Hyundai simply previewed a brand new idea automobile on the IAA Mobility commerce present in Munich, Germany, and it’s full of refined Star Wars nods. The EV, dubbed the Idea THREE, sports activities a futuristic graphite-silver exterior, yellow-tinted home windows, and a moonbeam-yellow inside with purple accents.
Idea THREE is Hyundai’s first compact design for its IONIQ line of EVs. Idea vehicles like this one typically serve a number of functions, together with producing buzz, displaying off an organization’s newest tech, and signaling the route a model may take sooner or later. For Hyundai, this design hints at a forthcoming enlargement of its IONIQ lineup, which already features a crossover, a full-size SUV, and a sedan. The latest addition to the IONIQ lineup will doubtless be a hatchback intently modeled on the Idea THREE design. The corporate stated the compact design is aimed squarely on the European market. “With Europe experiencing a surging demand for compact EVs – pushed by urbanization, sustainability rules and the rising want for space-efficient options – the Idea THREE demonstrates Hyundai Motor’s imaginative and prescient for assembly this demand by drawing on its superior electrification capabilities,” Hyundai stated in a press launch. It’s additionally a part of Hyundai’s plans to launch 21 EV fashions all over the world by 2030. Whereas Hyundai is concentrating on Europe with this small EV design, the general EV market stateside seems a bit shakier. U.S. EV gross sales have began slowing this yr, weighed down by Tesla’s fading reputation attributable to Elon Musk’s persistent involvement in politics.
The Idea THREE’s reveal additionally comes shortly after development of Hyundai’s EV battery plant with LG was paused following an immigration raid on the website, including one other layer of uncertainty for the corporate’s U.S. plans. Hyundai lately promised to extend its U.S. investments to $26 billion. Star Wars Easter Eggs © Hyundai The automobile’s futuristic vibe goes past its exterior. Inside, Hyundai goes for a totally customizable expertise with modular widgets that permit drivers tailor the automobile’s tech and interface to their preferences.
Moreover, a whimsical character named Mr. Pix seems all through the car’s inside and exterior shows, making a playful and interactive interface for drivers. However what actually makes this really feel prefer it rolled straight out of sci-fi is its Star Wars easter eggs. The YouTube channel Electrifying noticed the key ones: Dying Star-shaped sideview cameras and an inscription on the rear bumper that reads “Could the downforce be with you.”
The Verge’s transportation editor additionally seen that the automobile’s inside, steering wheel, and middle console appear to be intently impressed by a speeder bike. © Hyundai
