This is the car still inspiring today’s Hyundai concepts

By J.A. Ackley
May 19, 2023 | Hyundai, Hyundai Pony, Pony, Pony Coupe Concept

Photography Courtesy Hyundai

Nearly 50 years after its debut at the 1974 Turin Motor Show, the Hyundai Pony Coupe Concept returns to the spotlight. This vehicle led to Korea’s first independently-developed mass-production models and still inspires Hyundai car designs today.

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The recreated concept car makes its debut in Lake Como at the Hyundai Reunion event on May 20. Those present include Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio Giugiaro. GFG Style, who the Giugiaros are a part of, completed the recreation.

Hyundai said that while the Pony Coupe Concept was a groundbreaking model in its time, it never made it to commercial production due to market conditions.

The Korean automaker described the design of the concept:

The Pony Coupe Concept’s origami-like exterior features flowing geometric lines, a sleek roofline, pure unadorned surfaces, dynamic proportions and a uniquely shaped B pillar. It boasts an extremely graphic surface treatment with bumpers painted in body color. Its wedge-shaped snout and circular headlamps distinguished it in 1974 and still look ultra-stylish today. Its coda tronca (‘cut-off tail’) has a slim hatch to provide access to the back of the car.

The minimalist interior showcases an iconic sensibility highlighting the monocoque design and driver-centered floating architecture. A single-spoke steering wheel and two-toned slim-line bucket seats reinforce what was in the 1970s futuristic aesthetic.

Hyundai drew upon the Pony Coupe Concept for inspiration on more recent designs, such as the N Vision 74 hydrogen-hybrid electric “Rolling Lab” development vehicle and the ‘45’ EV concept car that directly influenced the Ioniq 5.