Starting with the Pony and Pony Coupe Concept, Early Hyundai Models Design Including Excel, Presto, Sonata
First Reveal Scheduled for Next Spring... "A Start for More Interaction as Well as Historical Value"
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Hyundai Motor Company is reviving the Pony Coupe, which existed only in history.
On the 24th, Hyundai announced that it has started a project to faithfully restore the 'Pony Coupe Concept' originally presented at the 1974 Turin Motor Show in Italy, in collaboration with legendary Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro.
Giorgetto Giugiaro, who visited Korea on the 21st at Hyundai's official invitation, began collaboration by meeting designers at Hyundai-Kia Namyang Research Center and touring the Ulsan plant where the Pony was mass-produced in 1974.
Giorgetto Giugiaro is the founder and CEO of the Italian design company 'GFG Style.' He designed many early Hyundai models, starting with the Pony and Pony Coupe, including the Pony Excel, Presto, Stella, and the first and second generations of the Sonata. In 1999, he was recognized by global automotive journalists as the 'Greatest Car Designer of the 20th Century' for his significant influence on the automotive industry. In 2002, he was inducted into the 'Automotive Hall of Fame.'
On this day, Hyundai held a design talk event at the Vision Hall of the Mabuk Campus of Hyundai Motor Group Talent Development Institute, attended by Giugiaro, Luke Dongkerbolke, Vice President and Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of Hyundai Motor Group, and Lee Sang-yup, Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center.
At the event, Hyundai announced that it will jointly restore the Pony Coupe Concept with GFG Style and plans to unveil it for the first time next spring. The Pony Coupe Concept, which Hyundai showcased alongside its first independently produced model, the Pony, at the 1974 Turin Motor Show, attracted global automotive industry attention with its wedge-shaped nose, round headlamps, and geometric lines reminiscent of origami.
Notably, Giugiaro revealed that he completed the design of the 'DeLorean DMC-12,' featured in the movie 'Back to the Future,' based on the Pony Coupe.
Although the Pony Coupe Concept was never mass-produced and was lost, it continues to influence Hyundai's design in various ways. The high-performance hydrogen hybrid rolling lab 'N Vision 74,' first unveiled in July this year and praised by global media and customers, was inspired by the Pony Coupe Concept.
This restoration project embodies the export patriotism spirit of the late founder Chung Ju-yung, who aimed to develop automobiles as a core national export industry to improve citizens' lives. It was also prepared to revisit the passion of employees at the time who sought to advance as a global brand with the Pony Coupe at the forefront.
A Hyundai Motor Company official said, "Heritage is a glorious footprint of the past and an important asset that opens new possibilities for the future. The first proprietary models, the Pony and Pony Coupe Concept, have become a significant spiritual and experiential legacy for Hyundai as it faces new challenges in the electrification and mobility era."
During the design talk show, Giorgetto Giugiaro explained the process, reflections, and personal significance of designing the Pony and Pony Coupe Concepts. He also shared various anecdotes about Hyundai employees' efforts to achieve the goal of developing the Pony at that time.
In the subsequent discussion, Giugiaro spoke with Vice Presidents Luke Dongkerbolke and Lee Sang-yup about current Hyundai design and future directions.
Luke Dongkerbolke said, "I am pleased to collaborate with the world-renowned design master Giugiaro. This project is meaningful not only in terms of historical value but also as a start to continuing more exchanges in the future."
Lee Sang-yup emphasized, "The original Pony and Pony Coupe Concepts are special works that have influenced several models, including the globally recognized designs of the Ioniq 5 and N Vision 74. Through the Pony Coupe Concept, reborn by Giugiaro's hands, we can continue to develop the philosophy of 'looking back at the past and envisioning the future.'"
Giorgetto Giugiaro stated, "When I designed the Pony, I was proud to take on the challenge of the fierce global automotive market with Korea and Hyundai's design. I am very honored to contribute to the Pony Coupe Concept restoration project commemorating Hyundai's brand heritage."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
