Yahoo Autos Checkmate: Hyundai Debuts HDC-2 Grandmaster SUV Concept
Hyundai is calling its new design approach Sensuous Sportiness, which sounds like meaningless marketing-speak but seemed credible when the company debuted a low-slung coupe concept, the HDC-1 Le Fil Rouge, in Geneva earlier this year. At the Busan auto show in South Korea today, Hyundai released a second example of the theme in the form of the HDC-2 Grandmaster SUV, a concept with a bit less sporting spirit despite its much bigger overall size-and a bit less sensual appeal as well.
While Le Fil Rouge is a nod to a French idiom that means “common thread,” the name Grandmaster is a reference to grandmaster-level chess players, the best of the best. The brand also draws parallels to how the various chess pieces, each with its own distinctive look, purpose, and strength, together complete a full chessboard; and how the members of the Hyundai lineup display individual characteristics while forming one Hyundai look. Um, okay. The Grandmaster also is said to incorporate proportion, architecture, styling, and technology elements into one package.
The concept is a clear evolution of design elements already seen on models such as the new Santa Fe XL, the Kona, and the Nexo. The fascia incorporates the headlights into the waterfall grille and uses new shapes and textures in the grille and the lighting elements. The side mirrors appear to be replaced by side-view cameras, and the concept features a new wheel design. Judging by the size, it appears this could be a preview of a full-size three-row SUV-perhaps a companion to the Kia Telluride. Your move, Hyundai.
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