Our colleagues at WRD WORLD have once again amazed the automotive world with its latest creation under its Project712 virtual tuning initiative — the AXG WRD. This meticulously crafted concept vehicle reinterprets the modern Hyundai Grandeur through the lens of automotive history, particularly drawing inspiration from the rare Mitsubishi Debonair V AMG collaboration of the 1980s.
Historical Connections Reimagined
The AXG WRD concept represents a unique convergence of automotive heritage. In the 1980s, Mitsubishi collaborated with Germany’s AMG to create special editions of the Debonair V3000, applying distinctive body kits to create a sportier version of their dignified sedan. This vehicle shared its platform with what became known in Korea as the first-generation “boxy” Hyundai Grandeur.
“Our concept draws upon this fascinating historical connection,” said WRD’s lead creative director. “Today’s Grandeur GN7 already pays homage to the original boxy design. We’ve taken this a step further by reimagining what would happen if the AMG treatment given to the Debonair were applied to the contemporary Grandeur, while also incorporating elements from the sportiest Grandeur ever made—the XG.”
Design Highlights
Despite utilizing the body of the new Grandeur, which exceeds 5 meters in length, the AXG WRD creates an optical illusion of being shorter and more compact—almost like a Super Deformed (SD) artistic interpretation. The proportions evoke a rear-wheel-drive vehicle with a long nose and short deck, while emphasizing the bulging rear fenders for increased visual impact.
Key design elements include:
- Translucent Components: Inspired by Y2K-era aesthetics (coinciding with the 1998 release of both the Apple iMac and Grandeur XG), the AXG WRD features translucent elements throughout, including active air flaps, headlight surrounds, side mirrors, spoilers, side skirts, shark antenna, and license plate lighting.
- Ultimate White Theme: While many modern vehicles offer “all-black” editions, the AXG WRD takes the opposite approach with an “ultimate white” theme inspired by the original white-bodied Debonair V AMG, unified by converting traditionally black or chrome elements to white.
- Retro-Futuristic Elements: The vehicle features fender-mounted digital side mirrors in a flag-type design (reminiscent of the XG Grandeur), a reimagined grille pattern based on the Debonair V AMG, and distinctive wheel designs inspired by the Mitsubishi Galant AMG but reinterpreted with monoblock structure and translucent wheel caps.
- High-Tech Lighting: The digital OLED taillights function more like screens than traditional lamps, capable of displaying various lighting styles and custom content, including scrolling messages during welcome ceremonies or when hazard lights are activated.
Cultural Context
The AXG WRD was photographed at Heejeongdang Hall in Changdeokgung Palace, a location with special significance in Korean automotive history. Rebuilt in the 1920s, Heejeongdang features a Western-style protruding entrance designed with a porch specifically to accommodate automobiles—likely used by Emperor Sunjong’s royal vehicles. This unique intersection of Korean tradition and automotive culture provided the perfect backdrop for the AXG WRD’s debut.
About Project712
Project712 is WRD WORLD’s virtual tuning initiative that reimagines existing models with consideration for actual production feasibility. The project leverages WRD’s distinctive creativity, deep understanding of automotive culture, and the expertise of team members with professional experience in strategy, planning, and production at automotive manufacturers.
“What makes Project712 special is our ability to merge imaginative design with practical automotive knowledge,” explains WRD’s Creative Director. “The AXG WRD exemplifies this approach—it’s visually striking and conceptually innovative, yet grounded in genuine automotive heritage and realistic engineering principles.”
Disclaimer: The AXG WRD is a virtual concept design created by WRD WORLD. This project is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hyundai Motor Company, Mercedes-AMG GmbH, or Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. All trademarks and designs belong to their respective owners.
