Restomod Treatment Elevates 1980s Hyundai Grandeur to a New Level

One of many coolest vehicles we have now seen this yr was the Hyundai Pony Heritage Series, a completely reworked and upgraded first-generation Pony from the Seventies fitted with an EV powertrain, ultra-modern LED lighting models, and a nixie-tube dashboard. The Pony was created for an inner design lounge in 2020, and now it has occurred once more: A equally restomodded Hyundai Grandeur sedan has appeared in the identical showroom, proper subsequent to the long-lasting Pony.

The Grandeur is an attention-grabbing option to obtain this remedy. U.S. clients obtained later iterations of this huge sedan, first because the XG300 and later because the Azera, however the first-generation Grandeur is extra obscure. Developed along with Mitsubishi, it was additionally known as the Mitsubishi Debonair in Japan. In Korea, it was meant to tackle Daewoo’s high fashions and to supply aspiring Hyundai with a flagship mannequin.

Whereas the Grandeur failed to differentiate itself from its rivals again in its day, its rebirth in Hyundai’s showroom in 2021 exhibits us how timeless the clear traces of the Nineteen Eighties really feel at the moment. The automotive appeals not simply to people who bear in mind the first-generation Grandeur, but additionally to these spellbound by retro-futuristic type.

Exterior, the Grandeur’s standard lights make method for multi-pixel LED lights, which illuminate in several patterns up entrance and within the rear. The grille has been redesigned and loses the hood decoration that graced some variations of the unique Grandeur. The wheels, mirrors, and moldings have been additionally reimagined in a futuristic type.

Whereas the outside has been upgraded and modernized, the inside is totally redesigned however nonetheless makes use of styling cues and supplies harking back to the Nineteen Eighties. There’s a single-spoke steering wheel with further knobs on the left and proper; the higher dashboard is a wholly new, horizontal display screen; and the infotainment system includes a vertical show on the middle console.

The 4 lounge chairs are clad in velvet, a cloth that has lengthy gone out of trend however one that might quickly make a comeback in luxurious vehicles. The seatbacks are lined in leather-based. Storage areas are designed with the look of pricey hand luggage, and the audio system, co-developed with Korea’s main instrument maker Samick, sports activities 18 audio system and two subwoofers. Additionally, the audio show resembles a piano.

Hyundai has taken nice care to create a singular lighting expertise inside: Two gentle rays, emitting from either side of the dashboard, spotlight the B-pillars and illuminate all the inside. Infinity mirrors add an extra elegant and distinctive accent. And the bronze illumination is meant to evoke the look of classic hi-fi programs.

For good measure, the unique gasoline drivetrain has been totally changed by an EV powertrain. No surprise the staff, led by Sang-ah Ko, Lee Dong-won and Woo-soon Choi, invested a full eight months to finish the spectacular venture.

The Pony and Grandeur initiatives spotlight a shift in Hyundai’s technique, initiated by chief designer Luc Donckerwolke. Whereas Korean carmakers have historically targeted on future fashions, they’re now, for the primary time, trying again at and celebrating their very own historical past. Whereas we’re curious which additional vehicles will get the Heritage remedy, we’re much more enthusiastic about a sensible query: When can we order this Grandeur EV from Hyundai?

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