2001 HCD-6 | Concept Car | Design

Style

Hyundai, the car company with a reputation for making high-value cars affordable, has aimed its sights at the two-seat roadster market.
Making its world debut at the Chicago Auto Show(February 2001) is the new, Hyundai HCD6 roadster, doubled the affordable exotic car.
"This concept car provides a strong indication of where Hyundai is going in the sporty car market," said David Weber, Vice president, Marketing at Hyundai Motor America. "The HCD6 is a car that is fun to drive, fun to look at and fun to own. When you can just look at a car and have it put a smile on your face, it's a winner." The Hyundai HCD6 is aimed at those drivers who are young at heart and use their vehicles as an expression of freedom. "We feel the HCD6 will appeal to young people and to baby boomers who enjoy driving with the wind in their hair." Weber added.

Interior

The cockpit of the Hyundai HCD6 roadster is a simple, functional place for enjoying the driving experience. A unique single roll bar rises from the centre console. "This design provides protection and by being in line with the axis of the car, improves aerodynamics as well." said Andrew Kort, Senior Designer at the Hyundai California Design Studio and the person responsible for the design of the interior. "The open, structural shapes were inspired by windsurfing and kite flying. For example, the panel section has a unique concave shape representing a sail filling with air." he added

The simple, minimal console acts as a bridge across the "open air."
There are only two knobs visible on the instrument panel, the control knob for the stereo system and the control knob for the HVAC. The stereo control also functions as the lid for the CD/MP3 player. The simple and straightforward design carries through to the dashboard instruments. A large, analog tachometer is complemented by a speedometer. Two smaller gauges (fuel and oil pressure) float in the concave dial section. The remaining instruments provide information only when necessary via a warning light system. The dials on the gauges feature a unique pointer and dual magnifying feature inspired by classic watch face design. The round dial fits into a tall, narrow shroud that resembles a windsurfing sail.

The door trim carries on the minimal, simple theme with the armrest, speaker grille and courtesy lamp all enclosed in a single, lightweight enclosure. The see-through Lexalite enclosure has a triangular theme that is repeated throughout the interior and includes the knobs and the seat itself. The enclosure is stepped off the door panel, echoing the sensation of being filled with air. The interior features unique materials including Lexalite acrylic panels on the doors, centre console and instrument cluster. The entire interior is tied together with smooth leather and metal accents. Following its world debut at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show, the HCD6 will be displayed at key auto shows around the world. There are currently no plans to build a production version of the HCD6, however certain design and style elements from the HCD6 may be included in future Hyundai production cars. Hyundai Motor America, based in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed in the united States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 500 dealerships nationwide.