Michigan residents will have the opportunity to peek into Hyundai’s future when the Le Fil Rouge concept car makes its North American debut at the 40th Annual Concours d’Elegance of America in Plymouth, Michigan, July 27–29.
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The concept car introduces Hyundai’s new ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design theme, which will appear on all future Hyundai vehicles, ranging from sedans to SUVs. As its name implies, Le Fil Rouge (common thread) is a reflection of Hyundai’s belief that the brand’s past, present and future designs are all connected.
The Le Fil Rouge is a reinterpretation of Hyundai’s 1974 Coupe Concept and marks the beginning of the Sensuous Sportiness era for Hyundai design. The Sensuous Sportiness design language will bring instinctive beauty, emotional value and desirability to Hyundai vehicles. Sensuous Sportiness is defined by the harmony between four fundamental elements in car design: proportion, architecture, styling, and technology.
Proportion
Le Fil Rouge creates proportional character based on the golden-ratio – a common mathematical ratio found in nature – which enabled Hyundai designers to create an aesthetically pleasing, natural looking composition embodying charisma. Unique proportions also are achieved using a long wheelbase, large wheels and short overhangs. A respectful dash to axle ratio – the distance from front wheel center to the base of windshield – provides a comfortable driving position, while a teardrop roofline completes the overall look.
Architecture
Hyundai took a new approach called ‘Light Architecture’ with Le Fil Rouge, to integrate a progressive identity into the brand’s design heritage. Light Architecture generates a dynamic look and a forward motion effect. The front and rear pillars, as well as the roof are seamlessly blended into the overarching silhouette of the vehicle, as if it was drawn with a single line. The exterior and interior are smoothly merged by the ‘Tube Architecture’ to create the same emotional value inside and outside the vehicle, while also allowing a lightweight profile.
The interior design differentiates the needs of the driver and passengers. The front passenger seat maximizes comfort even on long-distance trips with more leg room, while the driver’s seating position is designed to optimize ergonomics. The wrap-around architecture emphasizes depth, creating a calm, spacious and comfortable environment.
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Styling
The team’s goal was to create a vehicle that is instantly recognizable as a Hyundai from a distance. This was achieved by creating a sensuous tension on the side through a harmonious blend of crisp, layered lines and pure volumes. Concave and convex forms are carefully orchestrated to provide a sexy character.
Also recognizable is the concept’s distinctive ambience with a wide, layered front hood, combined with a new Cascading Grille, Hyundai’s most distinguishing design cue. The new Cascading Grille comes with a three-dimensional treatment, featuring parametric jewels inside, giving the vehicle a commanding presence.
Technology
A core design principle for Hyundai designers is to create a design that enables a seamless experience of function. Inspired by aircraft ventilation, a two-way air ventilation system blows air over the curved surface of the lightweight tube architecture.
Re-vitalized wood and high tech fabrics are used extensively throughout and sculpted into exquisite, sensuous forms. This evokes natural beauty with an emotional touch adding an airy feeling to the car.
Meanwhile, a floating panoramic display coupled with haptic technology sits in front of the driver. This display provides access to intuitive climate controls and other vehicle features.
