The Prophecy, which had its digital premiere last month, showcases ideas and features Hyundai will develop in the future.
Using inspiration from vintage cars of the 1920s and 30s, the Prophecy brings with it a smooth, coupe-like design with sweeping curves and smooth lines to set it apart from the angular 45 - another of the South Korean carmaker's concept car that debuted at the IAA in 2019.
Like 45, the Prophecy inherits the design language of pixel lights while its dynamic shape and rear spoiler give it a sporty appearance and its propeller-shaped wheels help to reduce air resistance to give it a sense of sensuous sportiness.
Inside, the cabin is all about relaxation thanks to the use of dark colours and natural materials in an attempt to create a completely new type of in-car experience.
No steering wheel - just joysticks
Making the Prophecy unique is its steering mechanism with dual joysticks located left and right from the driver - one on the centre console and another on the door trim.
This allows for a more spacious and comfortable seating position while driving that frees up more space on the dashboard for other features.
In addition, 90% of the vehicle’s functions can be controlled via buttons on the joysticks for an ergonomic setup that's known as the Intuitive Human Interface that increases passenger safety and visual freedom.
Optimised seating position through the Smart Posture Care System
The new Smart Posture Care System (SPCS) allows drivers to enjoy an optimised seating position based on their individual physical characteristics.
The driver can either adjust the seat manually according to their preferences or allow the car to suggest a “smart” seating position for them.
In “smart” mode, the driver enters their height, seated height, and weight, and the car automatically adjusts to the driver’s individual physical condition.
The SPCS controls the seat, steering wheel, mirror, and Head-Up Display, and is based on medically-verified information.
Relax mode: turning a vehicle into an entertainment space
The infotainment system is integrated into a large screen stretching across the entire front of the vehicle’s interior.
When not driving, the car can be used as an entertainment space by switching into Relax Mode.
In Relax Mode, the seats recline and the dashboard swivels upwards, creating the optimal seating position from which to enjoy the content shown on the display.
Because of the lack of a steering wheel, the occupants have virtually zero visual obstacles – they see only the horizontal pillar-to-pillar display and the wing-shaped dashboard.
As autonomous driving technology progresses, the potential for vehicles to be used as relaxation spaces will grow in importance.
Cleaning the air both inside and outside the vehicle
Not only is Prophecy a zero-emissions electric vehicles – it actually cleans the air.
This is thanks to a unique air filtration system with a fine dust sensor built into the vehicle.
When particle levels inside the vehicle get too high, the air system activates, taking in fresh air from the outside, filtering it for purity, and circulating clean air throughout the vehicle.
Moreover, this does not just happen when the car is driving – this EV continues to clean the air, even when it is idling or charging, and even if no one is inside.
In most cars, the driver or passenger rolls down the window when they want a breath of fresh air but with this EV's air is always fresh which means the dual-pane glass windows always stay up.
Once the air inside gets stale, fresh air is taken in via intake valves at the front of the vehicle.
When no fresh air inside the car is needed, the filtered air is pumped back into the atmosphere via two outlets at the bottom of the side doors. This system is significantly more energy-efficient than a traditional ventilation system.
Platform and powertrain
After 45, the Prophecy is the second Hyundai vehicle to be built using the Electric Global Modular Platform or “E-GMP” – Hyundai’s first dedicated EV platform.
Electric powertrains are much more compact than their internal-combustion counterparts, meaning there is no need for a wide front hood or a bulky centre console.
This allows automotive designers to reclaim the space for passenger use, and to reimagine the range of in-car experiences.
