TheHyundai California Design (HCD) concept vehicles were designed at theHyundai Motor Company's California studio for the North American market. The first concept vehicle, theHCD-1, was a targa-topsports car aimed at theMazda Miata, and was unveiled in 1992, but was never produced. Other HCD-branded concepts have previewed production models; for example, theHCD-14 Genesis was a large sedan which eventually reached production as the second-generationHyundai Genesis.

After moving its national headquarters fromGarden Grove toFountain Valley, California,^[1] Hyundai opened its California Design Center there in 1990.^[2] The studio was later renamed to the Hyundai Design and Technical Center when it moved from Fountain Valley to its current location atIrvine in January 2003.^[3] The studio is currently named the Hyundai California Design & Research Center.

Similar Hyundai concept vehicles have been unveiled under analogous names, including theHED-x series (designed by the Hyundai Europe Design studio inRüsselsheim am Main, Germany;HED-1 was unveiled at the 2005 Geneva show) and theHND-x series (designed at Hyundai Design and Technical studios inHwaseong, Gyeonggi (formerly Namyang), South Korea). In 2006, Hyundai began adding names to the alphanumeric designators for its concept vehicles, and after 2015, Hyundai has dropped the alphanumeric designator entirely.

TheHyundai HCD-1 (sometimes styled with Roman numerals asHCD-I) debuted at theNorth American International Auto Show in January 1992 as the first vehicle styled by the California studio.^[6] The HCD-1 was equipped with a 2.0L dual overhead cam I4 engine with variable timing and a claimed 150 hp (110 kW).^[4] The marque, which had entered the United States market with the inexpensiveExcel in 1986, used the HCD-1 concept to build positive publicity and showcase the California studio's abilities, helped by a potential price ofUS$14,000 (equivalent to $31,000 in 2024).^[2]

Hyundai HCD-2
Overview
Production	1993 (Concept car)
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	FF
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 LI4,DOHC

TheHyundai HCD-2 (sometimes styled with Roman numerals asHCD-II and also known as theEpoch) debuted at theNorth American International Auto Show in January 1993.^[6] It shared the drivetrain of the HCD-1, with a front-mounted 2.0L DOHC engine and front-wheel-drive. One of its distinct features was its seating arrangement, with two conventional bucket seats in the front row and a transverse-mounted single rear jump seat behind the front passenger.^[7] It is featured in the video gameCruis'n USA as the Devastator IV.^[8]

Although the HCD-2 did not go into production, the styling of the HCD-1 and HCD-2 collectively influenced the design of theHyundai Tiburon.^[9]

TheHyundai HCD-3 (sometimes styled with Roman numerals asHCD-III and also known as theGila) debuted at theNorth American International Auto Show in January 1995.^[6] It was made available for the automotive press to test drive at theWillow Springs Raceway. Unlike the prior HCD-1 and HCD-2, the HCD-3 drives all four wheels; the "all-terrain sport coupe" allows the suspension to be raised by 3 in (76 mm) on demand to increase ground clearance during off-road use. It is equipped with a 2.0LBeta inline-4 which is fitted with a turbocharger and intercooler to raise output to 240 hp (180 kW). The concept had a motorized soft roof that could be fully closed, fully open, or cover just the front seat passengers.^[11]

TheHyundai HCD-4 (sometimes styled with Roman numerals asHCD-IV and also known as theSanta Fe)^[12] debuted at theNorth American International Auto Show in January 1999. It was eventually put into production and sold starting from 2000 as theHyundai Santa Fe.^[6] The Santa Fe concept was finished in copper paint with lower body cladding.^[13] As shown, the concept was equipped with the larger 24-valveDelta V6 engine and all-wheel-drive; the rear wheels were driven through a viscous coupling.^[14]

TheHyundai HCD-5 (sometimes styled with Roman numerals asHCD-V and also known as theCrosstour) debuted at theChicago Auto Show in February 2000.^[6] The HCD-5 had a drivetrain similar to that of the contemporaneous Santa Fe, with a 2.7LDeltaV6 engine, automatic transmission, and all-wheel-drive.^[16] Hyundai billed it as a "multi-purpose sedan", combining aspects of a sport utility vehicle, sports car, station wagon, and minivan with seating for four, which "exudes both a retro and sporty feel". Visibility was aided by removing the B-pillar and making the A- and C-pillars as thin as possible.^[17] The driver's position was intended to be used as a mobile office when parked.^[18]

In a 2010 retrospective, journalist Reilly Brennan called the concept "an abject failure" and noted "each section of the car seems to have been designed on its own, with little regard to pulling it all together".^[19]

TheHyundai HCD-6 (also styled without the hyphen asHCD6) was amid-engine roadsterconcept car made by theHyundai Motor Company. The HCD-6 was first unveiled at theChicago Auto Show on February 7, 2001.^[22] The car was styled by the Hyundai California Design Studio and it was described by Hyundai as an "affordable exotic". Exterior styling features on the HCD-6 include body sides shaped to direct air to the engine compartment, a single roll bar integrated into the center console, floating carbon-fiber bumpers, a 3-stage DuPont Mysteria paint system, see-through engine cover and a unique lighting system with driving lights that turn with the wheels. The HCD-6 is powered by a modified 2.7 liter HyundaiDeltaV6, which is also found in the first-generationHyundai Santa Fe.^[20] The exterior design team was led by Dragan Vukadinovic^[20] while the interior design was led by Andrew Kort; shapes in the interior were meant to evoke the sports of windsurfing and kite flying.^[23]

The HCD6 was featured in several games in the popularGran Turismo franchise of car racing video games, includingGran Turismo 4,PSP,5, and6.^[24]Car and Driver was tepid on the concept's styling, saying "you be the judge. We'll say only that it's unique."^[25]

Hyundai HCD-7
Overview
Production	2002 (Concept car)
Designer	Roger Flores (exterior) Martin Frost(interior)[26]
Body and chassis
Class	Sedan
Body style	4-door saloon
Layout	FF?
Powertrain
Engine	4.5 LOmegaV8,DOHC
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,830 mm (111.4 in)[26]
Length	4,960 mm (195.3 in)[26]
Width	1,848 mm (72.8 in)[26]
Height	1,432 mm (56.4 in)[26]

TheHyundai HCD-7 debuted at theChicago Auto Show in February 2002.^[6] Overall configuration and size were similar to the contemporaneous first-generationEquus (LZ), a large 4-door executive saloon sold by Hyundai in the Korean domestic market. The HCD-7 was equipped with a 4.5LOmegaV8 and 5-speed automatic transmission. Styling was designed to evoke aeronautical themes, both for the interior and exterior, which features "a bold grille that is the focal point of the front end, yet still retains a family resemblance to current Hyundai automobiles" and is painted in a "warm silver" color.^[26] Instead of a conventional key, the driver inserts an "ignition card", which causes a 7 in (180 mm) screen to rise out of the dashboard, providing HVAC, infotainment, and engine start controls.^[27]

The concept sedan was aimed at the near-luxury market, positioned above theXG350 on sale in the United States.^[26][28]

Hyundai HCD-8
Overview
Production	2004 (Concept car)
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	FF
Related	Hyundai Tiburon
Powertrain
Engine	2.7 LDeltaV6, supercharged
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,633 mm (103.7 in)[29]
Length	4,326 mm (170.3 in)[29]
Width	1,822 mm (71.7 in)[29]
Height	1,339.5 mm (52.7 in)[29]

TheHyundai HCD-8 (sometimes styled without the hyphen asHCD8) debuted at theNorth American International Auto Show in January 2004.^[30] It uses a lengthenedTiburon chassis^[31] and is equipped with asupercharged 2.7LV6 engine producing 250 hp (190 kW).^[29] Ride height is adjustable and can vary up to 4 in (100 mm).^[29]

The design manager for the HCD8 project was Chris Zarlenga. According to Zarlenga, designers were influenced by "the face of theElantra, the grace of theSonata, and the stance of the Tiburon".^[29] It is the first concept to be designed at the California studios' new Irvine location.^[31] The exterior is finished in "Ballistic Yellow" fromNippon Paint; trim is brushed nickel, which is echoed inside with gray leather seating and aluminum accents.^[29] The general proportions and layout influenced the laterGenesis Coupe.^[32]

Hyundai HCD-9
Overview
Production	2006 (Concept car)
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	FR
Powertrain
Engine	4.6 LTauV8,DOHC
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,800 mm (110.2 in)[33]
Length	4,667 mm (183.7 in)[33]
Width	1,932 mm (76.1 in)[33]
Height	1,578 mm (62.1 in)[33]

TheHyundai HCD-9 Talus (also known as theTalus) debuted at theNorth American International Auto Show in January 2006.^[34] It is fitted with a 4.6LTauV8 engine, producing an estimated 340 hp (250 kW). The concept was rear-wheel-drive through a 6-speed automatic transmission, and an option for all-wheel-drive was planned.^[33]

Joel Piaskowski, chief designer, said the Talus was intended "for a person who has grown accustomed to the needs and benefits of an SUV, but desires the emotional gratification of sports car styling and performance".^[35] The second-generationSanta Fe (CM) influenced the "powerful curves and surface detail" of the Talus.^[35] The side profile of the Talus featured a dip or kink in the window line for the rear passenger, which was carried over to the productionGenesis Coupe.^[36] The elevated profile and ground clearance make the vehicle capable of traversing rough roads, and the interior is sized to fit four adults plus their luggage.^[35]

Hyundai HCD-10
Overview
Production	2006 (Concept car)
Body and chassis
Class	Sport utility vehicle
Body style	3-door hatchback
Layout	F4
Powertrain
Engine	3.0 LSCRDV6,DOHC
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,555 mm (100.6 in)[37]
Length	4,171 mm (164.2 in)[37]
Width	1,890.4 mm (74.4 in)[37]
Height	1,559.3 mm (61.4 in)[37]

rear

profile

TheHyundai HCD-10 Hellion debuted at theLos Angeles Auto Show in November 2006.^[38] It is equipped with a 3.0LScommon rail dieselV6 engine, coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive.^[37] Output is 236 hp (176 kW) and 332 lb⋅ft (450 N⋅m).^[38]

According to chief designer Joel Piaskowski, the design declares "attitude and independence ... inspired by an insect's tough exoskeleton", with three prominent transverse ribs attached to a central "spine" running the length of the roof.^[38] The front end design explored styling that could be used on a future pickup truck, and the prominent scoops were inspired by off-road rally racing.^[39] The concept was equipped with a retractable canvas roof that had a subtle camouflage pattern;^[39] Hyundai stated that "any pattern is possible from the factory".^[38]

Hyundai HCD-11 Nuvis
Nuvis and Hyundai design chiefJohn Krsteski
Overview
Production	2009 (Concept car)
Body and chassis
Class	Sport utility vehicle
Body style	3-door hatchback
Layout	FF
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 LTheta III4,parallel hybrid
Dimensions
Length	4,780 mm (188.3 in)[40]
Width	1,970 mm (77.6 in)[40]
Height	1,660 mm (65.3 in)[40]
Curb weight	1,500 kg (3,400 lb)[40]

TheHyundai HCD-11 Nuvis debuted at theNew York Auto Show in April 2009.^[41] It is driven by a 2.4LTheta III4 coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission, an electric assist motor, and a 270 V, 5.3 A-hr lithium-polymer battery, which Hyundai calls its Hybrid Blue Drive architecture;^[40] the electric motor has an output of 30 kW (40 hp) and 205 N⋅m (151 lbf⋅ft).^[42] The use of a lithium-polymer chemistry allows flexibility for the packaging of the battery.^[40] The combined output is estimated at 170 kW (228 hp).^[40]

Continuing the ecologically-aware theme, the interior fabrics were made using 100% recycled materials.^[40] The engine automatically stops when the car is at rest to increase fuel economy, which is estimated at 34 / 35 mpg_‑US (6.9 / 6.7 L/100 km) on the EPA city/highway driving cycles, respectively.^[43] Two largegull-wing doors provide access for the driver and up to three passengers.^[42] According to Hyundai design managerJohn Krsteski, "there are no lines on or in this car that are standing still."^[44]

Hyundai HCD-12 Curb
Overview
Production	2011 (Concept car)
Body and chassis
Class	Sport utility vehicle
Body style	5-door hatchback
Layout	FF
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 LGammaI4,turboGDI
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,640 mm (103.9 in)[45]
Length	4,780 mm (188.3 in)[45]
Width	1,970 mm (77.6 in)[45]
Height	1,660 mm (65.3 in)[45]
Curb weight	1,300 kg (2,800 lb)[45]

TheHyundai HCD-12 Curb debuted at theNorth American International Auto Show in January 2011.^[46] It is powered by a turbocharged gasoline direct-injection 1.6LGammaI4 with an estimated output of 175 hp (130 kW) and 169 lb⋅ft (229 N⋅m).^[46][47]

The Curb design team stated the overall theme was "technology rugged", building on Hyundai's corporate "Fluidic Sculpture" design direction with a vehicle that was "loaded with technology" and "at home in an urban environment with potholes and densely packed nightclubs on the streets."^[48] Overall size is comparable to Hyundai's smallest model, theAccent.^[46] The windshield glass wraps around the side windows in a manner reminiscent of the visor of a motorcycle helmet;^[47] forward visibility is aided by A-pillar trusses,^[46] which the design team likened to the architecture ofSantiago Calatrava.^[48]

Because the number 13 is considered unlucky in the United States, there was no HCD-13 concept.

Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis
Overview
Production	2013 (Concept car)
Body and chassis
Class	executive
Body style	4-doorsaloon
Layout	FR
Powertrain
Engine	5.0 LTauV8,GDI

side profile

rear

TheHyundai HCD-14 Genesis concept debuted at the 2013North American International Auto Show in January 2013.^[49] It is powered by a 5.0L gasoline direct-injectionTauV8 engine coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission.^[50]AutoWeek named the HCD-14 Genesis as its "Best Concept" of the 2013 NAIAS.^[51][52]

The Genesis concept is styled in the Hyundai corporate design language, updated as "Fluidic Precision".^[49] It incorporates a long hood, sloping roofline, and short deck reminiscent of a sportscoupe.^[53] The rear doors arehinged at the rear edges.^[54]

Hyundai HCD-15 Santa Cruz
Overview
Production	2015 (Concept car)
Body and chassis
Class	CUV
Body style	4-doorpickup truck
Layout	F4
Related	ix35/Tucson
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 LRI4, turbodiesel

TheHyundai HCD-15 Santa Cruz concept debuted at theNorth American International Auto Show in January 2015.^[55] The Santa Cruz concept was powered by a 2.0LR turbodiesel with an output of 190 hp (140 kW) and 300 lb⋅ft (410 N⋅m) of torque, driving all four wheels using Hyundai's HTRAC system.^[56] It shared a unibody platform with theix35 (sold in North America as the Tucson).^[57][58] Although the designers insisted it was not a pickup truck, it was aimed at the car-basedutility vehicle market pioneered by theChevrolet El Camino and continued by theFord Explorer Sport Trac.^[59]

The concept was named the North American Concept Truck of the Year at theConcours d'Elegance of America in July 2015.^[60] In January 2016,Hyundai Motor America President/CEODave Zuchowski stated "we're waiting more for an announcement than we are for an approval [from the head office in Korea]", all but confirming the concept would eventually reach production.^[57] Michael J. O'Brien confirmed in 2017 the Santa Cruz had been approved,^[61] and theHyundai Santa Cruz began production in 2021 at theAlabama plant^[62] for the 2022 model year.^[63] The lag between the concept and production models was attributed partially to the updates to the Tucson; the concept HCD-15 Santa Cruz was based on a previous generation Tucson (LM, 2009–15)^[57] and substantial re-engineering was required for the production Santa Cruz, which uses the contemporary Tucson platform (NX4, 2022+).^[58] Compared to the concept, the production Santa Cruz has larger rear doors, emphasizing its likely use as a passenger vehicle and improving marketability.^[64]

Hyundai HCD-16 Vision G
Overview
Production	2015 (Concept car)
Body and chassis
Class	Executive car
Body style	2-doorcoupe
Layout	FR
Related	Equus
Powertrain
Engine	5.0 LTauV8,DOHC

rear

interior

TheHyundai HCD-16 Vision G concept debuted at thePebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August 2015; just ahead of the official reveal, the car was unveiled at theLos Angeles County Museum of Art.^[65] Although the California studio took the lead, input from Hyundai's global studios was incorporated into the final design.^[65] When Hyundai launched itsGenesis Motor luxury division later that year, the Vision G was rebranded as a Genesis, consistent with the vehicle's badging.^[66] It is powered by a 5.0LTauV8 engine with an output of 420 hp (310 kW) and 383 lb⋅ft (519 N⋅m).^[65]

Early speculation based on testing suggested the Vision G could preview the next-generationGenesis Coupe, moving that car into a luxury touring market.^[67] JournalistJonny Lieberman called the concept "bold and brash, but there are too many odd pieces of flare", singling out the unusual door handle placement (on the body, instead of the doors) and details lifted from other luxury marques.^[68] The Genesis Coupe was discontinued shortly after the Genesis marque was launched; although speculation has pointed to a future coupe with an electrified drivetrain,^[69] confirmed by later Genesis concepts including theEssentia andX, Genesis have not yet marketed a coupe.

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