Hyundai Pony Coupe prototype: rebuilt soon…
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Hyundai has announced they will rebuild the Giugiaro-designed Pony Coupe concept from 1974.
The Pony was the first Hyundai to be sold around the world. (Although the first Hyundai in the US was the Excel in 1986). It was originally designed as both a fastback sedan and a coupe. While the sedan was fine, the coupe looked fantastic. (the one on the right of the second pic does look production-ready) And both were typical of Ital Design work at that time. The sedan was a big hit for Hyundai, but the coupe was canceled before it even came out. Apparently, the coupe prototype no longer exists. Hyundai has just commissioned Giorgio Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio to rebuild it.
The rebuilt prototype will be presented to the public next year.
Obviously, Giugiaro has fond memories about designing the 1974 Pony: “I designed the Hyundai Pony when I was still a young designer at the start of my career. I felt very proud that I was in charge of creating a vehicle for a company and country that was about to take on a fiercely competitive global market. Now, I’m deeply honored that Hyundai has asked me to rebuild it for posterity and as a celebration of the brand’s heritage.”
It’s also wonderful to see him pause next to the new Ioniq 5. A design that was obviously heavily influenced by his work in the 1970s and early 80s.
I’d like to see a truly affordable production version of the Pony brought back to life.
Giugiaro signature was that wedge design. The Isuzu Impulse and VW Scirocco was a prime example. Were real lookers back in the day.
A Guigiaro-inspired coupe-like hatch sister to the Ioniq5, either two or four door, would be great.
Giugiaro was one of the few to create dynamism and sexy designs with straight lines