The Hyundai Santa Cruz Crossover Truck Concept unveiled at the ongoing Detroit Auto Show is clearly targeted at the Generation Y, who, according to the Korean car maker, represent the second-largest population of car buyers. Built for the so called “Urban Adventurers” the Santa Cruz allows them all the expandable utility they need throughout their active week, from work-life professionalism, to social interests, to a whole variety of outdoor pursuits, without the typical compromises they have come to expect from the industry’s current product offerings.
Veering away from the idea of a traditional pick-up (towing, payload and ground clearance were not primary goals), the Santa Cruz is more of a softer, urbane proposition for the city slickers with active, outdoorsy weekends. The styling is bold and imposing, with a wide stance, and a front end sporting an upright, hexagonal grille, dual lens-free, honeycombed headlamp projectors, and prominent LED fog lamps. The rear sports horizontally placed LED tail lamps and a funky bumper.
The crew-cab features rear-hinged rear doors which integrate with the front door design and improve access to the rear seats. inside, the Santa Cruz can accommodate five “Urban Adventurers”. Oversized wheels, shod with Michelin tires with a special tread design, center-locking hubs and yellow Brembo brake calipers accentuate the stance.
The Sata Cruz has tie-down cleats for securing cargo of all shapes and sizes placed on the wheel arches, roof, and bed rails. Furthermore, for extra utility, the expandable bed can be easily reconfigured for longer cargo, using a unique drawer-like sliding function. When fully extended, the tailgate extension system makes the Santa Cruz’s bed length similar to a mid-size pickup.
Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbo diesel powertrain producing 190hp and 300lb-ft (406Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all 4 wheels through Hyundai’s HTRAC All-wheel drive system. No word though on whether this study will eventually spawn a production model.
