February 10, 2005
Chicago auto show
Hyundai Portico concept is ‘next generation family transportation’
Chicago, Illinois – Hyundai’s Portico concept vehicle made its world debut during press days at the Chicago Auto Show.
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“The Portico is an example of the new market segments Hyundai is exploring – in this case, the next generation of family transportation,” said Hyundai’s Vice President of Product Development and Strategic Planning, 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 Hyundai lineup in the U.S. We’ll have two all-new Hyundai models with seating for seven and roomy, flexible cargo space within the next year or so – all part of the 24/7 new model launch cadence we started with the Hyundai Tucson last fall.”
Created to provide a look at the future of family transportation, the Hyundai Portico is designed to be a versatile vehicle that will adapt to the changing needs of modern families. The Portico 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. Portico combines the functional benefits of current family vehicles in a stylish package with better drivability.
Designers employed a unique panoramic roof design with glass that can be darkened to control the inside sunload. The unique seating configuration improves ingress and egress for six passengers and provides better legroom for all the passengers when compared to the common three-row configuration of current family vehicles. Portico features front hinged front doors and rear hinged rear doors with a pillarless design. With both doors open, the Portico invites passengers into the interior.
The Portico is powered by Hyundai’s new, high-tech Lambda V6 engine. It’s a 24valve, DOHC V6 with aluminum heads and cylinder block, mated to a six-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission soon to be offered in Hyundai’s production vehicles. The Portico is also designed to accept Hyundai’s hybrid drive system. This configuration features 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 concept vehicle was designed and built by Hyundai’s Advanced Design Team at the Design Centre in South Korea.
