More 80s than a neon disco – the Hyundai Grandeur
Hyundai continues to explore its heritage with a fully electric version of its 1986 flagship the Grandeur
No one would begrudge a car brand mining its archives for inspiration. Even the most moriband of OEMs has at least one classic in the back catalogue. However, it is also fair to say not many expected Hyundai – the South Korean automaker, which is on a winning streak of designs that would make Martina Navratalova blush – would revive a long-forgotten three-box saloon. The pop culture reference might appear a little stale, but not when you place it in the context of Hyundai’s revamped Grandeur, which is more 80s than a neon disco.
The original Grandeur launched in 1986 and was the flagship for the brand. This ‘new’ version, now fully electric, marks the 35th anniversary of the car. Hyundai has even come up with a portmanteau to describe the project – Newtro (newness + retro). So, what is new? Well, the now signature pixel head and taillights so successfully deployed on the award-winning Ioniq 5 are a defining feature. The interior is a jamboree of plush materials – burgundy velvet and Napa leather. And the old dials and buttons have been done away with, replaced by an expansive flat screen. The single-spoke steering wheel is a throwback as is the airplane-style gear selector.
It’s all pretty louche – a bronze light beam emanating from either end of the dashboard extends around the cabin and is integrated into the B-pillars while infinity mirrors reflect the whisky hue and add to the nightclub feel. Elsewhere, there are amusing details (it is very clear the design team was enjoying itself on the project) a piano key touch screen gives off a keytar vibe, for example. The keytar, in fact, controls sound system developed by South Korean sound designer Guk-il Yu that controls 18-speakers and promises deep bass thanks to the composition of the Grandeur’s center console and dashboard, which are designed based on concert hall acoustic theory. The Grandeur joins the Pony in what Hyundai promises is an ongoing series of revamped ‘classics’. Could the Sonata be next?
