Hyundai teases Baja-spec off-road SUV
It will likely never become reality, but Hyundai has given one designer the ability to dream up an off-road racing Santa Fe.
When you think of fast Hyundais, it's likely your mind goes to the current N performance division, with its i20 N WRC car and i30/Elantra N TCR machines – but probably not the Santa Fe.
The current boxy SUV is a family favourite courtesy of its three rows of seating, though it’s not what you’d call a poster vehicle. Unless of course you enlist a renowned designer to make it one.
Hyundai’s US division recently posted renderings designed by Khyzyl Saleem after fans of the brand were asked to provide inspiration for a new digital project, with this Baja-inspired Santa Fe proving to be the winner.
Saleem was recently thrust into the spotlight after designing the bodywork for the TWR Supercat – the reborn, supercharged Jaguar XJS based restomod – as well as the livery for Travis Pastrana’s ‘Brataroo’ and ‘Family Huckster’.
Taking inspiration from desert racing pickups, Saleem’s Santa Fe rides high on big tyres and long-travel suspension, while a front and rear bumper delete provides additional clearance.
Importantly, it’s a two-door with pumped-out guards, an integrated roof storage system, as well as multiple lights and a spoiler.
Sadly Hyundai’s unlikely to make it in real life, though in April it unveiled the Boulder Concept as a preview of its upcoming body-on-frame chassis, set to debut under a mid-sized pickup which could one day take on the Baja race.
Jordan Mulach
