Hyundai HCD9 Talus concept - a new direction in sports car design

Hyundai Motor America’s stand at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit will today see the world debut of the new HCD9 Talus concept, a car which the company describes as for the person who “has grown accustomed to the needs and benefits of an SUV, but desires the emotional gratification of sports car styling and performance."

Designed at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, California, the innovative HCD9 (Hyundai California Design 9) Talus 2+2 concept previews Hyundai’s view of the future of the sports car segment.

"The mission for Talus is to create a vehicle that will excite the inner passion of customers who haven’t been able to justify having a sports car in their garage," said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center. "It’s a car for a person who has grown accustomed to the needs and benefits of an SUV, but desires the emotional gratification of sports car styling and performance."

Capability

Unlike a traditional sports coupe, Talus can tackle tougher terrain thanks to its increased ground clearance. Talus also offers optional 4WD to assist traction and for added confidence in poor weather. The increased ride height, meanwhile, improves visibility, enabling the driver to anticipate the road ahead.

Talus includes interior room for four adults, plus luggage space, for those spontaneous weekends away. More space, ease of access and the benefits of a commanding ride height are unique advantages Talus brings to the sports car market.

A sophisticated 4.6-litre V8 engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivers power and performance to fit sports car customer demands.

Exterior Design

"The exterior design is very assertive and conveys confidence," said Eric Stoddard, senior creative designer. "It says Talus can do what it wants to; it opens your boundaries from a sports car perspective."

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