LexFather

http://jalopnik.com/5448204/hyundai-...angler+fighter

*

he Bronco's long gone. Land Rovers are expensive. Chrysler's got no money. Seems like a perfect time for an automaker to take a run at the rock-crawler segment. Hyundai US CEO John Krafcik told us they may do just that.

We asked Hyundai US CEO John Krafcik over dinner at Slow's BBQ (go eat there, like, now) the other night during the Detroit Auto Show what new segments the Korean automaker is looking at for future expansion. More on some of that shortly, but what blew our mind was the answer he gave when pressed about other types of vehicles — say, 4WD SUVs.

Krafcik responded by telling us that "every time our designers get together and start looking at concepts and the future, the first thing that comes out of those meetings — what everyone gets excited about — is the prospect of a Bronco-like, highly-capable off-roader." As a follow-up on that answer, I asked if he meant a Wrangler-fighter. He answered only by smiling and repeating himself — "highly-capable."

Given Chrysler's sorry fiscal state, don't expect the R&D monies for a new Jeep Wrangler to materialize anytime soon — which means the Wrangler's at its weakest cycle point in its product lifetime. That makes right now the perfect time for an automaker to come out with something — anything — to compete with the old man of 4WD vehicles.

We'd love to see it. Our bet is this means we'll be seeing a concept in the near-term future — maybe Chicago or New York — to gauge interest. So, let us know below if it's something you'd be really interested in seeing out of Hyundai.

pagemaster

Are you kidding me?

Hyundai can't sell their Borrego....what makes them think they can sell an off-roader

MR_F1

A suzuki samurai type vehicle would be great for scion.

bad co

Oh that would be great, especially if they through in the yaris 1.5l motor it would be nimble and got great fuel economy.

bad co

If they make something quirky like tomoco's FJ cruiser ot could be cool.

Och

iTrader: (3)

I think Hyindai has partnership with the Russian UAZ, where they make them together.

If they bring a modernized UAZ to USA, that could be a fun offroad vehicle.

spwolf

hyundai does build ladder on frame based vehicles around the world... fact it does not exist in USA, does not mean it does not exist, period. :-).

And of course, this is another aim at Toyota...

joe80

competition. why would anybody buy a Kia Borrego over Explorer? at least there aren't many off roaders out there.

big kudos for hyundai to keep trying. they are relentless.

The G Man

Hyundai do many things well, heavy duty SUV, off road 4X4 and work trucks are not on that list.

joe80

hope they make similar to HCD9 concept.

The G Man

Man, that is one ugly red what ever it is

memasterac

I think Hyundai can do quite allright only if they build an attractive one. BTW, FJ is not selling much better now than the Borrego.

IS-SV

IMO, it's worth a try since direct competition is limited.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

X6 look alike with X5 rims

The G Man

What are those, 28" rims? Sometimes bigger is not better