Hyundai Reveals Electric Prophecy Concept Details
Last month, the digital premiere of the Hyundai Prophecy took place. The car, as its name suggests, reflects the direction Hyundai intends to take cars in the future. Hyundai Motor Group Chief Designer Luke Donckerwolke talks about the highlights of the Hyundai Prophecy Concept's cabin appearance and electrical design. In the published photos and videos, the car is visible while driving.
Classic timeless design
The Prophecy's coupe-like design is inspired by vintage cars from the 1920s and 1930s. Wide curves and flowing lines set it apart from Hyundai's geometric 45 concept car, which debuted at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. However, like the 45, the Prophecy has a distinctive pixel backlight. The dynamic shape and rear spoiler give it a sporty look, while the propeller-shaped discs reduce air resistance. The stylish appearance of the Prophecy is based on Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design philosophy.
The car's interior exudes calmness, while the dark colors and natural materials used in it refer to nature - inspired by the volcanic island of Jeju. The designers have tried to provide a completely new kind of experience from being in the car.
“The word 'Sensual' reflects the emotional side of our designs. The word "sportiness", on the other hand, reflects the dynamics of reaction to what is happening around us. Sensual sportiness is more than just a language or design philosophy. This is a new concept for creating Hyundai cars.” Luc Donkerwolke, head of design at Hyundai Motor Group, said.
Joysticks instead of steering wheel
One of the most unique pieces of Prophecy gear is the steering gear. Instead of a steering wheel mounted high on the dashboard, there are two joysticks in front of the driver. The joysticks are located on the side of the door to the left of the driver and on the center console to the right of the driver. Combined with a spacious interior, this ergonomic solution provides a more comfortable driving position. There is also more room on the dashboard for other uses. In addition, up to 90% vehicle functions can be controlled using the buttons located on the joysticks. Thanks to this, you do not need to take your hands off, for example, to change music. The use of joysticks also increases the field of vision and passenger safety.
Intelligent driver's seat adjustment
Not only the use of joysticks has increased the comfort and convenience of the driver. The new Smart Posture Care System (SPCS) allows the driver to choose a position based on individual physical characteristics. The driver can manually adjust the seat to their liking or let the car suggest a reasonable position. In smart mode, the driver enters information about their height, seat height and weight, and the car automatically adjusts the seat based on the variables entered. In addition to the seat, SPCS also controls the position of the mirrors and the head-up display.
Relax mode: the car as a space for entertainment
The Prophecy multimedia system is integrated with a large screen stretched across the entire width of the cabin. In a stationary state, switching to the relaxation mode, the car can be used as a place for entertainment. In relaxation mode, the seats recline and the instrument panel pivots upwards to comfortably view the content presented on the display. Due to the absence of a steering wheel, passengers have no visual obstructions, they can only see a horizontal display with a full canopy and a tilted wing-shaped instrument panel. As the technology for autonomous driving in vehicles advances, the use of relaxation mode may become more frequent.
Cleaning the air inside and outside the car
Prophecy is not only a zero-emission electric car, but also an air-purifying one. This is due to the unique air filtration system with a fine dust sensor built into the vehicle. When the level of particles in the car gets too high, the air purification system activates, draws in fresh air from outside, filters it, and circulates clean air throughout the car. And it doesn't just happen while driving. Prophecy purifies the air even when idling or charging, even when no one is inside.
In most cars, the driver or passenger leaves the window to get some fresh air. There is always fresh air in Prophecy, so the double-glazed windows are blocked. When the air inside the car needs to be replaced, fresh air is sucked in through intake valves at the front of the car. When fresh air is not needed, the filtered air is forced back into the outside world through two outlets at the bottom of the side door. This system is much more energy efficient than a traditional ventilation system.
Platform and drive
The Hyundai Prophecy, which is 45 years old, is the brand's second vehicle built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), Hyundai's first electric vehicle platform. The platform allows you to use a completely new design and new conveniences. Electric powertrains are much more compact than their internal combustion engine counterparts, meaning there's no need for a wide hood or roomy center console. This allows automotive designers to allocate the saved space for passenger use and redefine travel comfort.
Photos: Hyundai
