2003 CCS | Concept Car | Design

Overview

Exploring the fresher side of life Hyundai introduces a new concept of open-air freedom and performance Once only flying was better.
Now Hyundai introduces a unique way to keep your head in the air while staying grounded firmly in reality.
The Hyundai CCS Convertible. Based upon the much admired 2.7 Coupe, the CCS Convertible study is a highly appealing and thought provoking exploration of both styling and technical possibilities. The heart of this appeal is the unique 3-phase slide and fold roof developed by Karmann.

At the touch of a button the driver can change from glass roof, to open roof to complete Convertible.
The result is a car fully matched to any weather conditions. One that gives maximum comfort to the occupants at all times.
One designed to arouse emotions, whether parked at the supermarket or effortless devouring the autobahns.
It is also a fascinating glimpse of many aspects of interior and exterior styling and packaging, many of which may well have an influence the future development of forthcoming Hyundai vehicles.

Roof / Specification

In folding roof terminology the slide and folding roof system of the Hyundai CCS is the third generation. The first generation was the typical metal folding roof, the second the retractable glass roof. This third generation builds on the experience gained with the first two and refines it to offer maximum choice of open-air motoring. In mixed weather the driver merely touches one button send the glass roof sliding back over the rear window. By sliding outside, rather than inside, this maximizes rear headroom. At this stage the side supports remain in position, so if the weather changes the roof slides quickly and smoothly back to the closed position. From open roof to full convertible configuration demands only the touch of a second button. This folds the rear screen with the forward roof supports under the forward opening rear decking, while at the same time adjusting the sliding roof panel in relation to them to give maximum luggage space.
An added beauty of the system is that is also remote controlled. The whole process is elegantly engineered and appears deceptively simple. Yet this same simplicity is a key to the superiority of this system over all that preceded it. Importantly the system has less moving parts and less pivot points than earlier systems. The result is that operational efficiency is increased, weight is reduced and the parcel shelf moves only within a single plane rather than lifting or twisting. The study also demonstrates another major advantage of the system insofar as the weight increase over the normal Coupe, including all hydraulic and electric components, has been kept below 140 kg. One fascinating aspect of the roof is the potential for further development. Solar panels, or similar energy sources, are more easily assimilated than into more complex structures. Other materials, and lining methods, can be incorporated without compromising the essential benefits of the structure, so adding even more flexibility. In fact the Hyundai CCS study could well be seen as merely the first step on a long journey of technological benefit and refinement.

Specification

- Overall Length : 4395 mm
- Overall Width :1760 mm
- Overall Height :1330 mm
- Wheelbase :2530 mm
- Displacement :2657 cm³
- Performance : 133 / 178 kW/HP
- Torque : 245 / 4000 Nm/rpm
- Fuel Type : Normal
- Top Speed : 218 kph
- Trunk Capacity : 443 liter (roof closed)
- Trunk Capacity : 244 liter (roof open)
- Roof Opening Speed : 25 sec.

Styling

Naturally using the exceptionally handsome Coupe as a basis has helped ensure that the CCS is attractive. The most noticeable styling changes are those from the doors back. The slightly higher overall level of the boot lid/rear decking enables it to absorb the folded roof while still offering the largest boot volume in the sector. The consequent modifications to the rear wings and the lights have been achieved with a minimum of disruption to the overall lines of the car, the result has a harmonious and complete look to it.

However, certain other styling modifications have been included in the study. Not only are the rear light clusters new, the transparent front clusters add a higher level of visual refinement. New 18 inch wheels with 225/40 x 18 Michelin tires give a lighter and more sportive outlook. A new color, Warm Silver, was developed for the paintwork - while the paint itself is highlighted by the shimmer of glass micro-elements The Hyundai CCS is a car styled to appeal to the emotions. A car that looks just as good in the car park as on the autobahn, a car which expresses a distinct personality and personal assertiveness without being aggressive in any way.

Interior

The whole concept of the CCS Convertible is designed to give a feeling of airy space. Of freedom and excitement combined with personal control over precisely how much open air or weather the occupants want. This is nowhere more visible than in the interior. Both the steering wheel and dashboard are covered in brown leather, adding an extra degree of sophistication to an already well appointed and sportive "office."

The metallic elements, including the ventilation and a/c outlets, speaker surrounds, bezels etc., have been specially treated with a warm glow process that blends them discretely into this ambience, again adding an extra element of refinement. Naturally a premium car deserves the best sound system. Here the 280 W combination of Becker hardware and Infinity speakers is very hard to beat. The brown leather trimmed seats are the highly acclaimed and supportive sports style items from the Coupe, developed in association with Recaro. Standard features include eight-way adjustable front seats with memory system. As a further concession to comfort, woven and ventilated leather has been used for the central inserts in the squabs and seat backs. The rear seats have been slightly modified to accommodate the new roof system, but the rear passenger space remains an object lesson in good interior planning and packaging. In terms of luggage capacity the study boasts and impressive 443 liters boot space with the roof closed, and 244 liters with it folded. Enough for most romantic holidays, the occasional family picnic, or the type of business use that does not require a mobile workshop or showroom. Further storage is available inside the car in the form of map pockets etc. In fact, taken overall, the impression is of a sportive personal car, ready to cruise the length of the Corniche or undertake the local school run with equal panache and distinction. A car that offers the demanding and discerning motorist the practica aspects of high-tech fresh air motoring, while tempering it with a wonderfully traditional ambience and adding a whole new dimension of practicality.