Original name: 현대 NEOS

The sophisticated NEOS (for "New Evolution Open Sports car") concept car made its debut at the 2000 Paris Mondial de l'Automobile.

Work on this classic two-seater, led by the HMC Japan Technology Research Center, was begun in 1998 and took 28 months to complete.

It comes equipped with Hyundai's new 2.0-liter, 250hp DOHC beta engine and a 6-speed continuous semi-automatic transmission.

The design is aimed squarely at providing a sensational sports car driving experience.

The body is made mostly of aluminum, carbon fiber, and plastic, and the unconventional modeling leaves some of the parts exposed, unprotected by the body. The ultra-light, highly functional design concept has received great response from viewers.

The gull-wing doors, which open skyward, are locked and unlocked by an electronic card key.

The card key is also used to start the ignition.

Such advanced technology in step with the digital age is another standout feature of the NEOS.

-Overall length: 3,827mm

-Overall height: 1,026mm

-Overall width: 1,840mm

-Wheelbase: 2,530mm

-Front overhang: 652mm

-Rear overhang: 645mm

-Engine: New Hyundai DOHC 1,995cc, 250hp, and 8,200rpm

-Maximum torque: 25.5kg·fm/7,000rpm

-Transmission: 6-speed continuous semi-automatic

SOURCE: Hyundai

STEP INTO THE FUTURE WITH HYUNDAI

Popular retro styling combined with the latest in modern technology and materials – that’s Hyundai’s exciting new Neos concept car.

Created by top engineers at Hyundai’s research and development facility in Japan, the Neos (which stands for New Evolution Open Sportscar) is their second roadster concept. Hyundai’s first, the Euro I, was the early inspiration for the current Coupe.

But the Neos isn’t only about striking styling. The two-litre four cylinder mid-mounted engine generates 250bhp and offers excellent weight distribution and balance for true sports car performance.

In addition the DOHC ‘Beta’ engine is mated to a high-tech six-speed sequential semi-automatic gearbox; which is both responsive and convenient in operation.

The high performance of the Neos has been achieved by Hyundai engineers reducing the vehicle’s weight to an absolute minimum – achieved by the body being constructed from a composite of aluminium and thermoplastic resin.

As with all Hyundai vehicles, safety has been a primary factor in the construction of the Neos. Carbon fibre has been used in the body construction to maintain rigidity, while the front and rear sections incorporate a bio-cell honeycomb structure engineered to crumple a certain way and absorb impacts.

Security has been taken to a new level in the Neos. Entry is by a personal data-encoded card key, which also starts the car. Gullwing doors also make getting in and out a breeze.

The Neos is as bold and exciting on the inside as it is on the outside. The silver-and-blue trimming and racing car-style seats give the Neos a cockpit-style interior; the dashboard meanwhile uses both analogue and digital instrumentation to give the driver all the information he needs.

The Neos made its debut appearance at the Paris Motor Show in September. Unfortunately due to pressure of demand, the Neos will not be appearing at the British International Motor Show.

SOURCE: Hyundai. Please mention www.allcarindex.com if you use this text.