Hyundai’s latest sensuous electric vehicle concept takes its design philosophy to the next level

All hail a car that feels as much like a design studio on wheels as it does a conventional motor car. Upgrading the example set by last year’s “45” concept electronic vehicle (EV), which stripped away complexity in favour of clean lines and minimalistic structures, the Hyundai Global Design Center has unleashed Prophecy, a marvel of aerodynamic design that the company heralds as an expansion of its so-called mantra of “optimistic futurism”. 

Think of it as a mobile utopia between man and machine. “We have brought to life yet another icon that pushes Hyundai’s design vision to even broader horizons,” says Lee Sang-yup, the head of Hyundai Global Design. “A part of that expansion is what we call ‘optimistic futurism’, a design concept in which our aim is to forge an emotional connection between humans and automobiles.” 

On first sight, the Prophecy appears to deliver. The curvaceous, sleek body has the feel of being a perfectly weathered stone – or an iMac mouse (in black) on wheels. It’s cut by a clean and simple streamlined effect, which extends from front to rear with minimalist restraint. All of this underlines not only its high-key style, but also the timelessness of its design. 

Pleasantly, the transparent acrylic material provides a clear view of the functional components inside. This design feature is integrated in the spoiler, the headlamp and the camera monitoring system, calling attention to the functional beauty of the components. 

Prophecy does come with one highly innovative design feature via its use of autonomous driving technology; this is a car with no steering wheel. Instead, two joysticks pivot left and right – one from the centre console and another on the door trim – so that drivers can control the vehicle from a position of comfort. As such, rather than resembling a typical automotive interior, it’s more akin to a lifestyle space of refinement. Serious playtime is the fulfilment of this Prophecy. 

Images provided to China Daily

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