Hyundai just previewed a new concept car at the IAA Mobility trade show in Munich, Germany, and it’s packed with subtle Star Wars nods.
The EV, dubbed the Concept THREE, sports a futuristic graphite-silver exterior, yellow-tinted windows, and a moonbeam-yellow interior with purple accents.
Concept THREE is Hyundai’s first compact design for its IONIQ line of EVs. Concept cars like this one often serve multiple purposes, including generating buzz, showing off a company’s latest tech, and signaling the direction a brand might take in the future.
For Hyundai, this design hints at a forthcoming expansion of its IONIQ lineup, which already includes a crossover, a full-size SUV, and a sedan. The newest addition to the IONIQ lineup will likely be a hatchback closely modeled on the Concept THREE design.
The company said the compact design is aimed squarely at the European market.
“With Europe experiencing a surging demand for compact EVs – driven by urbanization, sustainability regulations and the growing need for space-efficient solutions – the Concept THREE demonstrates Hyundai Motor’s vision for meeting this demand by drawing on its advanced electrification capabilities,” Hyundai said in a press release.
It’s also part of Hyundai’s plans to launch 21 EV models around the world by 2030.
While Hyundai is targeting Europe with this small EV design, the overall EV market stateside looks a bit shakier. U.S. EV sales have started slowing this year, weighed down by Tesla’s fading popularity due to Elon Musk’s persistent involvement in politics.
The Concept THREE’s reveal also comes shortly after construction of Hyundai’s EV battery plant with LG was paused following an immigration raid at the site, adding another layer of uncertainty for the company’s U.S. plans. Hyundai recently promised to increase its U.S. investments to $26 billion.
Star Wars Easter Eggs
The car’s futuristic vibe goes beyond its exterior. Inside, Hyundai is going for a fully customizable experience with modular widgets that let drivers tailor the car’s tech and interface to their preferences.
Additionally, a whimsical character named Mr. Pix appears throughout the vehicle’s interior and external displays, creating a playful and interactive interface for drivers.
But what really makes this feel like it rolled straight out of sci-fi is its Star Wars easter eggs.
The YouTube channel Electrifying spotted the major ones: Death Star-shaped sideview cameras and an inscription on the rear bumper that reads “May the downforce be with you.”
The Verge’s transportation editor also noticed that the car’s interior, steering wheel, and center console seem to be closely inspired by a speeder bike.
