First look: Hyundai enters coupe-crossover sphere

NOT quite the rear-wheel drive, Tiburon replacement GoAuto uncovered last April, Hyundai's HCD9 Talus coupe-crossover concept - presented this week at the Detroit motor show - nonetheless points to what that car may look like when it reaches production in 2007/8.

Befitting Detroit, the Californian-created, high-riding, four-seater, five-door hatchback is powered by a 4.6-litre 32-valve V8 that is estimated to produce 254kW of power and is mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox.

Drive is delivered to the rear wheels unless extra traction is needed. Suspension is fully independent.

Fantasy details include 22-inch chromed alloy wheels, a powered clamshell hatch, Mazda RX-8-style rear doors with hidden handles, and a dash console designed to resemble a jewelled necklace.

Electronic stability control, night vision and shift-by-wire transmission technologies, wireless internet connectivity, rear-seat DVD monitors, LED pipe cabin lighting and adaptive cruise control point to the HCD9’s luxury-segment aspirations, as does the full leather upholstery, metallic trim accents and chestnut wood inserts.