DETROIT: Hyundai will be showcasing its Le Fil Rouge (literally: The Red Wire) concept car at the upcoming 40th Annual Concours d’Elegance of America in Plymouth, Michigan from July 27 to 29.

The concept introduces the Korean carmaker's new ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design theme, which will appear on all of its future vehicles.

As its name implies, Le Fil Rouge (common thread) is a reflection of Hyundai’s belief that the brand’s past, present and future designs are all connected.

The Le Fil Rouge is a reinterpretation of Hyundai’s 1974 Coupe Concept and marks the beginning of the Sensuous Sportiness era for Hyundai design.

The design language is defined by the harmony between four fundamental elements of car design - proportion, architecture, styling, and technology.

The concept creates a proportional character based on the golden-ratio – a common mathematical ratio that's found in nature.

The unique proportions also are achieved using a long wheelbase, large wheels and short overhangs.

A respectful dash to axle ratio (the distance from front wheel centre to the base of windshield) provides for a comfortable driving position, while a teardrop roof line completes the overall look.

A new approach was adopted, called ‘Light Architecture’ with the concept to integrate a progressive identity into the brand’s design heritage.

Such an architecture generates a dynamic look that creates a forward motion effect.

The front and rear pillars, as well as the roof are seamlessly blended into the overarching silhouette of the vehicle, as if it was drawn with a single line.

Both exterior and interior have been merged by the ‘Tube Architecture’ to create the same emotional value inside and outside the vehicle, while also allowing a lightweight profile.

The cabin's design differentiates the needs of the driver and passengers, where the front passenger seat maximises comfort even on long-distance trips with more leg room, while the driver’s seating position is designed to optimise ergonomics and the wrap-around architecture emphasises depth to create a calm, spacious and comfortable environment.

The team’s goal was to create a vehicle that is instantly recognisable as a Hyundai from a distance.

This was achieved by creating a sensuous tension on the side through a harmonious blend of crisp, layered lines and pure volumes. Concave and convex forms are carefully orchestrated to provide a sexy character.

Also recognisable is the concept’s distinctive ambience with a wide, layered front hood, combined with a new Cascading Grille, Hyundai’s most distinguishing design cue. The new Cascading Grille comes with a three-dimensional treatment, featuring parametric jewels inside, giving the vehicle a commanding presence.

A core design principle for Hyundai designers is to create a design that enables a seamless experience of function. Inspired by aircraft ventilation, a two-way air ventilation system blows air over the curved surface of the lightweight tube architecture.

Revitalised wood and high tech fabrics are used extensively throughout, while a floating panoramic display coupled with haptic technology sits in front of the driver to provide access to climate controls and other vehicle features.

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