COMO, Italy — Hyundai unveiled a recreated model of the long-lasting Pony Coupe idea that heralded the beginning of the South Korean automaker’s rise to change into a prime international producer of mass-market vehicles.
The remake of the 1974 idea, which is taken into account a retro-futuristic traditional, was performed by Italian design legend Giorgetto Giugiaro’s firm, GFG Model, utilizing the identical specs and supplies as the unique, which Giugiaro additionally penned.
The brand new idea retains the unique automotive’s typical Seventies wedge-shaped snout, together with its origami-like exterior styling with geometric strains and pure unadorned surfaces. Its minimalist inside has a driver-focused floating structure.
Though the Pony Coupe was not constructed, it led to the Pony compact hatchback, which was Hyundai’s first impartial mannequin and South Korea’s first mass-produced automotive.
Hyundai considers Giugiaro’s unique Pony Coupe because the roots of a design DNA that also influences trendy vehicles such because the Ioniq 5 electrical SUV and the N Imaginative and prescient 74 hydrogen-powered sports activities coupe idea.
GFG Model used a historic Pony manufacturing mannequin to rebuild the idea on a brand new heritage platform known as Hyundai Reunion. The platform will spotlight how the Pony Coupe’s putting look continues to be a part of Hyundai’s “daring” perspective towards design, Hyundai Motor Chief Advertising Officer Sungwon Jee mentioned in an announcement.
At 4080-mm lengthy, the rebuilt Pony Coupe is identical size as the unique idea. Within the Seventies it will have been thought of a compact mannequin. However as a result of vehicles have grown bigger by including extra room and know-how, it will be now labeled as a small automotive.
The idea has a four-cylinder, 82-hp, 1.2-liter gasoline engine that’s mounted longitudinally and drives the rear wheels. These specs are completely outdated for a contemporary sports activities automotive, however the rebuilt Pony Coupe’s retention of the unique idea’s design continues to be putting.
With the assistance of Giugiaro, Hyundai launched the Pony hatchback into manufacturing in 1975. About 685,800 items had been constructed when output resulted in 1986.
A manufacturing model of the Pony Coupe Idea was deliberate for Europe and North America as Hyundai’s first sports activities automotive, however the undertaking was deserted in 1979 amid opposed international financial circumstances after Hyundai had spent $80 million on tooling.
The unique idea, in addition to improvement prototypes, had been misplaced and final 12 months the automaker launched a restoration undertaking with GFG Model to rebuild the automotive, whereas preserving its design unchanged.
The remade idea was unveiled on the eve of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este traditional and classic automotive present at Lake Como in northern Italy.
Hyundai Motor CEO Jaehoon Chang mentioned the rebuilt idea will assist the corporate to leverage its previous because it pushes to be a future mobility chief within the age of electrification.
Hyundai Motor Chief Inventive Officer Luc Donckerwolke added: “The restoration of this distinctive car represents our beginnings and our dedication to the longer term.”