[BahamaTodd]

From 14:35
http://youtu.be/dthMkFwX9zc?t=14m35s

 

[Santana]

Being in Detroit, i'm sure when everyone saw this, what they had in mind was the El Camino and I have a feeling it could be the SantaCruz that could push Chevy to finally bring back the El Camino.

 

[BahamaTodd]

An El Camino wouldn't stand a chance in the US market. To be practical, it needs to have a back seat. To satisfy American's current preference in looks, it can't be sedan based and low to the ground.

Even if it did have a backseat (along with an LS1 V8 and AWD), I still don't think Americans would warm up to its looks.

 

[Santana]

With that said I guess the lowest we can expect them to go is where they're at now with trucks like the Canyon, Colorado and the like.

 

[BahamaTodd]

The main reason manufacturers can't go smaller with a body and frame design than a midsize truck is federal CAFE regulations. The smaller the area foot print of a truck, the harder it is to meet mpg and emissions regulations. With a normal body on frame truck, making them smaller does not result in significant better mileage. Basically, its better for manufacturers to make larger trucks.

To get around this with a small truck, it has to be very fuel efficient. Unibody FWD vehicles are lighter and suffer less from drivetrain losses. Keeping the capabilities lower requires less of the body structure so weight can be kept low.

This is why the SC has a chance. Not only is it attractive. But it is small and very light weight. With the estimated "high 30s" mpg, Hyundai can build this without hurting their CAFE rating.

 

[TimmyB]

I am SO glad I took the time to watch this video. I have read all the news reports, I attended NAIAS and got right next to this thing, but NOWHERE have I heard anything other than "This will have a diesel." At the 20:00 mark in the video, he states, "...a choice of advanced powertrains, including an ultra-clean diesel..."!

Everything I've read made it sound like this would not have anything other than the diesel, but they clearly weren't listening to his speech!!! Much happier, now.

 

[BahamaTodd]

I am SO glad I took the time to watch this video. I have read all the news reports, I attended NAIAS and got right next to this thing, but NOWHERE have I heard anything other than "This will have a diesel." At the 20:00 mark in the video, he states, "...a choice of advanced powertrains, including an ultra-clean diesel..."!

Everything I've read made it sound like this would not have anything other than the diesel, but they clearly weren't listening to his speech!!! Much happier, now.

How was it in person? Take any pictures? I've stood next to a Tucson and I still find it difficult to see how something that small will translate into the Santa Cruz.

 

[TimmyB]

How was it in person? Take any pictures? I've stood next to a Tucson and I still find it difficult to see how something that small will translate into the Santa Cruz.

Only got three, as you really couldn't walk around the vehicle and it was not rotating, as it was in the reveal. It was up on a bit of a pedestal, as well, and I'm only 5'6", dangit!!!

It was really cool. If you look at one of the side shots of the SC, and put your hand up to block the rear bed, you can see that it's just a very modified Tucson-class vehicle.

We have been really disappointed because the new Subaru Outback is just a great vehicle, and we would have one already, if they weren't in such high demand that the dealers are making a killing. After we saw this vehicle, we are thinking we might have just got lucky by NOT being able to buy that Subaru. C'mon, Hyundai, take more of my money. We've already bought six in the last 12 years, if you count the two my son bought because of me!

 

[TimmyB]

How was it in person? Take any pictures? I've stood next to a Tucson and I still find it difficult to see how something that small will translate into the Santa Cruz.

Oh, and I should mention, the Tucson isn't really THAT small of a vehicle. Admittedly, I'm only 5'6" and my wife is 5'3", so we don't need a monster, but we haul an awful lot of stuff in there. For two empty-nesters, it's plenty big enough, so I'm betting the SC will be just fine!

 

[TimmyB]

Just for fun, I took a couple of side view pics of the current model Tucson and the Santa Cruz. I (crudely) removed as much of the background as I could, then attempted to set the wheelbases to be roughly equal. Then, I whited out the SC and blackened the Tucson, overlaying one on the other.

As you can see, the SC and Tucson are almost identical in length, but the SC is quite a few inches shorter. For me, this is a positive, as I really want a more car-like ride than I get with my Tucson. Also, this is based on the current generation (LM) Tucson, which is in its sixth year of production; we have no idea what the next variant might look like, although I was told it should be coming soon (i.e., 2016 MY).

 

[BahamaTodd]

2016 sounds about right. You can definitely see the design similarity between the next Tucson and the Santa Cruz.

All-New 2016 Hyundai Tucson Spied with Less Camouflage in America - Photo Gallery - autoevolution

 

[BahamaTodd]

Oh, and I should mention, the Tucson isn't really THAT small of a vehicle. Admittedly, I'm only 5'6" and my wife is 5'3", so we don't need a monster, but we haul an awful lot of stuff in there. For two empty-nesters, it's plenty big enough, so I'm betting the SC will be just fine!

Well I own a 2008 Honda Accord coupe (191" in length) and a 2004 GMC Canyon (207" in length), so to me the 173" long Tucson is small.

 

[TxHotrod]

BahmaTodd, Nice find on that pic!

All the media reviews were not real convinced that this was ever going to be built, but I think we are seeing some good hints that it is! I think it is time to start saving for a down payment.