Hyundai Grandeur Heritage Series revealed: a modern-take on the 1987 classic

Hyundai has pulled the covers off its second ‘Heritage Series’ model in South Korea.

The 1986 Grandeur electric ‘restomod’ concept car follows the unveiling of a modified 1986 Pony in April – the design of which inspired the Ioniq 5.

Built in celebration of 35 years since the launch of the original Grandeur – produced between 1986 and 1992 – the concept mixes heritage styling, albeit with some modern touches, and futuristic technology.

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A rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Debonair, the original Grandeur acted as the flagship sedan of the Hyundai line-up – a feat still achieved through the current sixth-generation model sold exclusively in Korea and other selected markets.

Despite retaining most of boxy styling found on the original Grandeur, the concept features a number of modern touches.

These include a redesigned front grille, side mirrors, alloy wheels, side mouldings, and all-new front and rear lighting units that utilise the ‘parametric pixel’ cubed LED design found in the Ioniq 5 electric SUV and Pony heritage concept.

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While changes to the exterior of the Grandeur Heritage Series are subtle for the most part, Hyundai has gone to great lengths to modernise the interior of the concept car.

A large widescreen infotainment display is the headline act to the new interior, with original analogue dials, available twin-CD/cassette player and air-conditioning dials replaced by a single unit. The system is controlled by a smaller touch panel situated below the dashboard, inspired by the design of a piano fall board.

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A mode allowing passengers to play a virtual piano, developed in partnership with instrument company Samick, and a watch storage slot within the centre console also feature.

In addition, original components – such as the single-spoke steering wheel and mechanical gear knob – have been redesigned to match the new-age retake inside.

Hyundai claims the 18-speaker audio system fitted to the concept vehicle, with a sound-bar located within the dashboard and speakers angled at 45-degree on each side, provides for a listening experience similar to that of a concert hall.

Once a symbol of luxurious seating material, the Grandeur utilises red-coloured velour trim for the seats and other touch points. The concept also sports leather trimmings on the seat backs, centre console and door trims.

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Hyundai Pony Heritage Series

Following the success of the first Pony Heritage Series, Hyundai has confirmed the next concept model will be a modern take on the first-generation 1991 Galloper, itself a rebadged version of the first Mitsubishi Pajero.

While the Grandeur Heritage Series may be strictly limited to show car status, an electric Hyundai sedan is set to come to life with the Ioniq 6 that is currently in development ahead of an expected reveal in early 2022.