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	2003 Concept Cars Hyundai OLV Concept - Photos

Hyundai OLV Concept

Hyundai's latest concept vehicle, the exciting OLV (Outdoor Lifestyle Vehicle) made its world debut today during the first of three press preview days at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Exhibition Center. The low-cost, high-fun OLV concept vehicle presents Hyundai's view of how to put the fun back in sport utility vehicles.

"Many sport utility vehicles on the road today are huge, clunky-looking boxes," said Dragan Vukadinovic, senior designer at Hyundai's California Design Center in Fountain Valley, Calif. Vukadinovic worked on the exterior design of the OLV along with his counterparts at the Korean Design Center in Nam-Yang, South Korea. "The OLV is designed to be agile, both in dynamic performance and in its ability to carry cargo. The convertible trunk that can easily be transformed from a conventional trunk to a utility bed demonstrates some of that agility."

The OLV is designed to be flexible, allowing people to take their recreational equipment with them to outdoor sites or simply carry home products from the local home center.

"OLV is designed to be as much of a functional solution as a visual expression," said Doug Mottram, national manager, Product Planning at Hyundai Motor America.

"We see the OLV as a fun, affordable vehicle available at a compact sedan price," he added. "The OLV became a reality through a strong cooperative relationship between Hyundai design and product planning. No existing products were referenced in the OLV development - only market-based thoughts have led to the OLV concept vehicle displayed at the North American International Auto Show."

Designed to be economical in both operation and price, the OLV is powered by a four-cylinder DOHC engine equipped with a Borg-Warner supercharger and intercooler system, installed by Street Concepts.

The modular roof of the OLV is made up of three separate panels that can be removed manually and then stored and secured to the roof rack. This allows the driver and passengers to remove one, two or all three panels for maximum open-air fun.

The OLV's Convertible Trunk operates as a typical trunk in standard layout. However when large cargo needs to be moved, the rear window hinges up, the trunk lid is removed and the tailgate drops down to form a utility bed. The trunk lid can then be reattached to the tailgate and the side guards installed to complete the transformation from trunk to utility bed.

The convertible trunk configuration recognizes that consumer needs are not always best served with an SUT (sport utility truck)-style open bed. For most consumers, a conventional trunk is the most useful storage solution most of the time. OLV is designed to meet that need, but still allows the trunk to be converted into an open utility bed when necessary.

The first generation of SUVs featured vehicles that were engineered and built to be nearly indestructible, but many consumers drawn to the SUV segment have grown tired of their truck-like ride and handling. The emergence of car-based SUVs is a solution that maintains the advantage of utility while adding a smooth ride, more responsive handling and better fuel economy. OLV offers all of those advantages and builds in a level of functional and tough utility that has been steadily declining in the market.

The OLV marks a return to the fun and durability of SUVs with an interior that uses materials resistant to water, scratches and dents. The unique tailgate on the OLV is made of injection-molded urethane that is so durable it does not require a paint coating for protection from the elements and cargo.

Safety features include strong unit body construction and prominent bumpers along with front and side impact airbags. The body is small, strong with wide shoulders and a strong upper greenhouse area. It was designed to be cocoon-like and safe while at the same time providing an invigorating driving experience.

Although New-Cars.com checks with auto manufacturers and their representatives to confirm the accuracy of the data, it makes no guarantee or warranty, either expressed or implied with respect to the data presented here. All specifications, prices and equipment are subject to change without notice.

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