CGI: 2010 Hyundai Portico

There is no secret anymore that Korean manufacturer Hyundai is hard at work for the development of the 2010 Hyundai Portico crossover. The new model is expected to surface this fall, probably at one of the upcoming auto shows, even if the concept on which it is based was first presented at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show.

As you can see from the CGIs, the Portico is somewhat of a blend between a wagon and an SUV, dubbed by the manufacturer as being a full-size crossover SUV. It is expected be slightly smaller than the Veracruz in terms of size and a bit more expensive than the Santa Fe.

As for the engines, the Portico is likely to receive the manufacturer's 3.3l V6 engine, as well as a bigger, 3.8l V6. The first unit develops 240 horsepower, while the latter 280 horsepower. Transmission wise, the Portico will use a six-speed automatic transmission, while the power will be put to the road via either a front-wheel or an all-wheel drive.

Speculation regarding possible hybrid engines destined for the Portico do exist, but nothing is confirmed yet. The most likely scenario is that this type of engine will be featured on later versions of the Portico.

As we said, the first road-worthy Portico is to be expected towards the end of the year, with production expected to begin around the same time.

Hyundai was initially said to plan the production of the Portico in the United States, yet reports now claim it has been moved back to Korea.