Hyundai builds a Maybach coupe

Hyundai Motor America has revealed what it describes as the "inspiration for its family of future premium products", in the form of a large two-door coupe that appears to borrow its rear-end design from Daimler's defunct stand-alone luxury brand, Maybach.

Unveiled at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) overnight, the Vision G Coupe Concept was previously known as the HCD-16 and follows the similarly US-designed HCD-14 concept, which in early 2013 previewed the new Genesis sedan released in Australia late last year.

Hyundai has already revealed a concept version of its second-generation Genesis Coupe in the form of the Korean-designed HND-9(which stands for Hyundai Namyang Design, rather than Hyundai California Design) at the 2013 Seoul motor show, and a two-door Genesis remains on the wishlist for Hyundai in Australia.

Therefore we believe the Vision G previews the next-generation Equus limousine, a BMW 7 Series-size sedan currently produced only in left-hand drive and unlikely to ever be sold here. A replacement for the Equus is due to appear next year and could be offered in coupe form.

Hyundai has confirmed few actual facts about the Vision G, which is actually a three-door hatchback powered by a 312kW/519Nm version of the Korean giant's 'Tau' V8, other than promising it will offer "luxury, performance and style with the value and responsibility that is the foundation of Hyundai's brand".

"The concept was designed with coordinated input from Hyundai design studios around the world, but was led by our team here in the US," said Hyundai chief design officer Peter Schreyer.

"The design is our interpretation of the idea that Hyundai breathes into all of its vehicles – a DNA that balances design and performance with the idea that you don't need to be over the top in terms of glitz and stereotypical luxury cues."

Hyundai said that during the design process its designers centred their work on the notion of 'chivalry' – "a word they felt best defined the idea that one doesn't need to shout to be noticed and respected".

That's why the result – which will next be shown at California's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey this Sunday (August 16) – is said to be "purposefully understated, despite its size and dramatic lines".

"One example of this respectful luxury – and a nod to the self-sufficiency of the driver – is a technology that automatically opens the door as if being opened by a valet," said Hyundai.

Christopher Chapman, head of Hyundai's US design centre and leader of the coupe's design team, said the "respectful luxury" theme continues inside, where there are no glaring examples of luxury but rather elegant lines and finishes.

"In keeping with a design that speaks to the owner rather than 'the spectators' who might see the car on the road, Vision G appears dynamic and in constant motion," he said.

"After all – and if all is right in the world – the only time an owner sees the exterior of the car is when it's standing still."

Hyundai said the latest version of its 5.0-litre petrol V8 benefits from an optimised intake runner length, enhanced timing chain for reduced friction and NVH, low-torque exhaust manifold, increased compression ratio and upgraded multiple-injection mapping.

"These enhancements combine to produce a flatter torque curve at lower rpm for even better driveability," it said.