Hyundai took the wraps off the "RB" Concept at the Moscow International Auto Show today. And all we can say is, "That looks eerily familiar." That's because the RB Concept is essentially a thinly decorated version of the next-generation Accent (Verna in several markets) that was already unveiled in production guise for the Chinese market in Beijing. 
The RB (which also happens to be the code-name of the next Accent) Concept sports a new front fascia that evokes the Fluidic Sculpture design theme observed by Hyundai's as of late. Other differences from the Chinese-market Verna are purely due to the RB's "Concept" namesake, with LED foglamps and taillamps, projector headlamps, as well as body-integrated dual exhausts that will not make the cut for the production car.
Hyundai officials confirmed that, at least for the Russian market, the new Accent will be powered by either a 1.4L or 1.6L Gamma engine. Featuring multiport fuel injection and CVVT or Continuously Variable Valve Timing, the 1.4 liter engine makes 107 PS and 135Nm of torque while the more potent 1.6 liter produces 124PS and 156Nm of torque. Both will be mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Now here's the interesting part. Remember that spyshot of the mysterious sub-compact prototype that befuddled us as to what it really was? Yes, that prototype is indeed the production version of the RB Concept, as the front fascia beneath the camo of the test car matches that of the RB Concept. What we can infer from this finding is that the Chinese-market Verna will most likely stay in China, as Hyundai has a tendency to tart up its cars exclusively for that market like this one. Meanwhile, the RB Concept is likely to be our best glimpse of the Accent destined for other markets like North America, Europe, Australia and South Korea.
[Source: Hyundai]
READ MORE for a full gallery of hi-res images of the RB Concept.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Hyundai Unveils RB Concept in Moscow, Preview of Accent for Other Markets?
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