Hyundai resurrected an iconic 1980’s model as a sleek, 21st century electric car

OSTN Staff

Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.
Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.

  • Hyundai revealed an electric concept that brings an iconic 1980s car into the 21st century. 
  • The Grandeur EV’s exterior screams 1986, but it’s been updated with screens and electric power. 
  • Inside, the Grandeur concept gets red velvet seats, leather trim, and a secret spot for your watch. 
Concept cars usually offer a glimpse at the future, whether it’s an autonomous, steering wheel-less pod or something a bit closer to reality.

Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.
Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.

But some of the coolest one-offs tend to be throwbacks to the past. Case in point: Hyundai’s electric Grandeur concept unveiled last week.

Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.
Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.

Hyundai took the 1986 Grandeur sedan and launched it into the 21st century with an electric powertrain and techy interior.

Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur concept.
Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur concept.

The result is quite possibly the perfect mix of unmistakably ’80s aesthetics and modern touches.

Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur concept.
Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur concept.

From the outside, the Grandeur looks right out of 1986, except for its LED headlights and taillights, which have a gridded, pixelated design.

Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.
Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.

Hyundai put the same sort of taillights in its upcoming electric SUV, the Ioniq 5.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The blocky, grid design also shows up in the Ioniq 5’s headlights.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Inside, the Grandeur gets an ultra-wide touchscreen instead of analog gauges, dials, and buttons.

Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.
Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.

Other than that, though, the interior is delightfully retro, with cushy velvet seats and other over-the-top vintage touches.

Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur concept.
Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur concept.

The seat backs are finished in red leather.

Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.
Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.

Infinity mirrors in the ceiling give the back seat the feel of some dim booth in a chic 1980s restaurant.

Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur concept.
Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur concept.

Cigarette lighters and ashtrays that used to be commonplace in cars are long gone. But the Grandeur has a spot for your cigars.

Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.
Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.

The center console has a hidden drawer for valuables.

Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur concept.
Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur concept.

And you get a giant lever for a gear selector. No subtle buttons here.

Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.
Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.

Speakers are embedded in a bronze-colored light feature that stretches around the cabin.

Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.
Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur EV concept.

The Grandeur concept is part of Hyundai’s Heritage Series of restomods — that is, restored and modified cars.

Hyundai Heritage Series Pony.
Hyundai Heritage Series Pony.

Earlier this year Hyundai revealed an electrified take on the Pony, a hatchback it sold starting in 1975.

Hyundai Heritage Series Pony.
Hyundai Heritage Series Pony.

The Pony also got Hyundai’s signature pixelated lights.

Hyundai Heritage Series Pony.
Hyundai Heritage Series Pony.

Hyundai also gave it cameras where the side-view mirrors would be. That’s a feature that’s not legal in the US yet, but could make its way onto roads in the near future.

Hyundai Heritage Series Pony.
Hyundai Heritage Series Pony.

Inside, the Pony, like the Grandeur concept, is equal parts new and old.

Hyundai Heritage Series Pony concept.
Hyundai Heritage Series Pony concept.

Needless to say, Hyundai will never put either of these cars into production. And it’s a darn shame — because who doesn’t want a new-school electric car wrapped up in old-school charm.

Hyundai Heritage Series Pony.
Hyundai Heritage Series Pony.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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