As you may know, the ‘XRT‘ is a trim offered on certain Hyundai models in America with rugged off-road looks and features. The Crater concept, according to Hyundai, explores the next evolution of the XRT design with even more toughness and capability. What does that mean? Well, there are two possibilities. Hyundai could give a green light for the design team to proceed with a production model, or some of the design elements from the concept might be incorporated into the new XRT trims of existing models.
But either way, the Crater is an impressive-looking concept. It takes Hyundai’s obsession with the Parametric Pixel theme to a whole new level. Wherever you look, there are pixels and sharp angles. Even the wheels are not excluded from sharp angles. Those 18-inch wheels have a hexagonal design, mimicking a crater impact; the wheels are wrapped with 33-inch off-road tyres. The design of the concept combines two themes: Parametric Pixel and Art of Steel. Other notable highlights include the tow hooks—which can double as bottle openers, and the side-mirror cameras—which can double as flashlights. With this concept, Hyundai is also introducing the Crater Man character, integrated throughout the vehicle.
The concept is painted in green-gold matte, apparently inspired by California’s coastal terrain, where sun-faded sagebrush and golden grasses meet rugged cliffs and windswept canyons. Anodized orange tow hooks and gray pixel-themed wheel arch inserts add the necessary contrast.
The Crater is based on the Ioniq 5 (E-GMP platform), I’m told, which makes it a fairly compact off-roader. Hyundai didn’t share any technical info, but I guess it’s safe to assume that the production model (if it happens) will pack a dual-motor AWD powertrain.
The interior design is very interesting and gives a little bit of ATV/side-by-side vibes, thanks to that full internal roll cage and a modular design. There are no gigantic displays since the concept advocates for a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), which I think is a great idea because when you go on an adventure, you gotta enjoy the world outside rather than staring at displays. However, there are four small square displays for essential information such as off-road settings, oil temp, etc. There’s also a full-width head-up display that includes outside camera mirror feed.
Also, notice those gear-like rotary knobs in the centre to switch between different settings, including for switching between 4H, 2H and 4L. The steering squircle features buttons for Snow, Sand, Mud, Auto, and XRT modes. The strange, cylindrical padded thing you see in the centre console is actually a removable Bluetooth speaker. Other notable interior highlights include a first aid kit on the passenger side door and a fire extinguisher on the driver side door.
Recommended for you
Leave a Reply
Note: Comments that are unrelated to the post above get automatically filtered into the trash bin.
