Hyundai's Blue future
Hybrid concept car points at new direction for South Korean brandThis week's Seoul Motor Show will see the unveiling of Hyundai's first petrol-engine hybrid model. Although the BLUE-WILL is just a concept at this stage the technology that underpins its highly stylised bodywork should be implemented into future production models.
BLUE-WILL is powered by the company's parallel hybrid drive system. That consists of a 1.6-litre direct injection petrol engine that is mated to a 100kW electric motor and running through a Continuously Variable Transmission. Lithium Ion Polymer batteries are used to store the power for the electric motor.
Full details of the BLUE-WILL are set to be revealed on April 2 at the Motor Show where the car will be displayed alongside the Elantra LPI Hybrid; an LPG powered hybrid that shares its technology with the Kia Forte LPI Hybrid (see here).
Speaking at the recent Melbourne International Motor Show, Hyundai Australia director of sales and marketing, Kevin McCann, admitted that hybrids are likely additions to the local line-up (see here).
So while the direct injection technology underneath the BLUE-WILL is still not officially available yet, the LPG Hybrid is high on the agenda for Hyundai Australia.
Ben Hershman, Hyundai Australia's Public Relations chief, admits the company is pushing hard to reverse the decision to limit the Elantra LPI Hybrid to South Korea when it goes on sale in July this year. The local operation has been stating its case ever since the car became public (see here).
"We've been proactively discussing that with out product team," Hershman says.
"At this stage there is nothing to add on that."
The BLUE-WILL is the latest product of Hyundai's Blue Drive sub-brand of "eco-friendly" vehicles. Recycled materials were used throughout the car including PET drink bottles for the headlamp bezels as well as plant-based materials for the interior and engine cover.
Another impressive feature of the concept are the solar cells integrated into the panoramic sunroof that are able to recharge the batteries. To optimise boot space the batteries are mounted with the fuel tank under the rear seats.
Hyundai is claiming it will become the first car company to use Lithium Ion Polymer batteries in a mass produced car on the Elantra LPI Hybrid.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
