Hyundai has been spotted testing the
production version of the 45 EV concept for the first time, with prototype car
trying to hide its obvious retro styling under heavy covers. Shown in Frankfurt
last year, the Korean brand’s 45 EV concept was inspired by its iconic 1974
Pony Coupe concept, and apparently most of its design will make it into the
production model as well, much like what Honda did with its electric E
hatchback.
The production model is expected to be
marketed as an electric crossover positioned above the Kona Electric, becoming
the first car to feature the brand’s new more minimalist EV styling direction
as well. Clean lines and simple forms will apparently become more common on
future electric Hyundai models.
Hopefully the same minimal styling will
continue inside the 45’s cabin.We’ll remind you that the concept featured a
wide display mounted on a low-cowl dash. Being designed as an EV from the
get-go should also free up more space for the passengers and their luggage,
while some form of driver assistance technology is also to be expected.
Underneath the angular design is a new
dedicated architecture, the so-called Electric-Global Platform (E-GMP). Our
spies tell us that the test car pictured here is powered by two motors, with
the front one being smaller than the rear unit, giving it all-wheel drive along
the way.
Known internally as the NE, the production
version of the 45 is understandably ditching the futuristic LED lights of the
concept and will probably adopt a less dramatic “grille” arrangement. The
Korean automaker is expected to reveal the 45 EV crossover sometime around
2021, so it won’t be long before we get some more information on it. Stay
tuned.
