31/01/2020
Hyundai’s concept car 45 is named ‘Best Concept Car’ in the Design Awards issue of Wallpaper*, one of the world’s most important design and lifestyle magazines
The electric vehicle, first revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2019, foreshadows a new era of Hyundai’s automotive design
45 was inspired by the 1974 Pony Coupe Concept which first established Hyundai’s design DNA
First revealed at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, Hyundai Motor’s electric vehicle concept car 45 has been named ‘Best Concept Car’ by Wallpaper* magazine. Its old school charm combined with its autonomous technologies and electric powertrain distinguished it as a winner.
Wallpaper* editors chose the 45 as the winner of the Wallpaper* Design Awards in the category ‘Best Concept Car’, published in the February 2020 issue of the renowned magazine. Designed as an homage to its heritage reimagined for the future, the 45 foreshadows a new era of Hyundai’s automotive design focused on electrification, autonomous technologies and intelligent design. This combination of elements convinced the judges to choose Hyundai’s concept car for the prestigious award.
“We are living through the era of digitised mobility. In contrast, the Hyundai 45 brings a bit of nostalgic charm back to car design in a contemporary way,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center. “We are pleased to see that the combination of blending far-reaching innovations with nods to past glories has been so successful that it has been recognized by one of the most important design and lifestyle magazines worldwide.”
“Hyundai's 45 concept combines analogue charm with refined surfaces and elegant lines,” said Sarah Douglas, Editor-in-Chief of Wallpaper*. “It's modest, modern, clean and simple – a very Wallpaper* vehicle.”
About the Hyundai 45 Concept
Concept car 45 puts a twist on an icon of Hyundai: the 1974 Pony Coupe Concept, which early on defined the design DNA of the smart mobility provider. 45 takes its name from the 45-degree angles of the front and rear window lines which form a monocoque-style body. The modernized fastback is characterized by its clean lines and minimalistic structure.
With this concept car, Hyundai rethinks existing technologies by utilizing side cameras instead of traditional wing mirrors. Additionally, its interior is a unique living space capable of transforming to accommodate a range of passenger lifestyle demands. Hyundai revealed the 45 at the Frankfurt Motor Show 209. It embodies Hyundai’s ‘Style Set Free’ direction for future mobility that emphasizes personalisation of design and function.
About the Wallpaper* Design Awards
Founded in 1996, Wallpaper* is the world’s most important design and lifestyle media brand. It has played a key role in discovering and championing the world’s best design talent, and stands at the forefront of the global creative community.
Now in its 16th year, the Wallpaper* Design Awards honours the world’s most “pulse-raising and life-enhancing places, products, people and phenomena.” It covers different categories each year which are selected by the Wallpaper* team, together with a global network of contributors. A full list of all award winners is published in the February 2020 issue of Wallpaper*, on newsstands now.