Hyundai’s stylish Santa Cruz Concept pickup, which was first revealed at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, will go into production by 2019 and will likely hit the showrooms in USA by 2020.
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The road-going version of the Santa Cruz pickup concept will attempt to offer a car-like driving experience bundled with the extra practicality granted by a pickup truck. The Santa Cruz pickup was given the stamp of approval at the end of 2016 to go into production in 2018 and head to dealerships as a 2019, but the then-CEO Dave Zuchowski was replaced and the pickup truck was put on the back burner. Last year, Hyundai changed its mind once again and gave the project the green light, so now a 2020 market launch seems highly plausible.
It’s not known at the moment, to which extent the concept’s design will influence the appearance of the production model. And moreover what will power it considering the 2015 concept had a diesel engine in the form of a four-cylinder 2.0-liter with 190hp and 406Nm. Markets such as USA, Europe, Australia and even South Africa are considered ideal for any type of ultra-modern/futuristic-looking pick-up.
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Brian Smith, chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor America, in an interview with Motor Trend said:
We love it, we talk about it a lot. When the truck does come to fruition, it may look wildly different than the concept and find motivation from an engine other than the diesel promised at the Detroit show three years ago. We have a lot of product development going on, we need to prioritize.
The pickup truck might also get a different name as Hyundai recently trademarked the Palisade, Grandeur, and Leonis names for future use. Hyundai’s sister brand Kia is also toying around with the idea of a pickup truck, we will have to wait to see what comes out.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
