Geneva Show: Hyundai teases Prophecy EV concept

HYUNDAI Motor Company could be prepping to make a pre-emptive move on the – still very niche – electric sportscar market after this week teasing its new Prophecy concept car.

Due to make its international debut at the Geneva motor show next month, details of the Prophecy are shrouded in mystery with Hyundai giving absolutely nothing away other than a few clues as to its styling and the single teaser image.

Shot from the rear, the lone teaser image shows a sculptured, curvaceous rear end with a flat bumper, reminiscent of the old BMW Z4 Coupe.

The bumper itself rises up to meet the flowing roofline and houses two vertical LED brake-strips, contrasted and complimented by the perpendicular strip running along the integrated spoiler above.

Hyundai says the Prophecy is both in line with and extending the brand’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design philosophy with the “graceful curves flowing over broad rear flanks that provide excellent aerodynamics”.

According to Hyundai Design Centre boss SangYup Lee, the Prophecy will not follow any established trends.

“It accentuates timeless beauty that will stand the test of time,” he said.

“Its iconic design stands to expand Hyundai’s design spectrum toward even broader horizons.”

Executives also said the Prophecy nameplate was chosen because the concept will define the future design direction taken by Hyundai.

As for propulsion, Hyundai currently has a 150kW/395Nm electric motor (64kWh lithium-ion battery) doing service in the Kona Electric SUV, something GoAuto expects to be significantly upgraded for the Prophecy.

If the Prophecy – or at least a derivative – does eventually make it to production, it could be one of the first HMC vehicles to be underpinned by its new all-electric architecture unveiled earlier this week, set to be developed in partnership with EV specialist Canoo.

In the meantime, the Prophecy concept car will break cover globally on March 3 and be on display at the Geneva motor show until March 15.