HCD-14 Genesis Concept can be seen at Pebble Beach

 Hyundai’s innovative and tech-laden HCD-14 Genesis Concept, which received international acclaim at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, will again be center stage on the prestigious Concept Lawn at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The HCD-14 Genesis Concept joins a handful of other futuristic concepts from the world’s leading manufacturers, including Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

CONCEPT LAWN

The Pebble Beach Concept Lawn provides a highly differentiated staging venue within the Concours d’Elegance judging activities for the weekend. Concours attendees view the special vehicle concepts upon entry and departure from the grounds, giving them ample opportunity to consider future automobile development in the context of its gloried past. In recent years, the concept lawn has taken on special significance as a focal point for some of the most convention-shattering designs and advanced technologies under development.

Concours attendees frequently have the opportunity to interact directly with lead concept designers on the lawn for a vision of the future automobile’s unlimited potential. Every manufacturer’s concept submission is subject to rigorous Concours criteria for its overall design propriety and technological significance. The Concept Lawn configuration limits the total number of concepts to about 20 vehicles, making this a coveted privilege for automotive manufacturers. 2013 also marks the fifth year of Hyundai’s presence at Pebble Beach, frequently showcasing its premium models. This year, Hyundai will host its Genesis and Equus premium sedans on Peter Hay Hill from August 14-18.

“We’re both humbled and excited to represent the HCD-14 Genesis concept as a glimpse into Hyundai’s vision for the future,” said Chris Chapman, chief designer for Hyundai Design North America in southern California. “The HCD-14 speaks powerfully in terms of both premium design trends and advanced driving technologies, making it a perfect fit for the Concept Lawn venue. We’re looking forward to hearing opinions from some of the world’s leading automotive enthusiasts on this ground-breaking concept from Hyundai.”

EVOLUTION OF FLUIDIC SCULPTURE

HCD-14 Genesis conveys an evolution of fluidic sculpture design language with more precision than previous iterations. Detailed craftsmanship quality is conveyed via gemstone-like design surfaces. From the side view silhouette, classic rear-drive sport sedan proportions are conveyed by an extended dash-to-axle length, short overhangs, large-diameter wheels, sharply-tapered greenhouse, and short rear deck. Large wheels were developed from a mix of premium lightweight alloys with carbon fiber surrounding the voided areas of the wheel design.

REAR-HINGED REAR DOOR CABIN ACCESS

Opening the rear door reveals a rear-hinged configuration, with a single, oversized, brushed-aluminum hinge articulating diagonally from the rear door cutline. With both doors open, HCD-14 Genesis has an inviting and commodious cabin ambience. Inside the cabin, a double-cresting-wave center console design carries from the instrument panel through to the rear seats. This design-wave theme further influences the interior door handles and rear headrest hoods. Gauges and driver data are provided via an eclectic fusion of both analog and digital sources, with aviation-derived design cues. The driver-focused cockpit offers an asymmetrical center stack, with critical driving functions separated from passenger comfort functions.

ACTIVE DRIVER SAFETY TECHNOLOGY

While the HCD-14 Genesis exterior design makes a statement all its own, the driver’s environment is where its technological innovation breaks new ground. Ergonomics engineers eliminated the traditional center stack, developing an intuitive driver interface system that allows the HCD-14 driver to better keep his eyes on the road. Freed from traditional design restrictions, designers created a controls layout devoid of intimidating clusters of buttons and knobs. Using state-of-the-art driver eye-tracking and 3-D hand-gesture recognition, HCD-14 Genesis is able to recognize driver commands free from the distractions associated with manual controls. Once a specific feature is selected via eye-tracking, thumb controls or gesture recognition can be used to select navigation, infotainment, audio, HVAC, and even smartphone connectivity functions. This intuitive interface provides the driver with complete control while keeping his eyes safely above the cowl plane, using a windshield heads-up display (HUD) for minimal driving distraction. This proprietary interface represents Hyundai’s vision for future vehicle HMI and sets a new benchmark in active driver safety technology.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully-transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Assurance includes Assurance Connected Care that provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for three years. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.

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Hyundai New Generation i10

Hyundai Motor Europe has released the first picture of New Generation i10, the company’s completely-new European A-segment car.  Appearing five years after its predecessor went on sale, New Generation i10 demonstrates significant progress for Hyundai in the segment, possessing abilities and features typically only found in higher segments.  Generous levels of equipment, space and functionality, coupled with sophisticated design, refined ride qualities and a quiet cabin, set new levels of ‘true value’ for Hyundai.

Buyers of New Generation i10 will be offered the highest levels of comfort and safety equipment, with many features more common to segments above.  Available equipment such as automatic climate control, heated leather steering wheel and cruise control with speed limiter provide bigger-car comfort, while safety features include standard-fitment stability control and front curtain airbags.

Longer (+80mm), wider (+65mm) and lower (-50mm) than its predecessor, New Generation i10 provides best-in-class legroom and cargo capacity.  Front and rear passengers benefit from combined legroom of 1,890mm, while boot capacity has been boosted by more than 10% to 252 litres with all seats in place.

New Generation i10 is based on an all-new platform featuring a 5mm-longer wheelbase and relocated rear dampers that deliver more precise wheel control over all types of road surface.  To take full advantage of its enhanced dimensions, New Generation i10 has also been carefully tuned to deliver refined driving dynamics and low noise levels, for an experience close to the standard of B-segment cars.

The European Hyundai design team, led by Chief Designer Thomas Bürkle, has created a dynamic shape using fluidic sculpture, Hyundai Motor Company’s design philosophy, to emphasise the new car’s athletic proportions and generous external dimensions. The refined exterior is mirrored by a stylish interior that features high-quality materials on key surfaces.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: “New Generation i10 is another significant step forward for Hyundai Motor.  Every aspect of the car has been designed and rigorously developed to meet the demands and needs of European consumers.  New Generation i10 fully embodies Hyundai’s ‘true value’ proposition, bringing higher levels of features and functionality than many buyers would expect to find in a vehicle of this segment.”

As with 95% of Hyundai cars sold in Europe, New Generation i10 has been designed and developed at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany.  New Generation i10 will become the first A-segment Hyundai to also be built in the region.

Set to enter production in September, New Generation i10 will be made at Hyundai’s factory in Ízmit, Turkey.  The annual capacity of the plant, which already produces the B-segment New i20 model, is rising to 200,000 cars, following a multi-million Euro investment in infrastructure in the region.  Once New Generation i10 goes on sale across Europe, 90% of Hyundai cars sold in Europe will be built in the region.

More information will be released ahead of New Generation i10’s debut at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) in Frankfurt in September.

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Hyundai and Rhys Millen Racing teaming up for the Global RallyCross Series at the 2013 ESPN Summer X-Games

Rhys Millen's Veloster in mid-air.

Hyundai and Rhys Millen Racing are once again teaming up for the Global RallyCross Series at the 2013 ESPN Summer X-Games in Los Angeles. This year’s competition moves from the ultra-tight circuit on the streets of downtown Los Angeles to the purpose-built racing facility in Irwindale, California. This new circuit is sure to change the dynamics and strategy for the race, with more room for the late braking, passing, drifts and big-gap jumps that make this event a racing fan favorite.

“I can’t wait to get back in the Veloster Rallycar racing seat”, said Millen. “Of course it’s a great opportunity to go wheel-to-wheel with some of the best rally drivers in the world, right in our own backyard. Even more, it’s a great opportunity to show off the performance potential of the Hyundai Veloster Rallycar, just a few miles from Hyundai headquarters. With Veloster’s power and handling and my rally experience we’re aiming to be first off the apex on Sunday.”

Steve Shannon, vice president of marketing for Hyundai Motor America, echoed, “The Hyundai Veloster, with its high performance direct-injected, turbocharged powertrain and wide, aggressive stance, is the perfect sport coupe for enthusiasts of any lifestyle. It’s great to team up again with a world-class racer like Rhys Millen to show Veloster’s full potential. We’re more than excited about our prospects on Sunday.”

HYUNDAI RMR VELOSTER RALLYCAR

CHASSIS

RMR employees applied everything they know about fabricating racecars into the Veloster Rallycar. The production Veloster was stripped to bare metal and the chassis spent five days in an Alkali bath removing all rubber and adhesives. The chassis was also stitch welded for added structural rigidity.

CARBON/KEVLAR BODY PANELS

Millen quickly decided to take the already lightweight Veloster and make it even lighter. His crew took molds of the Veloster body panels to replicate them out of carbon/Kevlar. The hood, doors, quarter panels, front fascia and rear fascia are all built out of carbon/Kevlar. The carbon/Kevlar panels are 75 percent lighter than the sheet metal they replaced. Downforce has been further increased by a custom RMR rear wing. The hood is vented to dissipate heat.

SUSPENSION

The Hyundai RMR Veloster Rally car utilizes a custom suspension with generous travel for the big-gap jumps.

WHEELS, TIRES AND BRAKES

To ensure that the enhanced power plant translates all the way to track performance, RMR added custom built 18-inch HRE wheels and 245/40-18 Hankook Racing tires. Stopping power comes from 14-inch Alcon brake rotors and six piston Alcon calipers.

RMR VELOSTER RALLYCAR SPECIFICATIONS
Curb weight: 2,656 pounds
Engine: Hyundai 500-horspower four-cylinder turbocharged
Transmission: Xtrac six-speed sequential
Transfer case: Xtrac four wheel drive
Front and rear differentials: Xtrac
Suspension: Proflex jumbo coil over
Front Brakes: 14-inch Alcon rotors with 6-piston Alcon calipers
Rear Brakes: 12-inch Alcon rotors with 6-piston Alcon calipers
Wheels: 18 x 8.5-inch HRE
Tires: 245/40-18 Hankook racing tire
Seats and harnesses: Sparco

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HCD-14 Genesis wins the Most Significant Concept of the Year -award

 Hyundai received the 2013 “Concept Car of the Year” award for the HCD-14 Genesis Concept. The vehicle was also awarded the “Most Significant Concept of the Year” title for scoring the highest among the category winning concepts. HCD-14 debuted Hyundai’s design direction for future premium vehicles at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year.

The twelfth annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards recognize those vehicles most likely to shape the future of the automobile industry. This marks the second time Hyundai has received an award, having been named “Production Preview Concept Vehicle of the Year” in 2008 for the Genesis Coupe.

According to juror Bob Kroupa, one of the Principals of the Automotive Writers Group, “Hyundai’s HCD-14 introduces future premium vehicle design, advanced 3-D gesture-based technology controls and spirited driving dynamics. Its rear hinged back doors and fastback coupe design, add to the WOW factor.”

The “Concept Car” category recognizes those vehicles intended for carrying passengers. HCD-14 beat out competitors in this category including the Honda EV-STER and Toyota Corolla Furia. The Hyundai concept was recognized for its state-of-the-art features and enhanced driver experience. HCD-14 Genesis reveals the technological future of Hyundai’s premium line-up with  driver eye-tracking and hand-gesture recognition, thumb controls or gesture recognition used to select navigation, infotainment, audio, HVAC, and smartphone connectivity functions.

“Hyundai’s California Design Center has been turning out some impressive work, and I think the HCD-14 is one of their best,” said Chris Poole, juror and Editor-at-Large for Chicago-based Consumer Guide Auto. “The ultra-clean coupe-like styling has both flair and presence, and I like the grille; it reminds me of certain early Ferraris. The interior is wild, but I applaud the lack of a center stack—provided Hyundai has figured out new controls that are at least as user-friendly. If the next production Genesis is anything like this stunner, I say, bring it on!”

More than two dozen jurors participated in a selection process that involved a total of 23 vehicles, each introduced to North America during this season’s auto shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Toronto, and New York.

“It’s exciting to see the overwhelming positive response and feedback we have received for the HCD-14 Genesis Concept,” said Chris Chapman, chief designer, Hyundai Design, North American Design Center. “HCD-14 Genesis provides a glimpse of Hyundai’s future and showcases the emphasis we are placing on driving dynamics and technology. Winning the ‘Concept Car of the Year’ validates our design intuition as we take our premium line-up to the next level of sophistication in styling and technological prowess.”

ABOUT THE North american concept awards

Originated in 2002, the North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards recognize those concept vehicles that have made the strongest impact in terms of automotive design, engineering and market responsiveness. Professional automotive journalists from throughout North America, representing dozens of outlets in virtually every media segment serve as volunteer jurors to select the award winners.

The awards are given to the best Production Preview Vehicle, Concept Car, Concept Truck/SUV, and Most Significant Concept Vehicle of each auto show season.

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Hyundai i20 WRC makes Test Debut

After an intensive few months of preparation at its Alzenau headquarters, Hyundai Motorsport has taken the i20 WRC out of the workshop and onto the road at the start of its testing programme.

The latest specification of the Hyundai i20 WRC ran for the first time during a positive shakedown on a private testing ground in mid-May. With the aim of checking the car’s systems as the team ramps up its test schedule ahead of an entry in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2014, Hyundai Motorsport’s technical team completed the roll-out without encountering any particular issues.

This shakedown was followed last week with the first comprehensive testing session where the team started working on different set-up solutions and gathered valuable data which will be analysed by engineers back at the Hyundai Motorsport facility in Alzenau. While all key areas of the car’s performance were evaluated, there was a major focus on collecting feedback on the i20 WRC’s 1.6 litre turbocharged engine as part of the continuing development programme for the powertrain.

A total of 550 kilometres covered over the three days has enabled the team to start building the knowledge base of testing data from which to prepare its entry to the WRC in eight months’ time.

With an ambitious target to meet in a short period of time, the intensive testing programme is intended to ensure that Hyundai Motorsport arrives at Rallye Monte

Carlo in January fully prepared for the challenge. The programme will continue for the rest of the year and will involve the assessment and development of the i20 WRC in all of the terrains and conditions expected in World Rally Championship.

THREE QUESTIONS TO HYUNDAI MOTORSPORT TEAM PRINCIPAL, MICHEL NANDAN

Michel, the last couple of weeks were pretty busy for the team at Hyundai Motorsport. Can you tell us a bit more about it?

“Indeed, it has been a busy few months here at Hyundai Motorsport as we prepared to kick-off our testing programme to get ready for the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship. After starting our operations from scratch at the Alzenau factory in early January, we have been developing the car and now we can put the theory into practice. The car is on the road and I have to admit it was quite an emotional moment to see the latest specification of the i20 WRC in action for the first time.

The car we are currently testing was originally designed by our colleagues in Korea at the Namyang R&D Centre. It has then been developed and prepared in Alzenau by the team which is growing constantly day-by-day.”

What are your thoughts on the first two outings of the i20 WRC on the road?

“The learning from the first tests for me is quite positive. I think we are starting from a good base that we can use to carry on working. This was crucial considering the tight schedule we have until the end of the year. We have now a lot of useful feedback to digest for the next steps of our preparation.

On the human side of things, I have already seen great teamwork, from the engineers in Namyang and the growing team of people in Alzenau. I have to say I’m very proud of everyone and I should thank them for the good job they have been doing so far. We have a lot of work ahead of us but I’m sure that with the commitment everybody showed so far we will respect all the timings and objectives we have for this year.”

What are the next steps in the testing programme?

“We have an intensive testing schedule for the rest of 2013 which will take us to different venues across Europe, to evaluate the i20 WRC in different conditions and on different terrains which reflect the variety of circumstances we will encounter in the World Rally Championship next year. We are not disclosing our specific test venues or the names of the various drivers we will have but we will ensure that every aspect of the car’s performance is put to the test and thoroughly evaluated without leaving anything to chance.”

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