Hyundai reveals HDC-2 Grandmaster Concept

Hyundai has unveiled its HDC-2 Grandmaster large-SUV concept at the Busan Motor Show, which provides a further glimpse at the Korean brand’s future design direction.

The confident potential Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Kluger rival draws on the ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language of the stunning HDC-1 ‘Le Fil Rouge’ concept, revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

While that was a sleek sports coupe, the Grandmaster SUV shares its broad toothy grille and flowing lines with bold creases, which Hyundai believes will stir emotion amongst car buyers.

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“Today we showcased the HDC-2 concept vehicle as a blueprint for our evolved design strategy,” said SangYup Lee, Vice President and head of Hyundai styling. “Making a big step forward in terms of design with the Hyundai Look strategy, we will move towards becoming a brand that customers can really relate to emotionally.

“Moving on from being a brand that provides a great value, we will aspire to also become a brand that is widely beloved by our customers.”

As for the name, Hyundai points out Grandmaster is derived from the game of chess, and draws a pretty long bow to link the ancient game of skill with the HDC-2’S design, stating: “Just as the sum of all chess pieces completes the game of chess, all forthcoming Hyundai vehicles will come to form a harmonious vehicle line-up demonstrating the Hyundai Look while each maintains distinctive character and role.”

The Grandmaster is just a design concept so there are no specs or potential powertrains, real or aspirational. While such a big SUV would be new to the Australian line-up, Hyundai does have a stretched Santa Fe for the US market, with the large eight-seat Palisade also due to enter the US market next year, up against the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition.