

UPDATE: As it did with its recent Tucson-previewing Vision T concept, Hyundai has had its chief designer SangYung Lee explain the inspiration and virtues of last year's 45 electric vehicle concept.

The small EV has been spied testing in production form in recent months, but, for now, Hyundai has yet to offer any word on timing for its global debut.

The new 45 EV is inspired by the Hyundai Pony Coupe Concept unveiled 1974, bearing a very similar fastback profile a slim, angry graphic at the front.

Much like Honda with its Urban EV concept, the 45 takes classic design cues like simple quad head/tail-lights and reimagines them with LEDs for a pared-back look.

Inside, the cabin has been inspired by high-end furniture. There's lots of wool, fabric and leather scattered throughout, and the front seats look like lounge room armchairs.

Given the 45 has one eye on autonomy, the front seats can rotate to face the rears for a more relaxed, communal feeling. When the front pews are pointed forwards, there's also a 'projection beam' infotainment system on hand to control media, vehicle settings, and provide information about the car's operation.

With batteries stowed under the floor in a skateboard chassis, the 45 has a totally flat cabin floor. It's covered with carpet to build on the living room feel, and to help cut down on road noise.

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