Hyundai has revealed the first photo of the all-new concept car i-flow (HED-7), making its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show .  The i-flow, which advances the ‘fluidic sculpture’ form language of Hyundai, is joined on stage by other newcomers, including the face-lifted i30, and a number of new, production-ready derivatives with CO2 emissions below 100g/km.

Previewing a future D-segment contender from Hyundai, “i-flow” – or the future i40, has 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.

Trend setting is also Hyundai’s first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain. The new 1,7-liter engine is boosted  by two-stage turbocharging and Hyundai’s Lithium Ion-Polymer battery, to give a very efficient and advanced combination, and is coupled to a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

The interior of i-flow redefines the perception of space in a sedan body style, 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 center console, have been crafted in collaboration with BASF for minimal weight and volume.  The cockpit’s main interface centers around an expansive, contoured screen, which recognizes not only touch but also gestural inputs along its fascia-wide display.

Also on the exterior, new paths have been chosen. 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 this indeed enhances the sculptural character of the car.

 At the Show Hyundai also revealed the latest additions to its growing collection of eco-focused “Blue Drive” innovations.  Five new production vehicles have resulted from the company’s leading-edge program: the i10 blue, i20 blue, i30 blue, i30cw blue, and ix35 blue. 

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 new benchmark figure for a C-segment SUV.  These improvements are achieved without compromising performance, reliability or driver satisfaction, making all Blue DriveTM models a realistic solution for motorists.

Hydrogen power…  

Looking one step beyond the blue-badged models, the ix35 FCEV moves Hyundai closer to the commercialization 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… More on these remarkable developments soon…

Hans Knol ten Bensel