Hyundai Motor Company is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its flagship Grandeur car from 1986 by recreating it with a twist. It now conforms to all of the newfangled standards of technology, even pulling a step ahead in some bits, and is as such fitted with a modern electric drivetrain.
The exterior is where most of the charm lies, with the car looking straight out of the Cyberpunk 2077 videogame owing to its retro design. Most of the outside still is reminiscent of the original Hyundai Grandeur, but there have been subtle changes – updated side mirrors, covered wheels, side cladding, and pixel-style LED headlights and tail lights – enough to make the car sufficiently futuristic.
But perhaps the best bit is Hyundai’s choice of color. The EV comes in black, with equally dark windows, almost as if it’s hiding something villainous. The only thing that helps cool off its sinister vibes is the bit of chrome finishing on the side cladding as well as grille, without which the car would’ve looked far more menacing than it already does.
Nevertheless, a tasteful exterior is nothing if it’s combined with unrefined interiors. A car owner, after all, spends most of their time inside the vehicle than standing outside gawking at it. Hyundai’s design team knows of this and has made sure that the insides are every bit as plushy and luxurious as the car’s exterior may lead one to believe.
Accordingly, the car’s interior follows a ‘Newtro (newness + retro) concept theme’ just like the exterior. You get bronze-colored lighting all-around complemented by burgundy velvet and Napa leather for the seats and the rest of the upholstery. There’s even a large display up-front to satisfy all the infotainment needs. Hyundai also says that the car has been fitted with a ‘modern audiophile sound system’ comprised of 18-speakers, so there’s that.
Unfortunately, the Hyundai Grandeur EV is nothing but a concept to show off the company’s creativity and heritage. Fans looking to purchase one will have to wait for the unlikely event of Hyundai changing its mind about it all and actually kickstarting the car’s mass production. Still, considering the attention the car has managed to grab, it wouldn’t hurt to produce something like the Mercedes G-Class and Ford Bronco, both of which arguably are pinnacles of retro car design.
The Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV was on display at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang and will be moving to Seoul Motorstudio from November 16-21.
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