The autonomous concept expresses Hyundai’s latest design philosophy, Sensuous Sportiness, expanding on the era-defining example set by last year’s “45” concept EV that stripped away complexity in favour of clean lines and minimalistic structures.
Leveraging the extended wheelbase and shorter overhang, Hyundai’s designers have created a car with high aerodynamics, which is important to EVs. The propeller shapes embedded in the vehicle’s wheel draws in air and direct it down the side of the body. The integrated rear spoiler adds downforce that improves vehicle stability when travelling at speed.
The transparent acrylic material provides a clear view of the functional components inside.
The pixel lamp lights will be carried forward as a signature design element in future Hyundai models.
Prophecy’s identity as an EV extends to the underbody. A wide air intake that is installed below the bumper takes fresh air to cool the batteries more effectively.
The “Prophecy” interior is carved out as a lifestyle space. Two joysticks replace the steering wheel.
By offering the joysticks that can pivot left and right, one in the centre console and another on the door trim, drivers are able to control the vehicle from a position of comfort. Drivers also have access to a wide variety of functions, which can be selected via the joysticks’ integrated buttons.
Design changes that have been enabled by the use of joysticks offer more visual freedom to passengers. In Relax mode, passengers have zero visual obstacles. In a comfortably reclined position, all that the passengers see is the horizontal pillar-to-pillar display and the wing-shaped dashboard. In this mode, the dashboard swivels, allowing for a spacious interior and seat position from which passengers are able to enjoy content shown on the display.
With “Prophecy,” Hyundai has created an interior environment where eco-friendly design and material selection have been combined to demonstrate the company’s vision for EVs of the future.
External intakes placed at the bottom of the side doors allow air to circulate through Clean Air Technology, providing a steady stream of purified air inside the vehicle. In addition, the treated air is circulated back out into the atmosphere as clean air.
The flow of clean air over the interior’s wool-based felt carpet is inspired by the flow of water in nature. The interior’s colours and materials allow passengers to take time to chill out, aided by low intensity ambient lighting.
