2010 Geneva Auto Show: Hyundai to Show i-flow Diesel Hybrid, New Hydrogen Fuel Cell Model, and More
By John O'Dell February 26, 2010
Hyundai motors plans to show its i-flow diesel-electric hybrid concept at the Geneva Auto Show next week as just one of eight fuel-efficient, lower-emissions vehicles on its stand. The i-flow is the most notable of the bunch because it will be one of the few hybrids to use a diesel engine instead of a gasoline powerplant.
The South Korean automaker released a rear three-quarter view of the diesel hybrid last week to whet our appetites and this week is teasing with this image (right) showing, a driver's side three-quarter view from the front.
The i-flow - still officially a concept, meaning not planned for production, at least as far as anyone is saying - mates a 1.7-liter turbodiesel to an electric motor that draws its power from a lithium-polymer battery pack, the whole thing linked via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The diesel can be small because it delivers loads of torque, and the whole package enables the i-flow to deliver 79 mpg fuel economy (European test cycle,we think), making even the Prius look a bit anemic.
The car, designed at the company's European design headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany, will also employ weight-saving and drag-reducing techniques developed in collaboration with chemical company BASF. The gear includes special lightweight structural material and a slick "liquid metal" exterior finish.
We'll find out more when Hyundai pulls the covers off at Geneva.
Hyundai is using the Swiss show to boost its visibility in Europe as an environmentally aware automaker.
In addition to the i-Flow, Hyundai will feature the i30U - an updated and more efficient version of the compact i30 family car that's going into production next month - as well as four of is fuel-efficient "Blue Drive" models that will include better aerodynamics, low rolling-resistance tires and an idle stop-start system, sometimes called a micro hybrid system.
Additionally, the car maker says it will debut the ix35 FCEV, which succeeds the Tucson FCEV as the company's hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. That model will be produced in the "thousands" for retail sales and leases starting in 2012, according to Hyundai.
LEAVE A COMMENT
Holy Hyundai, Batman! This company impresses me more each day. It's the Lexus of the 90s.
Only an American site would call a 1.7 litre diesel small.
Too bad it's a concept only, Hyundai needs some aggressive looking cars to go forward the next step.
So for they've only proved they can build nice driving cars that are reliable at last. Good for competing with Toyota but I think they can do more.
ADD A COMMENT