2001 Hyundai HCD-6

Hyundai Motor American chose the 100th anniversary of the Chicago Auto Show to debut the HCD-6 Roadster concept. This was Hyundai’s 1st mid-engine prototype, and came equipped with a 215 horsepower, 2.7-liter V-6, 6-speed manual gearbox and 4-wheel independent suspension. A transparent cover was featured over the engine bay. Designed by Hyundai’s design studio team in Fountain Valley, California, the 2-seat roadster had deeply-sculpted side air intake system to channel cold air to the engine, detachable floating front and rear bumpers, 18-inch wheels with run-flat tires, and projected beam headlights that turned with the front wheels. The attractive body was finished in a 3-stage Mysteria paint by DuPont, which allowed the HCD6 to visually change from teal to dark purple. Simple, functional interior was upholstered in a sporty stretch fabric, with smooth leather and metal accents.

Hyundai, the car company with a reputation for making high-value cars affordable, has aimed its sights at the two-seat roadster market. Making its world debut at the Chicago Auto Show (February 2001) is the new, Hyundai HCD-6 roadster, dubbed the "affordable exotic car." "This concept car provides a strong indication of where Hyundai is going in the sporty car market," said David Weber, Vice President, Marketing at Hyundai Motor America. " The HCD-6 is a car that is fun to drive, fun to look at and fun to own. When you can just look at a car and have it put a smile on your face, it's a winner." The Hyundai HCD-6 is aimed at those drivers who are young at heart and use their vehicles as an expression of freedom. "We feel the HCD-6 will appeal to young people and to baby boomers who enjoy driving with the wind in their hair." Weber added.

Styling

The Hyundai HCD-6 Roadster was styled by the talented team at the HATCI California Design studio in Fountain Valley, California, located near the famed shores of Newport Beach. The two-seat open top roadster has many unique design features including detached, floating front and rear carbon fiber bumpers, a clear, see-through engine cover and high-mount exhaust. "The most striking feature is a deeply sculpted side air intake system," said HCD Senior Designer Dragan Vukadinovic who led the exterior design team on the HCD-6. "The entire side of the car serves as ducting to the engine. This design also improves aerodynamics by taking normally turbulent wheel well air, smoothing it out and using it for engine cooling.

Гвоздем экспозиции корейской фирмы был концептуальный среднемоторный родстер Hyundai HCD6 — уже шестой шоу-кар, созданный в калифорнийской дизайн-студии компании. Как и во всех пяти предыдущих случаях, о серийном производстве машины речи не идет.