Hyundai goes back to the future with Grandeur EV

To mark the 35^th anniversary of its 1986 flagship sedan, Hyundai has gone back to the future and created a restored-modified (resto-mod) Heritage Series Grandeur EV.

The Heritage Series Grandeur EV shares the Parametric Pixel exterior lighting that distinguishes the Hyundai IONIQ 5 production model.

It also features new side mirrors, covered wheels, slide cladding and the aforementioned pixel-style LED headlights and taillights that hint at the concept’s use of Hyundai’s electric powertrain.

Inside the car the designers applied a ‘Newtro (newness + retro)’ concept theme to stimulate passengers’ senses with bronze-coloured lighting that is reminiscent of period audio equipment and a modern sound system to match. 

The front seats are fitted with burgundy velvet, inspired by the original Grandeur, with stitched and laced auburn Napa leather on the back. The centre console armrest contains a hidden pop-out compartment for storing valuables.

The designers integrated the latest technologies alongside retro-cool hardware. They replaced dials and buttons on the dashboard with an ultra-wide, touch-enabled flat-screen display but maintained the ’80s vibe with a single-spoke steering wheel and jet airplane-style gear selector.

A 4way4 sound system developed by South Korean sound designer Guk-il Yu controls the 18-speakers. The audio system delivers rich sound with magnificent clarity and deep bass thanks in part to the composition of Grandeur’s centre console and dashboard, which are designed based on concert hall acoustic theory. The soundbar’s piano function can be played through the audio system when the vehicle is in Park. 

The bronze-coloured light beam that begins at the left and right ends of the dashboard extends around the cabin, penetrating the B-pillars, casting a flattering hue across the well-appointed interior. ‘Infinity mirrors’ reflect the light, giving the second row an even wider sense of space befitting a luxury saloon of the mid-80s.

Having reimagined its 1975 Pony and 1986 Grandeur as EV concepts, Hyundai designers will continue to rediscover the values of the legacy through its another Heritage Series.

“As our designers conceive the future, it’s important to look back on what we’ve created in the past and find inspiration in it,” said Hak-soo Ha, Head of Interior Group of the Hyundai Design Centre. “With the Heritage Series Grandeur, our designers have reinterpreted an important part of Hyundai’s history as a wonderfully unique blend of vintage and contemporary that reflects the boundless possibilities of our EV era.”

The Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur is on display at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang through 14 November, and then moves to Seoul Motorstudio, from 16-21 November.