“The Reborn Pony Coupe Concept: A Retrofuturistic Icon Revived by Italian Designer Giorgetto Giugiaro”

The reborn concept was presented at the Elegance show in the picturesque Italian resort of Lake Como. The remake of the iconic concept, which never saw the light of day, was even created under the supervision of its original designer – it was none other than the famous Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who at that time worked for the famous company Italdesign. His son Fabrizio was also involved in the project.

The original was presented at the Turin Motor Show in 1974 and it was the very first in-house design of the Korean automaker (until then, Hyundai factories produced the licensed Ford Cortina). The Pony concept from the pen of master Giorgetto Giugiaro was never realized, but its shapes influenced the first production models.

“Despite the difficult economic situation that prevailed in our country after the end of the Korean War, my grandfather, the founder and then chairman of Hyundai Motor Company, Ju-yung Chung put his whole heart into the efforts to improve the situation of the country and with it the lives of the people,” says Euisun Chung, the brand’s executive chairman. “I truly appreciate the passion of each of the engineers, both in Korea and Italy, that contributed to the creation and subsequent success of the Pony.”

In the first half of the 1970s, the Hyundai car company really had the will to produce a compact sports car, the Pony Coupé, but it was precisely the economic situation in the country at the time that played against the sports car. As a result, buyers were primarily interested in affordable and therefore practical models, so the sporty Pony Coupé had to go on the ice for many years.

Now it’s time to restore it to its former glory in style. Its modern interpretation was created exactly according to the original specifications and with the use of materials used at the dawn of the 70s. Today, the car is basically a classic with elements of retrofuturism, and it is not so surprising that it served as the basis for the modern hydrogen concept Vision N 74. Some retrofuturistic design elements of the Pony Coupé model from 1974 could also be seen on the current Ioniq 5 model.

A remarkable atmosphere is created by the interior, which evokes elements of the 80s, and despite the age of the original design, it looks surprisingly futuristic. The driver-oriented layout, floating dashboard with integrated instrument panel or single-arm steering wheel are interesting.

“It’s a really rare event to have prominent people from the brand’s early years in one place with the people who are leading it into the future,” said Sungwon Jee, the brand’s vice president and business manager. “We continue to benefit from the successes we achieved in the past, and innovation along with creativity are the values ​​that guide our team to this day,” concludes Sungwon.