Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
The big news at the Hyundai stand was the North American introduction of the Equus, but the Korean automaker also debuted two new variants of the recently revealed Sonata. One of those models features a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, but the other is powered by Hyundai's proprietary hybrid drivetrain - a first for the brand - and extends the company's 'fluidic sculpture' design language through unique exterior design elements.
While the Sonata was conceived at the Korean automaker's Southern California design studio, the Hybrid variant was the work of designers in Hyundai's Korean design studio. The goal was to make the car more aerodynamic, but also to make it stand out from its more conventionally-powered siblings.
The headlamps and taillamps communicate the model's eco-intentions through bold use of LEDs within the housings. Expressive and aesthetically appealing (the headlamps include a flowing strip that winds its way through the unit while the taillamps feature LED strips that sit maze-like within the can), the lamp designs denote the vehicle's alternative powertrain and add to the unmistakable DRG. No one will think you're driving the 'lesser' model.
But while we quite like the bold design of the head and taillamps and the new 'eco-spoke' wheel design, it seems the design team sought to differentiate the model a bit too much, particularly at the front. Here, the pleasing face of the Sonata has been replaced by a gaping hexagon-shaped front grille that sits low in the bumper overpowering the face of the car. And it appears that employing a copious amount of chrome is also the order of the day: a large chrome plate adorns the top of the hood (incorporating the Hyundai logo) and along the rocker panel in the lower door section.
We thought the Sonata's expressive aesthetic made for a very elegant and distinctive model at its launch at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, and we can't help but think that the design team in Korea has unnecessarily messed with a fine design. The public will surely decide whether they want this sort of differentiation in an alternatively propelled vehicle...
Source: http://www.cardesignnews.com/
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