Hyundai Prophecy Concept


With the official reveal of its Ioniq 6 sedan getting closing each week, a new teaser video from Hyundai suggests aerodynamics and a “streamlined silhouette” took priority during the development phase.

While the new teaser video – dubbed “Electrified Streamliner” – does not show any part of the pre-production sedan, Hyundai does highlight the significance of the model’s aerodynamics via images of Ben Bowden’s 1946 ‘Bicycle of the Future,’ a reclining lounge chair, and a stone worn smooth to promote, what the Korean brand is already calling, the “Silhouette of a New Era.”

Hints towards this uber sleek bodywork were first presented in March 2020, when Hyundai unveiled the Prophecy Concept, on which the Ioniq 6 is based heavily. Boasting a new design philosophy dubbed ‘Sensuous Sportiness,’ the Prophecy maximized aerodynamic flow with an extended wheelbase, short overhangs and a simple One Curve shape devoid of ‘restraint,’ offering what Hyundai called “aesthetic harmony.” It was a stark contrast to the more angular 45 Concept, which would go on to become the Ioniq 5.

While elements like the extra wide air intake under the front bumper are likely to remain intact albeit presumably refined, such focus on aerodynamics in the new trailer does make us wonder whether additional energy-saving touches on the Prophecy like the ‘propeller’ wheels, which draws in airflow and redirects it down the flanks, will make their way to production.

Hyundai Prophecy Concept

Hyundai Prophecy Concept

Alongside the sleek bodywork, the Prophecy also boasted exemplary cabin room, including suicide doors for easier access and egress. Something the new trailer also hints towards with use of the term “the possibility of space.”

Hyundai Prophecy Concept

Hyundai Prophecy Concept

The concept’s focus on autonomous technology meant the steering wheel was replaced with joysticks, a facet that won’t make its way to production, though a rehash of the integrated buttons even potentially the full-width display screen, may remain to make navigation of the infotainment system easier. Also likely to make its way to production is the Clean Air Technology system, which provides a circulated stream of purified air through the vehicle whilst charging.

Hyundai Prophecy Concept

Hyundai Prophecy Concept

Almost no firm details have been provided by the trailer, it’s likely the production-ready Ioniq 6 will be built on the same E-GMP platform as the Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6, and the Genesis GV60, and boast either the same 77.4 kWh battery or a lithium-ion pack of an equivalent density. Online reports suggest that production could start as early as next month with sales starting before the end of the year.

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