HYUNDAI

Rival Hilux and Ranger pickup is ahead in projection

Disappointed in relation to the main competitors due to the fact of not marking a position in one of the most growing segments today, Hyundai promises to enter the global pickup truck market with full force. Proof of this is that, in addition to Santa Cruz, which will have monoblock construction and intermediate size, the brand also develops a medium-sized pickup truck built with a chassis separate from the body.
The novelty will debut around 2023 and will have the mission of facing Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok and Nissan Frontier. Details are still unknown, but thanks to the work of designer Enoch Gabriel Gonzales it is already possible to have an idea of ​​how the final model might look. The projection was named Tarlac (homage to the homonymous province located in the central region of Luzon, in the Philippines), but the name is not yet official.
Regarding the engines, everything points to the adoption of the newly developed 3.0-cylinder inline 6-cylinder engine, which debuted in the luxury SUV Genesis GV80, with power of 278 hp and torque of 60 kgfm. The propeller would be coupled to the 8-speed automatic transmission, with 4x4 traction. If confirmed, it would be quite a set for a rookie - comparable to what Volkswagen offers in the top versions of Amarok.
Although information is limited, everything indicates that there will be a really complete range, that is, with single and double cabin options, and the offer of other engines (such as 2.5 turbo and 3.5 V6 twin turbo, both petrol). Speculation indicates that a team coordinated by product manager Andrew Tuatahi was created exclusively to analyze which will be the best variants.
Even a high-performance version would also be in the works, with the main objective of facing the Ford Ranger Raptor. The development of this version, in particular, would be in charge of the sports division N, led by Albert Biermann (ex-BMW). Another possibility is the launch of an SUV variant to fight Toyota SW4, Ford Everest, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Mitsubishi Pajero.
Development costs are being shared with Kia, which will have its own version of the project. Countries in Asia and Oceania will be the first to receive the pickup, mainly Australia (a very consumer market for medium-sized vans). The arrival to markets in Latin America, Africa and Europe should happen next. Source: Enoch Gabriel Gonzales