Hyundai is walking a dangerous path, one that many carmakers have ventured and failed miserably. Just look at Saab, see what happened to them. And yet, the Korean carmaker's latest concept, the Prophecy, has two 'steering' sticks.
Instead of the steering wheel, the driver will find two joysticks on either side. Since this is a car of the future, the 'driver' can let the autonomous system take over the, uh, joysticks. With nothing in front, the driver can now have a full view of a large screen that spans the entire width of the dashboard.
In combination with the pivoting wing-shaped dashboard, the Korean carmaker says this gives "more visual freedom to passengers" and "allows a spacious interior and seat position from which passengers can enjoy content shown on the display", taking advantage of the Prophecy's autonomous driving capability.
With the compact EGM-P architecture, Hyundai designers were able to free-up significant interior space that creates a "lifestyle space of refinement and comfort provides customers with a warm welcome". Hyundai wants to build a cabin that exudes calm and relaxation with the use of retro minimalist styling, dark colours and the Smart Posture Care System.
Further emphasis on the feeling of relaxation within the cabin is achieved with the use of Clean Air Technology, which provides a stream of purified air inside the vehicle, with the treated air being circulated back out to the atmosphere as clean air.
"We have brought to life yet another icon that establishes a new standard for the EV segment as well as pushing Hyundai's design vision to even broader horizons," said SangYup Lee, Head of Hyundai Global Design Center.
"A part of that expansion is what we call Optimistic Futurism, a design concept embodied by 'Prophecy'. With Optimistic Futurism, our aim is to forge an emotional connection between humans and automobiles," Lee adds.
Inspired by aerodynamic design, the Prophecy concept expands on the "45" EV concept revealed last year, favouring minimalist structures and clean lines flowing harmoniously from front to rear. The streamlined shape of the Prophecy seems to have been inspired by the retro looks of the Saab 900 and to a certain extent, the G Series Porsche 911 of the '70s.
Hyundai's designers proudly claim that the timeless teardrop silhouette is the "Ultimate Automotive Form" thanks to a new EV architecture that allows the use of "pristine surfaces and pure volume in combination with aesthetic harmony and functionality." The concept sits on Hyundai's "Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that was first debuted last year in the "45" concept, and will soon be set for production.
Hyundai says that some elements found on the Prophecy concept are destined for production, such as the propeller-shaped wheels and mesmerising pixel lights located on the headlights, taillights and integrated rear spoiler.
But what about the rest of the car? Surely the exterior design should also make into production, and the suicide doors should become a reality. Whatever it is, we hope the joysticks don't see the light of day.
