Hyundai Stellar Reimagined by Jun Won Kim

• A modern design study based on Hyundai’s first rear wheel drive sedan

• Integrates classic Stellar proportions with current Hyundai design themes

• Explores pixel lighting and Art of Steel surfacing in a heritage context

After Evolving For The Last 10 Years, Hyundai Is No Longer Following Trends; It Has Developed A Unique, Strong Visual Identity And Defined Its Own Unique Design Themes. The Latest Evolution Of Hyundai's Design Will Serve As An Amazing Source Of Inspiration For Up-And-Coming Designers As They Have The Opportunity To Analyze These Developments And Create New Definitions Of What A Car Should Look Like.

The Hyundai Stellar Project by Jun Won Kim was the starting point for the new Hyundai Stellar Project. The project revisits the Hyundai Stellar (one of Hyundai's earliest sedans) and how the original design language can be conveyed using the current Hyundai design language.

The Hyundai Stellar was the first vehicle created by Hyundai to independently develop a front-engine/rear-wheel-drive configuration and has a traditional three-box body style layout with its long rear overhang due to its design.

The rear-wheel drive layout that Jun retains will remain. The new modern body design created is based on this traditional three-box layout (hood, cabin, trunk) while keeping balanced proportions; the new modern body has a minimized depth of surfaces, which reflects Hyundai's current design philosophy.

Using History to Create a Design Language

The design framework of the project relies heavily on Hyundai’s history, not so much as a reference, but more like a framework to create new ideas for future products. The letter “H” is explained by Jun Won Kim as a symbolic bridge between the rich history of Hyundai and the modern interpretation of what it means to be Hyundai. The letter “H” serves to connect past models with the current identity of Hyundai.

Hyundai has investigated various forms of “H” graphics, as well as abstractly formed shapes, throughout its concept vehicles and production models. All of these concepts will use a similar theme as a way to determine how they will be physically arranged and how they will relate to one another. In this regard, the letter “H” serves as an abstract framework for the concept vehicle while also serving as a very tangible framework within the design.

By following this method, Jun Won Kim has created a cohesive story line for the project. The Stellar vehicle will also serve as the starting point for a more extensive discussion about the continuity of Hyundai design in general.

Connecting with Previous Hyundai Design Concepts

The past design concepts from Hyundai will provide an excellent resource for this project. The development of designs like the N Vision 74 and the 45 EV Concepts shows that the company has revisited past eras of design and integrated modern-day technologies and materials into its vehicles.

Jun Won Kim has used a similar design methodology by continuing to use Hyundai’s current design language and applying that to the original architecture of the Stellar vehicle.

One reference that is extremely important to Jun Won Kim’s design is Hyundai’s “Art of Steel” design philosophy. This design language takes on a sculpturally strong appearance, features defined lines, and forms intersecting planes, all while expressing Hyundai’s interest in the use of materials and creating visual clarity within the overall structure of each vehicle.

These themes are visible in the concept’s bodywork. The volumes are clean, and the character lines are deliberate. The design relies on proportion and surface quality rather than ornament.

Readers familiar with Hyundai’s recent vehicles, including models featured on DailyRevs such as the Hyundai Staria, will recognize this direction.

Graphic Elements and Identity The past model of the Stellar had black graphics on its outside that were fairly common for cars in its day; as such, Jun Won Kim carries on that tradition by using a horizontal line to define the graphics on this new model of the Stellar as well.

Jun also works to blend these elements by linking this idea to the name of the car itself through referencing how stars and galaxies visually appear. In practical terms, the use of a dark graphic along the sides of the new style is intended to visually delineate where the surface areas of the vehicle end; therefore, it creates contrast to the surface areas of the vehicle's body and visually connects to the previous model.

Using this detail compliments the overall concept of a timeless vehicle without relying upon the exact design of a prior car.

Proportion & Detail

Some of the same ideas have been utilized from the original Stellar only with a more modern twist. The three-box sedan shape is still the basic layout. The design of the wheels has been created with regard to the traditional waffle-type wheel from that period. The shapes have also been designed to create balance for rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

Each of these characteristics will continue to follow suit from the original Stellar—specifically in utilizing a modern day perception of contemporary sedan vehicles. The design of the wheels has been made more aerodynamic, the design of the graphics is more sharply defined, and the overall configuration of the vehicle has a shorter and wider stance. The modification will allow the new Stellar to align with current day expectations for a modern-day sedan.

A New Look for Pixel Lighting

Since its debut on the 45 EV Concept, pixel lighting has become instantly identifiable as a defining characteristic of Hyundai's brand. Jun Won Kim has applied to the Stellar to his pixel theme found on the 45 EV Concept.

By adding a pixelated, illuminated front bumper display that could help the consumer with simple information, this concept is an expression of the increased use of digital components in today's automotive exterior design. Since pixel lighting is already in use on Hyundai's production vehicles, this project helps to extend what has already been established in brand design.

Design Development

This project demonstrates the intent of the designer to research design methodology through design studies that analyze the relationship between proportion, graphic design, and the historical context of the brand's evolution. The completion of this project by a new designer shows a unique insight into the way an organization grows and evolves.

Jun Won Kim's Hyundai Stellar design is a modern interpretation of an existing vehicle model using innovative methods of design to create a new vehicle model. This study contributes to the overall dialogue regarding the interplay between the heritage of the automotive industry and the innovative response of automotive designers.

Connect with Jun Won Kim

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Disclaimer

These projects are creative explorations by young car designers. In some cases, they were developed independently, while in others they were created with guidance or mentorship from OEM design studios, such as during internships. Unless otherwise noted, they are not official works of the manufacturers or studios involved.

DailyRevs does not claim credit for the vision or effort behind these projects and receives no financial compensation for publishing them. Each feature is shared with the consent of the designer following direct outreach and agreement. We also welcome submissions from designers who wish to be featured, provided the quality of the work meets our editorial standards.