Hyundai has revealed a lavish new concept car called the ‘Prophecy’ which it says was inspired by the aesthetics of a ‘perfectly weathered stone’ and is controlled by joysticks opposed to a traditional steering wheel.
The curvy exterior shell of the car, it is claimed, has an ‘iconic silhouette of perfect proportions’ that blurs the distinction between metal and glass. Inside the car is a color scheme ‘inspired by nature’ and the joysticks which, Hyundai claims, offers the driver ‘more visual freedom’.
As an extra touch, propeller shapes in the car’s wheels apparently compel air to be drawn in and flow down the side of the body ‘like water over a stone’. Pixel lamp lights are integrated into the headlamp, tail lamp and the spoiler which will be used as a signature design element in future car models, Hyundai says.
Below the spoiler is a wide air intake system that draws in fresh air to better cool the car’s batteries which will help the car’s efficiency and environmentally-friendly credentials.
Inside the car’s set of double doors is a spacious interior of that Hyundai sculpted with refinement and comfort in mind. Doors on each side of the car open from opposite ends, meaning designers have dispensed with the conventional metal pillar in preference of aesthetics and easy access.
Two joysticks instead of a steering wheel provide new ‘yet familiar driving experience’ — possibly for those already used to driving virtual cars in the 1990s video consoles. Drivers have access to other functions of the car through integrated buttons on the joysticks, which, at first glance, look like armrests.
A slick digital display runs along with the wing-shaped dashboard and allows passengers to enjoy content while reclined in their seat, provided the car is not on or engaged. Prophecy also uses clean air technology that provides a steady stream of purified air inside to mask potential odors from both outside and inside the cabin.
The company claims that the Prophecy expands on the ‘45’ concept car, unveiled last year, which has a monocoque-style body and light-weight design inspired by aircraft from the 1920s.
Outside electric cars, the company has also teamed up with Uber to produce and deploy electric flying taxis that act as ride-sharing services, although when they will come to the market is unknown.
The concept for the flying taxis, which was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in January this year, is designed to carry up to four passengers with a pilot and fly on trips of up to 60 miles (100 km).
