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Hyundai
Portico Concept Crossover
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The Hyundai Portico was
debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in February, 2005.
As a concept crossover
hybrid vehicle, the Hyundai Portico is neither a station
wagon nor a minivan but is something in-between.
Hyundai says the Portico
defies traditional description and points to its functionality
as the key to this concept vehicle.
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The Portico is designed to meet the needs of couples who don't
want to admit that they've grown up and grown into a sensible
SUV or minivan. Besides its sleek and unique outer design, the
Portico seats six easily as both front and rear doors swing
open from opposite ends with pillar-less design, allowing the
most possible space in which to enter and exit the vehicle.
All of the rear seats can slide back independently into the
cargo area, giving added room to those in the back.
According to Hyundai's Vice President of Product Development
and Strategic Planning, John Krafcik, "The Portico
is an example of the new market segments Hyundai is exploring
- in this case, the next generation of family transportation.
Portico features seating for six passengers and roomy, flexible
cargo space - previewing the types of attributes we'll be
adding to our growing Hyundai lineup in the U.S." As
part of its family friendly interior design, Portico has
a panoramic roof that can be darkened in relation to the
sunlight needed. The Portico also features a DVD entertainment
center for those in the back and a navigation screen and
overhead console for those in the front.
Powered by Hyundai's new, high-tech 24-valve, DOHC Lambda
V6 engine, along with a six-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission,
the Portico provides power seldom seen in a "sensible"
vehicle. Unlike many other hybrid vehicles, the Portico
offers front and back electric motors and all-wheel drive.
The front electric motor generates 110 kW (136 horsepower)
and the rear electric motor supplies 60 kW (83 horsepower)
to the wheels.
Hyundai Motor Company of Korea has been in the hybrid market
as long as anyone. In 1995, Hyundai unveiled its FGV-1 hybrid
SUV. One downside of this vehicle is that the name "portico"
itself means "porch" in Italian, which is not
in keeping with its hip, futuristic image. Hyundai is calling
the Portico a cross-utility vehicle and we're hoping that
this name sticks for the whole industry. The Portico is
slated to start showing up in showrooms next year for the
2007 season.
With the quality improvements it has seen in the last few
years, Hyundai may just be a player in the new hybrid marketplace.
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