Hyundai unveils concept car Enduro

Hyundai Motor unveiled its new crossover utility concept car “Enduro,” also known as “Project Hnd,” for the first time at the media preview for the 2015 Seoul Motor Show on Thursday.

The biannual automotive event will be held April 3-12 at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province.

The 12th concept car, developed at the company’s Namyang technology research center, takes its name from the word “endurance” to represent the vehicle’s sturdy and solid aspects.

The Enduro is equipped with a 2.0-liter T-GDi engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, achieving 260 horsepower and a maximum torque of 36 kg/m. The urban crossover concept car maximizes the usage of space.

“Despite uncertainties in the (market) environment, we will continue to invest into the future in order to enhance our competitive edge and become a top global brand,” said Kim Choong-ho, president of Hyundai Motor.

Alongside the Enduro, the automaker unveiled the RM15, the mid-engine version of the Veloster, to the media two days before the auto event.

Its Theta 2.0 GDI turbocharged engine helps the car achieve 300 horsepower, hinting at Hyundai’s future direction toward high-performance car development. 

“We have also used aluminum and carbon fiber to reduce the body weight, which adds extra value to the driving performance,” said Jung Rag, executive vice president of the company.

During the motor show, the world’s fifth-largest carmaker will introduce the Sonata PHEV as an Asian premiere. It is Hyundai’s first plug-in electric hybrid vehicle. Alongside its new Sonata Hybrid, the Sonata PHEV has become the main pillar of Hyundai’s green car lineup.

On top of this, Hyundai will showcase its safety-related, state-of-the-art motor technologies, including the virtual reality head-up display and partially automated driving program on its Genesis premium sedan.

“Under the theme of ‘evolving vitality,’ we aim to provide everything we have out there,” said Kim Sang-dae, director of Hyundai’s domestic marketing group, in introducing 42 models at the show.

“We aim to become a company that communicates with our customers through cars, rather than a company that sells the most,” he added.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)