Hyundai HCD-1 concept; a neo-classic roadster
Last week, I announced we are going to talk about concept cars Hyundai unveiled in the past 15 years. There are more than 20 exciting concepts that have never made it to production but have had a major impact on Hyundais future production cars.
Starting today, we will take a look at one of the best looking concepts Hyundai has ever built. Its called the HCD-1 and made its official debut sixteen years ago… (Continue your read to see more images and a video!)
Hyundai HCD-1 concept:
Back in 1992, Hyundai Motor unveiled an impressive looking concept car. Dubbed the HCD-1, the concept was the first undertaking of the Hyundai California Design Center, which was established in 1990 to develop both production vehicle and cutting edge design concepts for the US automotive market.
Hyundai official press release:
The HCD-1 sports car combines retro styling with advanced technology and high performance. It is powered by a 2,0L, 16-valve DOCH engine capable of producing 150 hp. Safety features abound, from dual airbags (a sophisticated option at the time this car was unveiled) and disc brakes on all wheels to antilock brake and traction control systems.
The unique styling approach is bold and exciting, with a muscularity reminiscent of the human form. The ant-cab forward design on a classic speedster blends a retro feel with an aggressive stance.
The basic package includes a short overhang, rotund wheel arches over large wheels and a uniquely designed trunk that can be loaded with items. The high-performance HCD-1 sports car also boasts a host of advanced features, such as completely retractable rear glass window, disc brakes on all wheels with traction control and ABS braking system. There are also two airbags and large 17-inch alloy wheels with 245/45 tires.
Hyundai HCD-1 video:
I could not find many images of the HCD-1, but surprisingly, I came across this video, which reveals the HCD-1 was not only a clay model or something you can only look at, but a real and drivable concept car. The video also features a glimpse preview of the Hyundai HCD-2, a concept car that we will look at on next Thursday. Enjoy the video!
Sorry, but video is no longer available…
November 26th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Wow! This is truly a cool looking car. I also had no Idea that Hyundai asked singer Mariah Carey to promote the car either. I have always liked the work that has come out of the Hyundai California Design Center. I think that the HCD-2 featured in this clip is a much better design than what eventually became the Tiburon. I also think that they created, what I think -with a little refinement, the car that should have been the Genesis Coupe or the next generation Tiburon, the HCD-8 which is shown as that famous yellow car that was floating around the Hollywood a few years back shown here in a YouTube video link. I think this car has much more attitude than anything Hyundai has ever had on the boards…. personally. Maybe with Krafcik as the new NA-CEO we will see more of the US cars with the HCD look. Thanks for the history lesson admin.
November 26th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
I completely agree with you! This is one of the best looking Hyundai concepts and it’s really a pitty why Hyundai didn’t bring more design elements from concepts to their production cars in the past.
Imagine Hyundais line-up (from 10 years ago) looking half as good as their HCD concepts! They would have been the No US automaker by now.
More is to come so stay tuned!
November 27th, 2008 at 2:26 am
too bad both those cars didn’t come out – i wonder what hyundai & kia would have looked like NOW if they did. curious…
November 27th, 2008 at 8:07 am
I was never a fan of this, but the HCD2 which led up to the first gen Tiburon was great…
November 27th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Well, this car doesn’t look any special now, but it was very futuristic at that time. The HCD-1 and HCD-2 were used to foretell the first generation Hyundai Coupe/Tiburon.
October 21st, 2009 at 2:45 pm
what is the price of this one?
January 18th, 2011 at 9:46 pm
Well, since I’m old, I remember seeing the HCD-1 at the Chicago Auto Show. I loved it then, and couldn’t figure out why I never saw it again.
Oh well.