Hyundai HCD 5 Crosstour Concept

What is it?
Hyundai HCD 5 Crosstour Concept

What's special about it?
The Crosstour is Hyundai's interpretation of what the future family sedan will encompass: mobile office, family hauler and recreational play toy. The exterior's distinctive styling is both forward thinking and a blast from the past. The retro-looking split-center hood and "horse collar" grille are very Edsel-like and the drop-down tailgate brings Country Squire station wagon memories back in a flash. Adding to the unique look are suicide doors, which feature a B-pillarless design. Inside the cabin, the driver is treated to a Buck Rogers-looking dashboard with a flat television screen that pops out of the center section. When parked, it can be used as a mobile office with full Internet access. Kids would appreciate the aft TV monitor with its DVD, CD or VHS player to provide audio and visual entertainment. Moving aft, the cargo area features a large, flat floor and the rear seats can be folded down for extra load space. The backs of the seats are made of the same material as the floor and special brackets are built into the seatbacks to hold a pair of bikes. Designed to accept a small V6 mated to an all-wheel-drive system, the Crosstour also features a high seating position offering excellent visibility, SUV-like ride height and a spacious cargo area. Hyundai says it is using this concept as a feasibility study to judge consumer reaction -- the outcome of which will force a production decision.

Why should you care?
Hello? Can you say Edsel? Ford also used buzzwords like "Style" and "Distinctive Appearance" in 1957 to describe it then "vehicle of the future," which was a miserable failure. Sure, some say the Edsel was way ahead of its time ... which is also what Hyundai says about the Crosstour. Go figure.