Hyundai Motor America revealed in 2006 its California’s Design Center innovative HCD 9 Talus, a 2+2 SUV coupe concept that previewed the future of the sports car segment. The Talus made its world debut at the North American International Auto Show of that year and would not disengage in the current of SUV coupe’s.
Former Hyundai’s Design Center chief, Joel Piaskowski said at the time: “The mission for Talus was to create a vehicle that would excite the inner passion of customers who haven’t been able to justify parking a sports car in their garage,” “It’s 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.”
4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that delivered power thanks to a 4WD system to assist in applying horsepower to the pavement or for added confidence in inclement weather. The increased ride height also improved visibility, giving the driver the ability to see and anticipate the road ahead, a thing that today is a priority for many customers.
The powerful curves and surface detail of Talus come from the same underlying inspiration that guided the second generation Santa Fe. Talus shared a similar assertive expression in its front grille, headlamps and bodyside feature lines with its cousin, the 2007 Santa Fe. The hood forms were confident, emphasizing an extremely powerful V8 engine underneath.
The HCD9 Talus concept is captivating and luxurious on the inside while providing great passenger and cargo versatility. The cascading metallic trim on the center console invites you to enter the Talus and explore the details and craftsmanship that were exclusively tailored into the interior. Blue LED lighting adds a harmonious ambience throughout the interior day or night.
Talus includes interior room for four adults, plus cargo space for that impromptu weekend getaway. More space, ease of access and the benefits of a commanding ride height are unique advantages Talus brings to the sporty car market while also premiered some technologies that today are a standard in many Hyundai models nowadays, like Electronic Stability Control, Shift-by-Wire Transmission, WIFI or Adaptive Cruise Control.
HCD9 TALUS SPECIFICATIONS
| Configuration: | Rear-drive, 2+2 sports coupe |
| Wheelbase: | 2800 mm. (110.2 in.) |
| Overall Length: | 4667 mm. (183.7 in.) |
| Overall Height: | 1578 mm. (62.1 in.) |
| Overall Width: | 1932 mm. (76.1 in.) |
| Track, f/r: | 1592.6 mm. (62.7 in.) / 1640.8 mm. (64.6 in.) |
| Wheels: | 22-in.polished aluminum deep-dish split 5-spoke wheels |
| Tires: | P265/R40-22 |
| Engine: | 4.6-liter 32-valve V8 engine producing an estimated 340 horsepower |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic transaxle |
| Suspension: | Independent front and rear |
| Exhaust: | Dual, high-performance stainless steel |
| Exterior: | Molten Red tri-coat metallic paintwith Cinder Black ground effects |
| Interior: | Two-toneSierra brown and black Chestnutleather interior with cascading metal trim |
| Special Features: | Blue ambient LED pipe interior lighting |
