(November 30, 2012) LOS ANGELES — Smart design meets urban style as Hyundai unveiled its Veloster C3 Roll Top concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Expanding on the qualities that have made the Veloster a sales success, the C3 (which stands for Convertible 3-door) combines open-air freedom with the style of a coupe and the functionality of a tailgate.

The Veloster’s efficient coupe design with hidden passenger-side third door introduces an innovative dual-function roll top and tailgate, adding unique utility to a convertible.

“We were inspired by the proverb ‘A rolling stone gathers no moss,” said Chris Chapman, chief designer, Hyundai Design North America. “The Veloster C3 Roll Top concept offers the ‘no strings attached’ freedom of a roll top convertible and customizable utility that fits an everyday to a play day dual lifestyle.”

Designed by Hyundai Design North America, the Veloster C3 Roll Top concept offers a distinctive canvas roof that opens to the rear or windshield of the vehicle. The cleverly designed dual-function power-retractable roof combined with the tailgate gives the C3 a dual personality.

In convertible mode with the top rolled back, the C3 is a free spirit for driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. Roll the top forward, open the tailgate, fold the rear seats and the C3 goes into recreation mode - perfect for surfing, biking or kayaking.

From Zuma to Sunset, stash boards in the back and go from surfing at the beach with friends to cruising the streets of downtown Los Angeles with the top down in seconds. The simple top is the perfect answer to the dual lifestyle and is completely customizable.

Fixed gear bikes, or “fixies,” moved from trendy accessories for hipsters and into the bicycling mainstream. In most urban areas one can’t turn a corner without running into a group of riders zipping along the road or practicing tricks in a park. These colorful bikes are minimalistic with only a single speed and no brakes. They are also completely customizable to fit any ones style. From hand built wheels to color coordinated saddles and handlebars, half the bike is built by the customer and the other half by the manufacturer.

The C3 offers the same experience with a simple, yet highly efficient and stylish design. All of the exterior modifications are low cost. Change the mirror caps and color of the rear wheels against the neutral white body and the C3 can take on an all new look. A driver can change the look quickly and easily. The relationship between car and driver completely changes when the modifications are done by the individual.

The color palette chosen for the Veloster C3 Roll Top concept was influenced by the emerging fixed gear bicycle culture. The design team felt the C3 needed an urban color combination. During the process color combinations on a dozen fixie bikes were looked at before deciding on the red, white, black and teal scheme.

The high gloss white paint of the C3 is contrasted by a flat black spoiler, glass close out and convertible top rails. The rear reflector bezels, license plate pocket and badge are also flat black. Upfront flat red mirror housings offset the flat black front wheels, fog lamp bezels, front grille and badging. Flat teal rear wheels, red reflectors and smoked taillights complete the look.