A Visit to the Fortuneteller

The Hyundai Prophecy concept hinted at EV design to come. Do its predictions come to pass in the new loniq 6?

- Matthew Askari

A few years ago, Hyundai foretold its future: sleek and electric, with design cues pulled from classic and modern inspiration. That was the Prophecy concept, first shown in March 2020. As with all augury, there's room for interpretation. But our first look at the Ioniq 6, the production car based on the concept, reveals a smooth sedan that clearly references both retro and futuristic influences.

The Ioniq 6 follows the Toyota Prius-like Ioniq and the Ioniq 5, an SUV with Atari charm. The Ioniq 6 has a lot to live up to, as both the 5 and the Prophecy concept garnered rave reviews. All Ioniq models ride on the Hyundai E-GMP dedicated electric platform, shared with the Kia EV6 and the Genesis GV60.

To give the Ioniq 6 a distinctive look, Hyundai designers say they echoed the streamlined cars of the '30s. Modern influences seem to be Porsche and Tesla; there's a faint wisp of Taycan and Model 3 in the front end, and the rear spoiler kicks up like a nod to a ducktail Porsche 911. As promised, it's a mix of classic and contemporary.

Hyundai design chief SangYup Lee shared his thoughts on the pressures, and rewards, of melding brand personality with brand-new technology.

DESIGN AN IONIQ IN 10 EASY STEPS

[1] PIXELATION: The pixel is the key loniq design element. It's on the front end, steering wheel, rear light bar, and rear spoiler decklid.

[2] CLAM UP: "After 100 years, we're getting to rethink design. Not needing a grille functionally opens up possibility of a greater lighting signature," Lee says.

[3] GET HIGH: The loniq 6 rides a little higher than the Prophecy concept, a reality of transferring the vision to a production and street-legal platform.