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The Hyundai Prophecy concept car doesn’t need a steering wheel

The Korean automaker predicts a future of autonomous motoring

The Prophecy may be futuristic, but it has retro vibes. PHOTO FROM HYUNDAI

Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design language made ordinary family sedans and crossovers look like works of art. The exaggerated curves and swooshes that adorned these vehicles made them head-turning showcases of the automaker’s styling direction. But with the world now clamoring for alternative sources of energy, the Korean company now wants a new look to go with its eco-friendly future.

This concept car is called the Prophecy, like some supreme being sent the vehicle to earth through a bright shaft of light from the heavens. Foreshadowing names aside, the Prophecy is indeed Hyundai’s perspective on what the future holds as far as its vehicles are concerned. A future that sees widespread electrification of the company’s product line.

Thankfully, the overly curvaceous Fluidic Sculpture design chorva is gone. It was cringe-worthy. PHOTOS FROM HYUNDAI

The Prophecy is a result of Hyundai’s current Sensuous Sportiness style language. Instead of complicated rounded edges, it emphasizes simpler lines and minimalist elements. The car’s shape is designed to slice through the air with as little resistance as possible in order to maximize the range of its all-electric powertrain.

But don’t be fooled by the car’s uncluttered appearance. The Prophecy has features that truly make it one of a kind. Its lighting assemblies emit pixelated beams that Hyundai says will make their way onto production models. The wheel design mimics that of scimitar propellers used by regional aircraft. While the integrated rear spoiler sort of deviates from the otherwise undisturbed profile, it does so tastefully like a Porsche 911’s whale tail.

In lieu of the steering wheel is a joystick mounted on the center console; the dashboard also swivels out of the way of a widescreen display

Because of its EV underpinnings, the Prophecy’s cabin space is generous. Drivers have even more room to stretch out since the car does not have traditional controls. In lieu of the steering wheel is a joystick mounted on the center console. It controls majority of the car’s functions. The dashboard also swivels out of the way of a widescreen display, which suggests that the Prophecy has autonomous driving capabilities.

Brands like Momo and Nardi will not like the future. PHOTOS FROM HYUNDAI

Hyundai’s concept EV also has several tricks up its sleeve to make electric motoring a comfortable and sustainable endeavor. An inlet beneath the front bumper sucks in ambient air to cool the batteries. The vehicle’s so-called Clean Air Technology filters out impurities from the outside. The treated air is breathed by passengers for air-conditioning, and then blasted out of the car as clean air.

There is no doubt that Hyundai’s future product line will be inspired by the Prophecy’s design and technology. With the car’s timeless design ethos, tomorrow is worth looking forward to.



Miggi Solidum

Professionally speaking, Miggi is a software engineering dude who happens to like cars a lot. And as an automotive enthusiast, he wants a platform from which he can share his motoring thoughts with fellow petrolheads. He pens the column ‘G-Force’.



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