Muscular Motorcycles Inspire Hyundai Enduro Concept

Why should a new Hyundai SUV concept called the Enduro debuting at the Seoul Auto Show gain interest beyond Korean shores?

Because while there is no plan to put the sleek 3-door hatchback into production, many features of Hyundai concepts often show up later on production models. Seeing the Enduro in showrooms isn’t in the cards, but many of its features hold promise, the automaker suggests.

Naming the design concept after the Enduro class of motorcycle and the challenging off-road races that escalate to the World Enduro Championship series may seem like a reach. But Hyundai’s designers and engineers at the Namyang center in Korea think the rugged, off-road versatility theme is appropriate, although it has the lines of a sleek, hot-blooded roadster.

The Enduro concept features a new interpretation of Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille, and distinctive aluminum aero blades connect grille and front fenders. The fenders have motorcycle-type cladding and the C-pillars are fitted with aerodynamic air blades to reduce drag. The body side-skirting incorporates step bars that give easy access to the Enduro’s roof rack.

The concept’s side-view mirrors aren’t missing; they simply don’t exist. The Enduro instead features side and rearview cameras that project panoramic images to the cabin’s overhead console, giving the driver wide side and rear views while his or her eyes stay focused forward.

In the rear cargo area are spacious drawer-type compartments.

Hyundai stylists’ emphasis on strength and ruggedness gives the Enduro an athletic feel. Sleek as it is, it looks strong. It sits high off the road in SUV fashion, though the drivetrain is not designed for off-road punishment.

The interior evokes a sporty racing look through features such as motorcycle-like spoke and handle moldings on the steering wheel. The concept is equipped with air-conditioning in both the first and second rows.

Under the hood is a 2.0L direct-injected GDI turbo mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Hyundai’s advanced design teams have come a long way from a time little more than a decade ago, when the automaker did not develop concept cars for public show and saw little need to. It dawned on them that crowds at auto shows were flocking to the displays of competitors who did. They also realized the concepts could incorporate features of future vehicles, and even serve as publicly displayed prototypes for some planned new models.