The Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis concept has been unveiled at the 2013 Detroit auto show, giving the world an insight into the future design philosophy of the South Korean car maker’s next-generation flagship sedans.
Hyundai says the striking HCD-14 Genesis concept provides a ‘spiritual guide’ to the styling of the second-generation Hyundai Genesis sedan, which will be revealed in production form at next year’s Detroit auto show.
Conveying a new “fluidic-precision, liquid-metal” design language, the Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis concept features an intimidating brushed metal grille, bold LED headlights and squared-off daytime running light rings, and matching tail-lights and exhaust outlets at the rear.
Heavily raked front and rear windscreens, a shallow glasshouse and a short boot lid create a swoopy, sporty profile, suggesting the next-generation Genesis will join the likes of the Audi A5 and A7 Sportbacks, the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the Volkswagen CC in the ‘four-door coupe’ club.
The futuristic exterior styling is backed up on the inside. The simplistic cabin is intentionally almost completely devoid of buttons and switches in an attempt to keep the driver’s hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Using eye-tracking technology and 3D hand-gesture recognition, the HCD-14 Genesis concept can read where the driver directs their eyes and positions their hands, allowing them to move between and operate all the functions of car’s infotainment, audio, navigation, climate control and communications systems without physically touching anything. The eye-tracking interface is integrated into the windshield-projected head-up display in an attempt to minimise driver distraction.
The Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis concept also emphasises the Korean manufacturer’s new focus on driver-centric vehicle dynamics. With an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power from its ‘Tau’ 5.0-litre V8 to the rear wheels, Hyundai says the concept delivers “impressive power, low emissions and superb efficiency”.
The car maker also promises new levels of driver involvement and control thanks to the concept’s ultra-rigid chassis comprising high-tensile steel, a multi-mode power steering system designed to retain road feel and feedback, low-profile performance tyres for added grip, and an advanced yaw control system, giving the driver the scope to adjust a number of vehicle set-ups to suit the road conditions and their driving preferences.
It’s unclear at this stage if the new Hyundai Genesis will make it to our shores, with right-hand-drive production still unconfirmed.
What is guaranteed for Australia, however, is the next-generation Genesis Coupe, which is expected to bear some resemblance to the HCD-14 Genesis concept when it reaches local showrooms by 2015.
