DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Hyundai HCD-14 concept

The stunning four-door coupe concept pictured here is dubbed HCD-14. Created at Hyundai’s California Design facility the concept car provides a ‘spiritual guide’ to the next generation of its premium models, according to Hyundai.

Those will include the 2014 Hyundai Genesis and Equus, competitors comparable in size and status to the BMW 5 Series and 7 Series respectively, as well as a newcomer expected to compete against the likes of BMW’s smaller 3 Series.

Speaking at the unveiling of the HCD-14 concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Hyundai’s American president and CEO John Krafcik said the new models aim to raise people’s perception of the South Korean brand.

“[The HCD-14] really is the spiritual guide for a future line-up of future cars that explores new thinking about product design, and new possibilities for the interaction between man and machine,” explained Mr Krafcik.

“It is not the next-generation Genesis sedan. We’re going to be showing you the production version of that car next year [and there will be] an even stronger dose of HCD-14 coming in another premium model that’s just a bit further down the line.”

While pricing and specification detail is still a long way off, the new model line-up is expected to be powered by those engines found under the bonnet of the current Genesis.

Those include Hyundai’s ‘Lambda’ 3.8-litre V6 as well as the ‘tried and tested’ 5.0-litre version of the South Korean manufacturer’s ‘Tau’ V8. Smaller offerings may also offer the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol found in the current Genesis Coupe.

What will differ dramatically, other than the vehicle’s ‘Fluidic Precision’ design language, is a suite of new technologies that includes a remarkable driver interface system. Utilising state-of-the-art eye tracking and 3D hand gesture technology, Active Driver Safety Technology controls HVAC, audio, navigation and smartphone connectivity functions without the need for hard buttons or dials.

Hyundai says this proprietary interface is not just a futuristic vision, but one that is completely functional in its HCD-14 concept vehicle, and one that will be operational in its premium production models very soon. The American-based crew were quick to add that this high-end technology would not remain so for too long, stressing that it wished to make both the concept’s design and its technology accessible to the masses.

“You’re also going to see much greater divergence between our premium products, and our mass market products” said Mr Krafcik. “For all those reasons this is a really important concept car for us, and that’s why we brought it to Detroit.”

The new generation of premium Hyundai vehicles will be shown in production form at next year’s Detroit Motor Show with showroom roll-outs expected in Q1 next year (2014). Australian deliveries are expected to commence concurrently.

More news and coverage of the 2013 Detroit Motor Show

Full gallery of 2013 Detroit Motor Show at motoring.com.au

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