The Hyundai Three Concept, showcased at the prestigious IAA Mobility Show in Munich, offers an intriguing glimpse into the automaker's ambitious plans for its future Ioniq electric vehicle lineup. This visionary concept car masterfully blends a compact form factor with a strikingly futuristic aesthetic, evoking the spirit of the iconic Veloster while pioneering innovative design elements tailored for the electric era. It stands as a testament to the advantages of purpose-built EV platforms, which prioritize interior spaciousness and optimized packaging, promising a refreshingly different approach to urban mobility.
Hyundai Unveils Visionary Three Concept at Munich Mobility Show
In a strategic move at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Hyundai officially revealed its captivating Concept Three. This innovative vehicle is not merely a design exercise but a bold statement, hinting at a forthcoming, more diminutive model within the distinguished Ioniq electric vehicle family. The concept's silhouette immediately calls to mind the distinctive lines of the Veloster, reinterpreted for a new age of sustainable driving. Notably, its design purposefully steers clear of the prevalent crossover trend, offering a refreshing hatchback form factor.
The Concept Three impresses with its remarkably compact dimensions, measuring a sleek 168.8 inches (4,288 millimeters) in length, a broad 77.4 inches (1,968 millimeters) in width, and a graceful 57.6 inches (1,465 millimeters) in height. Despite its modest exterior, the vehicle boasts a substantial 107.1-inch (2,722-millimeter) wheelbase, a feat made possible by its dedicated electric vehicle architecture. This design philosophy allows for superior internal packaging, maximizing passenger comfort and cargo capacity, akin to larger combustion-engine counterparts.
Finished in an elegant Tungsten Grey, the low-slung hatchback seamlessly integrates into the Ioniq design language. Its front and rear are adorned with a multitude of illuminated pixel-like elements, lending it a distinctive and high-tech appearance. The Concept Three exudes a powerful, performance-oriented aura, characterized by its assertive front fascia, a prominently sized rear diffuser, stylish center-lock wheels, and functional side vents.
Stepping inside, the cabin, bathed in a vibrant Moonbeam Yellow, transports occupants into what feels like a cutting-edge gaming environment. The interior's playful and cheerful design, coupled with whimsical 'Mr. Pix' details scattered throughout, embodies Hyundai's desire for the Concept Three to evoke a sense of wonder and enjoyment. While the steeply raked roofline may slightly impact rear visibility, the innovative 'aero hatch,' despite initial appearances, cleverly incorporates a discreet glass section for practical viewing. Although some of the more radical design elements, such as the unique suicide doors, are likely to be refined for mass production, the core vision of the Concept Three remains a compelling preview of Hyundai's electric future.
It is important to note that upon its market debut, the production version of the Concept Three will not be Hyundai's smallest electric offering. That distinction belongs to the Casper Electric, known as the Inster in Europe. However, unlike the Concept Three, the Casper Electric is built on a shared platform with its gasoline-powered counterpart, distinguishing it from the Ioniq family's dedicated EV architecture.
This bold unveiling from Hyundai signals a clear commitment to diversifying its electric vehicle portfolio beyond the dominant SUV segment. By leveraging specialized EV platforms, Hyundai is demonstrating its ability to create vehicles that are not only environmentally conscious but also exceptionally spacious and aesthetically groundbreaking. The Concept Three, with its dynamic design and innovative interior, promises an exciting future for compact electric mobility, merging practicality with a vibrant, playful spirit that challenges conventional automotive norms.
In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by sleek, minimalist aesthetics, Cupra, a division of SEAT, is taking a decidedly different path with its radical Tindaya concept. This visionary vehicle is a stark departure from the smooth contours often seen today, embracing a philosophy of sharp lines and intricate bodywork to create a powerful visual statement. The Tindaya is not merely a design exercise; it also showcases innovative powertrain solutions, blending electric propulsion with a range-extending gasoline engine, indicating a bold future for the brand's technological direction. While it may not see direct production, it offers a compelling glimpse into Cupra's adventurous spirit in both form and function.
The Striking Features of Cupra's Tindaya Concept
Unveiled as a testament to Cupra's audacious design philosophy, the Tindaya concept challenges conventional automotive aesthetics with its pronounced, angular forms. This substantial vehicle, measuring 4.72 meters (185.8 inches) in length, presents a complex visual tapestry from every perspective. Its aggressive 'shark nose' front, reminiscent of some of BMW's more assertive designs, immediately captures attention. The rear features a distinctive split roof spoiler and diffuser, further emphasizing its unique character. The car rides on impressive 23-inch wheels, intricately designed with numerous parallel spokes, adding to its formidable presence.
The innovation extends to the interior, where a 2+2 seating configuration with deeply sculpted individual seats mirrors the exterior's sharp lines, all unified by a continuous central console. Eschewing a traditional steering wheel, the Tindaya features a yoke-style control, alongside a minimalist dashboard design that prioritizes a large, curved 24-inch digital instrument cluster over a conventional infotainment touchscreen, underscoring its driver-centric focus.
Underneath its striking facade, the Tindaya is primarily an electric vehicle, but it incorporates a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine as a range extender. This hybrid approach suggests alignment with the Volkswagen Group's forthcoming Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), which is designed to support diverse powertrain configurations. With an electric range of 300 kilometers (186 miles), boosted to an impressive 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) by the gasoline engine, the Tindaya promises extensive travel capabilities. Power is delivered by dual motors, one on each axle, yielding a combined output of 489 horsepower, propelling the concept from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a rapid 4.1 seconds, making it the most potent Cupra concept to date.
While the Tindaya is a powerful statement of Cupra's design and engineering prowess, it is unlikely to reach the United States market directly. Cupra recently announced a delay in its North American expansion beyond 2030, attributing the decision to persistent challenges within the automotive sector and the evolving dynamics of the market. Nonetheless, the Tindaya serves as a clear indicator of the brand's forward-thinking vision for future vehicle design and powertrain advancements.
The unveiling of the Cupra Tindaya concept offers a fascinating insight into the potential future of automotive design and propulsion. It challenges the prevailing trends towards uniformity and simplicity, advocating for a more expressive and angular aesthetic. From a technological standpoint, its hybrid electric and gasoline range-extender system presents a pragmatic solution for extending electric vehicle utility, bridging the gap between pure electric and traditional internal combustion engines. This approach could inspire other manufacturers to explore similar versatile powertrains, offering consumers greater flexibility and peace of mind regarding range. Ultimately, the Tindaya is a bold declaration of intent from Cupra, suggesting that innovation and distinctive design will continue to drive the evolution of the automotive industry, even if its immediate impact is more conceptual than commercial.
Evolving Tradition: The Enduring Charm of the Lexus IS
Lexus IS: A Continued Presence in the Sedan Market
Despite previous speculation about the future of the compact sedan segment, Lexus has confirmed the continuation of its IS model line. This commitment ensures that discerning drivers will still have access to a sophisticated entry-level sedan, offering a blend of performance and luxury that defines the brand. The 2026 model, while presented as 'new,' is understood to be the third significant update to the existing generation, which first debuted in 2013, reinforcing its enduring design and engineering.
Subtle Exterior Enhancements and Familiar Dimensions
The updated IS maintains a silhouette largely consistent with its predecessor, preserving its characteristic low-slung and athletic stance. A minimal increase in overall length, approximately 0.4 inches (10 millimeters), is attributed to revised bumper designs, indicating a focus on refining existing aesthetics rather than a radical redesign. The car's width, height, and wheelbase remain unchanged, further underscoring that this release is an evolution of the current platform. New exterior color options, including the elegant Neutrino Gray, along with freshly designed 19-inch alloy wheels and striking red brake calipers bearing the Lexus emblem, contribute to a refreshed visual appeal. A new rear spoiler also adds a subtle touch of sportiness.
Modernized Interior Experience and Ergonomic Upgrades
Inside, the 2026 IS receives a welcome contemporary update, effectively disguising its generational age. The cabin now boasts a prominent 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster seamlessly integrated with a similarly sized touchscreen display, both of which come standard. Lexus has re-engineered the climate control system and replaced the traditional analog clock with more angular, modern vents. Notably, the much-debated trackpad interface has been removed, making way for more intuitive buttons for features such as heated and cooled seats, alongside a tactile volume knob. Further interior refinements include a wireless charging pad, convenient USB-C ports, and a redesigned finish for the door trims. The introduction of natural bamboo fibers on the upper console and around the start button adds a touch of sophisticated craftsmanship.
Enhanced Driving Dynamics and Powertrain Options
Beyond the cosmetic and technological updates, the 2026 IS benefits from significant improvements to its driving dynamics. The integration of a rack-parallel electric power steering system promises more precise and responsive handling, while a linear solenoid-type adaptive suspension is designed to deliver a smoother, more comfortable ride, particularly on uneven surfaces. While a powerful V-8 engine option will not be offered in this refreshed model, reflecting a shift in powertrain strategy, the new IS will be available in two primary configurations: the IS 350, offering a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and the IS 300h, which will be exclusively front-wheel drive. Both variants will feature an expanded suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies, including a hands-off highway driving function, enhancing both security and convenience for occupants.
Anticipated Market Launch
Enthusiasts and prospective buyers can look forward to the refreshed Lexus IS making its debut in select international markets starting early next year. This strategic rollout underscores Lexus's commitment to continually refining its product offerings and catering to the evolving preferences of its global customer base.