Hyundai, the car company with a reputation for making high-value cars affordable, has aimed its sights at the two-seat roadster market.
Making its world debut at the Chicago Auto Show(February 2001) is the new, Hyundai HCD6 roadster, dubbled the affordable exotic car.
"This concept car provides a strong indication of where Hyundai is going in the sporty car market," said David Weber, Vice president, Marketing at Hyundai Motor America.
"The HCD6 is a car that is fun to drive, fun to look at and fun to own. When you can just look at a car and have it put a smile on your face, it's a winner."
The Hyundai HCD6 is aimed at those drivers who are young at heart and use their vehicles as an expression of freedom.
"We feel the HCD6 will appeal to young people and to baby boomers who enjoy driving with the wind in their hair." Weber added.
The rear deck of the Hyundai HCD6 slopes away from the seats and displays the 2.7-liter V6 engine via a see-through engine cover.
Dual fuel inlets reflect the performance spirit of the HCD6.
The high-mount exhaust sits above the floating rear bumper and it is surrounded by a ceramic heat shield.
Hyundai's new concept roadster sits on high-performance 245/45-18 run-flat tires mounted on custom-machined billet alloy wheels.
The unique design of the wheels was inspired by the shape of a propeller.
The engine is a modified, high-performance version of the sophisticated 2.7-liter DOHC Hyundai V6 engine used in the Santa Fe sport utility.
The high-performance engine is matched to a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission.