At the 2013 Seoul Motor Show Hyundai has revealed the HND-9 Concept, a study of a premium sports coupe that illustrates the company’s future design direction.

Developed by the Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Center in Namyang with the goal of creating a modern reinterpretation of a sports coupe, the HND-9 features classic proportions, with a long hood, a stretched 2,860mm wheelbase, an overall length of 4,695mm, width of 1,890mm and height of 1,340mm.

The design language steers away from the recent concepts and anticipates – as Hyundai reports – the future direction or the company’s next-generation luxury sports coupe, which will be based on the “Modern Premium” concept.

Both the front and rear end are characterized by a complex surface treatment in the lighting units area – a feature that brings some reminiscence with the Lexus LF-LC Concept, as does the 3D-shaped pattern of the hexagonal grille, that evolves one of the company’s trademark design element.

The profile feature cleaner lines and expresses the car’s dynamic character through the descending roofline, the wedge-shaped surfaces of the sill area and the muscular rear shoulders, defined by a crease line that extends towards the front wheels, fading away.

The large 22-inch wheels, incorporating carbon fiber elements, are framed by sharply-defined wheelarches, and contribute to the sporty yet balanced look.

Among the distinctive elements are the large butterfly doors, which incorporate the whole side windows and the tiny rear view cameras, mounted on top of the A-pillars.

“HND-9 will give customers a glimpse of Hyundai’s future luxury sports coupe models,” said Suk-Geun Oh, head of Hyundai’s Design Center in Namyang, Korea. “Representing an evolution of Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design philosophy, the rear-wheel drive sports coupe concept balances high performance with a sophisticated image.”

The interior design was based around three key concepts: spiral sculpture, elegance and high-tech interface.

“Based on the spiral sculpture concept – derived from Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy – dynamic and distinctive spiral-shaped metal lines frame the entire interior in a speedy and rhythmical way, creating a unique layout.”

“The seats are made of sporty yet luxurious mesh fabric, and project different colors when viewed from different angles. The driver-oriented, high-tech interface is modeled on an airplane cockpit, offering both improved functionality and aesthetics, optimized for dynamic driving.”

The HND-9 Concept is equipped with a 3.3-liter turbo GDi engine delivering a maximum output of 370PS and a 8-speed automatic transmission.

(Source: Hyundai)