The Hyundai Intrado concept may look big, intimidating and weird in places, but its lightweight architecture and futuristic engine technology are clever in the extreme.
The design preview of the Hyundai Intrado in Frankfurt last Friday revealed a sporty, bold and pretty intimidating-looking mini SUV. It’s massive at first glance, though closer inspection reveals a sophisticated and athletic beast.
Its unusual design is loosely based on the principles of an aircraft’s wings – hence its name; ‘Intrado’, for those not au fait with plane-speak, being the word used to describe the underside of an aircraft’s wings.
The aircraft theme crops up throughout the Intrado’s design. The car has eight unusual wing-like protrusions extending from its wheel arches, although from some angles they’re more crab than Cessna.
Hyundai claims that, like a plane, the Intrado is designed with weight reduction in mind from the outset thanks to its lightweight part-aluminium, part-carbon fibre construction. Nothing new there, you might think, but the car reportedly uses a ‘revolutionary’ design technique that allows the company to attach body panels of almost any sort, without compromising strength.
Panels can therefore be chosen based on their appearance, ease of repair or other desirable properties. Denim doors, anyone?
Inside, the Intrado is pretty enough with a clean, uncluttered design, though its tremendously garish “beaufort orange” colour scheme is not for shy, retiring types.
Hyundai has championed hydrogen as a future fuel for some time now, so it’s no surprise to learn the Intrado goes the hydrogen route rather than opting for more traditional petrol or diesel. With a full tank, the car reportedly delivers a petrol-rivaling 372-mile range, though good luck finding a fuel station that sells the stuff – for now at least.
Hyundai has yet to reveal pricing or availability information for the Intrado, reiterating the fact that it is just a concept at this stage. However elements of its design are likely to crop up in future roadgoing Hyundais. Further details will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014.
Like the look of the Hyundai Intrado? What are your thoughts on the design so far? Have a look at the pictures and let us know what you think by posting a comment below.
Hyundai Intrado Concept Pictures
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