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Hyundai's model range covers a broad range of segments, from hot hatchbacks like the Veloster N, premium sedans like the Elantra, and SUVs like the Santa Fe and Palisade. It's surprising, then, that Hyundai still hasn't capitalized on the popular pickup truck segment. This will finally change when the Santa Cruz joins Hyundai's lineup, however, which we spied undergoing testing earlier this year.
But while the Santa Cruz will be a compact lifestyle that rides on a unibody platform, artist Enoch Gabriel Gonzales has envisioned a more rugged Hyundai pickup designed to rival the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevrolet Colorado.
Traditionally, Hyundai names its utility vehicles after locations around the world, and this virtual pickup concept is no different. Gonzales calls their creation the Hyundai Tarlac, named after a province in the Philippines where the artist is based.
Unlike the Santa Cruz, the hypothetical 2022 Hyundai Tarlac has been designed with a ladder frame chassis to make it more capable off-road. It wouldn't look out of place in Hyundai's current lineup as the artist has skillfully incorporated the Korean automaker's current design language, borrowing styling cues from SUVs like the Palisade and Santa Fe.
Dominating the front is a large cascading grille surrounded with plastic cladding and split headlights incorporating thin daytime running lights at the top and LED lamps at the bottom connected with Z-shaped LED strips. Muscular side fenders and sharp bodylines give the Hyundai Tarlac a very rugged appearance. At the back, the basic design further emphasizes the truck's utilitarian character.
Gonzales hasn't said what could power the Hyundai Tarlac, but the Santa Cruz is expected to use Hyundai's new Theta3 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This unit would be too small for the Tarlac, however, so the 3.5-liter V6 that powers the Genesis GV80 would perhaps be more suitable.
Would you like to see the Hyundai Tarlac enter production? Let us know in the comments.