Hyundai HCD-3 concept; world’s first two-door crossover
Meet the Hyundai HCD-3 concept; world’s first two-door crossover vehicle.
Hyundai HCD-3 concept was officially unveiled in 1995 and it must had been one of the first concept cars that foretold future vehicles will undergo a drastic change. At that time I didn’t really expect cars will gone so different, and for sure I wasn’t alone thinking like that.
But they did, and today, we can see crossovers of different kinds flooding worldwide vehicle market. At that time, the HCD-3 really stood out of the concept car crowd. Not only because of its yellow-black body paint, but more because of its futuristic exterior design.
The HCD-3 was Hyundai’s third concept car and it unfortunately never became a reality! For the HCD-3, I have found plenty of pics and although they are not of the highest quality, they still provide a good insight into the HCD-3 concept car. Surprisingly, there was also an interior shot and a short official press release. So check it out after the jump…
Official Hyundai press release for the HCD-3:
The California Design Studio completed the technical and artistic design work for the HCD-3 after a year of research. Hyundai engineers made a radical departure from conventional automotive design concepts to craft a bold styling statement.
The 4-seat HCD-3 has dual airbags in the front and comes with an anti-lock brake system. Placed in the centre of the gauge cluster, the computer-controlled Navitac displays the driver’s desired destination on-screen with the press of a button.
It is also equipped with an advanced car audio system, CD player, heater and air conditioner. The HCD-3 is powered by a 2.0L DOHC turbo engine that generates up to 240 horsepower.
A switch adjusts the suspension system height and cushion strength to fit the road conditions. Thus, the ride remains equally enjoyable on paved roads and rugged off-road terrain.
Hyundai HCD-3 features:
- Adjustable height suspension
- Navigation system
- Convertible top
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Folding rear window
Hyundai HCD-3 gallery:
December 19th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Well, I must say that the team in California is innovative and creative, but when they try to put the two concepts together…here, an offroad sports car, the overall design suffers. I notice that the HDC Team seams to always resort to trying to add the offroad theme to the mix. I guess it’s all those beach goes they are trying to appeal to.
Unfortunately for them, Koreans don’t share that same cultural activity… or that same climate an geography which is probably why the theme never gets off the ground. Although the HDC is very American, Hyundai is still an Asian/ Koraen company. It also seems like… on the opposite.. Koreans… probably because of this thought process of the HDC, are reluctant to introduce their more luxurious cars here. Maybe this is why the mother company didn’t think the Genesis or the Equus would sell well here…. out side of the predjudice we developed in the 80′s with some of their problem ladened Ecxels.
This is a nice car but it looks like they were trying too hard to cram it all in. I don’t know… any thoughts? Sorry, I’ll get off my soap box now.
March 12th, 2009 at 5:36 am
Ummm.. No.
June 25th, 2009 at 2:48 am
Maybe, the company or the world wasn’t ready for the innovative concept back then. Now the same company (well.. with a different badge, of course) released it’s redundance of the 14 year-old concept, under the name “Soul’ster”, and got appreciated.
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/01/report-kia-soulster-headed-for-production/