Hyundai Portico Hybrid Electric

At its unveiling on the auto show circuit earlier this year, the Hyundai Portico stood out among a multitude of production vehicle introductions as one of the Chicago show’s few concept vehicles. Despite its bold sheetmetal and innovative interior, the Portico is much more than an attention-garnering design study. This crossover concept is a sign of things to come for Korea’s largest automaker, signaling the company’s ambitions to expand into new markets while demonstrating possible future hybrid drivetrain configurations.

Hyundai claims it will have two vehicles on the market within a year with six or better passenger capability, a big step up from the five-passenger Santa Fe, currently the company’s largest vehicle. The Portico points toward one possibility, featuring a creative new seating configuration with two rows of three seats in a staggered formation, a design that provides more lateral space for passengers. Easy access to the passenger compartment is provided by a pillarless design with two front-hinged doors and two rear-hinged doors, creating an interesting styling cue.

Importantly, Hyundai has designed its Portico with hybrid electric power in mind. Hyundai’s new, high-technology V-6 engine is integrated with two electric motors to provide all-wheel drive capability. Similar approaches are offered by the all-wheel capable Lexus RX 400h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid sport utility vehicles. The Portico’s front wheels are driven by a 136 horsepower (110 kW) electric motor, while an 83 horsepower (60 kW) motor powers the rear wheels. Power is routed through a new six-speed automatic transmission that will soon be offered in Hyundai’s production vehicles.