Hyundai confirms plans for Portico crossover and four new models

Winding Road recently attended a media event Hyundai threw and came away with some good information. While the shindig was designed to let journos drive some of the automaker's newest models like the updated Tiburon, a Hyundai executive confirmed to the gathered scribes that the automaker is busy working on a production version of its 2005 Portico concept. In concept guise, the minivan crossover featured a hybrid powertrain, incorporating a V6 gasoline engine supplemented by electric motors powering the front and rear wheels. It also sported large clamshell doors. We doubt we'll see either feature make it to production. They'd make a heckuva splash if they dropped this puppy into the marketplace as a hybrid, though.

The Portico will be one of five new vehicles Hyundai will bring to market by 2010 as it further solidifies its US lineup. Hopefully, that's it with the crossovers/CUVs, though. Between this, the Veracruz, and the Santa Fe, they've got that segment pretty much covered, along with the Entourage to grab the remaining minivan people. Let's see some compelling new cars that continue to move the chains downfield in terms of style and quality.

[Source: Winding Road]