Radical i-flow Concept Showcases Hyundai’s Diesel-electric Technology

GENEVA – February 25, 2010: Hyundai Motor Company has today revealed the first photo of the all-new concept car i-flow (HED-7), ahead of its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The i-flow, which advances the ‘fluidic sculpture’ form language of Hyundai, will debut at the Geneva show and will be joined by a number of new, production-ready derivatives with CO2 emissions below 100g/km.

Previewing a future mid-sized sedan contender for the European market, i-flow boasts sleek, elegant lines which not only create a bionic, futuristic shape, but also contribute to exceptional aerodynamics. The drag coefficient of 0.25Cd helps to reduce the car’s CO2 output to just 85g/km and fuel consumption to only 3l/100km.

Hyundai’s first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain is a key factor in delivering such an environmentally-conscious return. The exciting new ‘U2’ 1.7-litre engine is augmented by two-stage turbo-charging, and Hyundai’s Lithium Ion-Polymer battery technology to give a very efficient and advanced combination, partnered with a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

The interior of i-flow redefines the perception of space in a sedan bodystyle, and sees the application of next-generation materials and technologies developed in cooperation with leading chemical company BASF. Fundamental elements, such as the seats and centre console, have been crafted in collaboration with BASF for minimal weight and volume. The cockpit’s main interface centres on an expansive, contoured screen, which recognizes not only touch, but also gestural inputs along its fascia-wide display.

The glossy ‘Liquid Metal’ finish – developed by BASF Coatings – adds to the visual impact of i-flow’s exterior. Special-effect pigments in this eco-friendly waterborne coating give the surface a polished metal appearance, and highlight the sculptural character of the car.

At Geneva, Hyundai will also reveal the latest additions to its growing collection of eco-focused Blue DriveTM innovations. Five new production vehicles for the European market have resulted from the company’s leading-edge program: i10 blue, i20 blue, i30 blue, i30cw blue, and ix35 blue. The new arrivals will drive the company towards its goal of global leadership in environmentally-sensitive automotive technologies.

Through innovations such as a stop-start system, low-rolling-resistance tyres and modified aerodynamics, the first four of these cars have CO2 emissions below 100g/km. The ix35 blue, meanwhile, boasts an impressive 135g/km –a benchmark figure for a compact SUV. These improvements are achieved without compromising performance, reliability or driver satisfaction, making all Blue DriveTM models a realistic option for motorists.

Looking one step beyond the blue-badged models, ix35 FCEV moves Hyundai closer to the commercialisation of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. Debuting at Geneva, it features several important innovations over the previous-generation Tucson FCEV, and will lead to production volume of Hyundai FCEVs in the thousands by 2012. Among the developments implemented on ix35 FCEV, are steps to reduce the cost and complexity of fuel-cell manufacturing and new approaches which simplify final assembly.

The company’s Geneva Motor Show press conference will take place in Hall 1 at 14:15 (CET) on Tuesday 2nd March.