The new Hyundai Prophecy EV conceptThis is the Hyundai Prophecy, a new EV concept that was originally planned for the 2020 Geneva Motor Show that never was. It turned into a digital car premiere. But we reckon you may have missed some of the details about this unusual concept in the mélee surrounding COVID-19 and its effect on the motor industry.
Now Luc Donckerwolke, Hyundai Motor Group’s Chief Design Officer, has been giving more insight into the design of the brand’s new EV concept. Remember, Hyundai is the brand that has thus far given us the Hyundai IONIQ Electric and the very popular KONA Electric. They know quite a lot about making electric cars for the mass market, but what about high end electric wagons like the Prophecy?
The Hyundai Prophecy points to a flagship EV model from the brand. It’s inspired by the vintage cars of the 1920s and 30s, with a smooth, coupe-like design. Sweeping curves and smooth lines set it apart from the angular 45, another Hyundai concept car which debuted at the IAA in 2019.
However, like 45, it features show stopping pixel lights. We love the dynamic shape and sporty rear spoiler. The propeller-shaped wheels reduce air resistance. This look is based on what Hyundai call ‘Sensuous Sportiness’!
“The word ‘sensuous’ integrates the value of more emotion in our designs. ‘Sportiness’ implies dynamics, to be reactive of what’s happening around us,” says Donckerwolke. “Sensuous Sportiness is not about a new language or philosophy. It’s about a new concept in the creation of our cars.”
The interior of the Hyundai ProphecyThe Hyundai Prophecy interior
Inside, Hyundai has used dark colours and natural materials to create ‘a completely new type of in-car experience’. There is no steering wheel, just joysticks left and right of the driver. The brand says this gives a more spacious interior, more comfortable seating position while driving, and also frees up more space on the dashboard for other features.
In addition, 90 per cent of the vehicle’s functions can be controlled via buttons on the joysticks. So there is no need for the driver to take their hands off the joysticks to change the music!
The Prophecy also previews a new Smart Posture Care System (SPCS) that allows drivers to enjoy an optimised seating position based on their body characteristics. The driver can either adjust the seat manually, or allow the car to suggest a “smart” seating position for them. In “smart” mode, the driver enters their height, seated height, and weight, and the car automatically adjusts to the driver’s individual physical condition.
When not driving, the car can be used as an entertainment space by switching into Relax Mode. This reclines the seats while the dashboard swivels upwards for a better position to view entertainment shown on the display. The theory behind this concept is that as autonomous driving technology progresses, the potential for vehicles to be used as relaxation spaces will grow in importance.
The Prophecy is a high end Tesla challenger from HyundaiAnything else?
The Prophecy can clean the air when particle levels inside the vehicle get too high by taking in fresh air and purifying it, then circulating it through the car. It does while the car is driving, when it is idling or charging, and even if no one is inside.
Like the 45 concept, the Hyundai Prophecy EV concept is built using the Electric Global Modular Platform or “E-GMP” – Hyundai’s first dedicated EV platform. Hyundai says this electric powertrain is much more compact than an internal-combustion counterpart, meaning there is no need for a wide front hood or a bulky centre console.
This allows automotive designers to reclaim the space for passenger use, and to reimagine the range of in-car experiences.