Hyundai’s Portico crossover concept vehicle shown at the Chicago Auto Show is designed to take a hybrid drivetrain.
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It would have two electric motors; one driving the front wheels and a second driving the rear wheels, providing efficient AWD (all-wheel-drive) capability.
Front power is supplied by a 110 kW (136 horsepower) electric motor; a 60 kW (83 horsepower) motor powers the rear wheels.
“The Portico is an example of the new market segments Hyundai is exploring – in this case, the next generation of family transportation,” product development chief John Krafcik.
“Portico features seating for six passengers and roomy, flexible cargo space – previewing the types of attributes we’ll be adding to our growing line-up in the US We’ll have two all-new models with seating for seven and roomy, flexible cargo space within the next year or so.”
Created to provide a look at the future of family transportation, the Portico is designed to be a versatile vehicle that will adapt to the changing needs of modern families. It is neither a sedan nor an SUV, but it provides the benefits of both designs with a car-like ride and a large, versatile and “family friendly” interior.
Designers employed a unique panoramic roof design with glass that can be darkened to control the inside sun load. The unique seating configuration accommodates six passengers and provides better legroom for all when compared to the common three-row configuration of current family vehicles.
The Portico features front hinged front doors and rear hinged rear doors with a pillarless design. It was designed and built in South Korea.
The key feature is an interior that provides three-across seating and the option of staggered seating for three in both the front seat and the second seat, not dissimilar to Honda’s FR-V recently launched in Japan and Europe, but not in the US. Fiat’s Multipla also has two rows of three.
Hyundai said that using two rows of three seats – which can be staggered – allows for comfortable three-across seating and also provides much more space and volume for cargo behind the rear seat – something that three-row vehicles lack.
Both front and rear seats are power-operated in the concept. A DVD-based entertainment centre is provided for rear seat passengers while, in front, driver and front passengers share a navigation screen and overhead console.
The Portico has Hyundai’s new, high-tech Lambda V6 engine, a. 24-valve, DOHC motor with aluminium heads and cylinder block, and a six-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission soon to be offered in production vehicles.
