2013 Detroit: Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept hints at brand’s future premium vehicle design direction

At the 2013 Detroit Auto Show today, Hyundai is celebrating 5-straight years of premium segment success of the Genesis and Equus vehicles with the debut of the HCD-14 Genesis Concept. Hyundai says that the HCD-14 Genesis Concept is a hint of what’s to come next from the brand’s premium vehicles.

“We’ve departed from industry convention in many of our premium product, marketing, sales and service approaches, and it’s worked out pretty well, with Genesis and Equus now delivering a nine percent retail market share in their premium segments, higher than the five percent retail share Hyundai brand achieves in the overall industry,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “This success paves the way for a new generation of rear-wheel drive premium products. HCD-14 Genesis gives a hint of the design direction we’ll be taking, and an indication of the focus we’re placing on driving dynamics and technology.”

Design wise, the Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept features a 4-door-coupe design – a segment the Korean brand is currently not competing in.

“We instilled HCD-14 Genesis with a premium-sport 4-door coupe road presence,” said Christopher Chapman, chief designer, Hyundai Design North America. “Its sleek and lightweight silhouette does not punish the wind, but uses fluidic precision with dramatic surfacing that conveys natural restraint. Inside, a driver-centric cockpit prioritizes dramatic sculpture over infotainment button overload. Laminated and milled-wood detailing delivers a fresh, topographical map-like visual interest throughout the cabin-length center console.”

Power for the Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept comes from a 5.0 liter Tau V8 with direct injection and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), for impressive output that has not been specified.

All Photos Copyright egmCarTech © Omar Rana.

– By: Omar Rana