Hyundai Vision T plug-in hybrid SUV concept launched
Hyundai has revealed a new prototype PHEV at this year’s Los Angeles Motor Show which previews the upcoming 2021 Tucson
Hyundai unveiled a new plug-in hybrid SUV concept at the 2019 LA Motor Show, which previews the company’s forthcoming replacement for the Tucson. Called the Vision T, it’s the third concept vehicle the Korean marque has launched this year, following the retro-styled Hyundai 45 electric SUV from the Frankfurt Motor Show and the 400bhp iMax N Drift Bus.
The Hyundai Tucson is due to be replaced in 2021. We’ve already spied development mules for the new SUV undergoing testing – and this concept features remarkably similar front-end styling, sharing the same trapezoid-shaped radiator grille, the same splitter design, similar triangular headlamps and a pair of near-identical air ducts on either side of the bumper.
• New Hyundai Tucson spied testing
The Hyundai Vision T concept measures 4,610mm long, 2,014mm wide and 1,704mm in height. So, should the upcoming Tucson replacement retain these measurements, it’ll be marginally longer, narrower and taller than the car its predecessor.
Stand-out design features of the Vision T concept include an electrically operated charging socket flap, a full-width rear light bar and a pair of hidden LED headlamp lenses, which share the same texture and pattern as the radiator grille – and which appear to vanish into the bumper when not in use.
The concept’s front grille is also fitted with a set of active vanes, similar to those found on the Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato, which can automatically open when the combustion engine requires cooling. Once the engine temperature drops, the vanes close again to maximise aerodynamic efficiency and fuel economy.
Hyundai is yet to confirm any details on the Vision T’s underpinnings or powertrain. However, given the concept’s size, styling and name, we expect it will be based on an updated version of the current Tucson’s platform and powered by a reworked version of the 139bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder PHEV unit lifted from the current IONIQ.
What do you make of the new Hyundai Vision T concept? Let us know in the comments section below…
