Hyundai
i-flow Concept
Making
its global debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the Hyundai i-flow Concept car
carries forward the company's evocative new form language, 'fluidic sculpture'.
The flowing, elegant lines not only create a bionic, futuristic shape, but also
contribute to exceptional aerodynamics, helping to reduce the car's CO2 output
to just 85g/km and fuel consumption to only 3l/100km.
The
name i-flow reflects the exceptionally aerodynamic shape and the flowing lines
of the concept car's eye-catching styling, and retains the 'i' prefix of
Hyundai's established alphanumeric nomenclature for Europe. In 2011 Hyundai
will bring into production a new challenger in the segment, drawing on the
Hyundai i-flow Concept's sleek styling and innovative technology.
Hyundai's
first diesel hybrid powertrain is also a key factor in delivering such an
environmentally-conscious return, as is the application of next-generation
materials and technologies developed in cooperation with leading chemical
company BASF.
With
an overall length of 4.780 mm and a 2.800 mm wheelbase, the Hyundai i-flow
Concept brings new ideas and a pioneering form to the traditional European
D-segment. The dramatically-sculpted forms of the interior and exterior make
for a striking sports sedan, and its width and height (1.850 mm and 1.420 mm
respectively) give it an athletic stance.
The
interior of Hyundai i-flow Concept redefines the perception of space in a sedan
bodystyle. Fundamental elements, such as the seats and center console, were crafted
for minimal weight and volume using cutting-edge materials from BASF - one of
the world's leading automotive SUPPLIERS. The
seats, for example, were developed in conjunction with BASF using advanced
stress analysis, which highlighted the unnecessary mass areas and pointed
towards an optimized lightweight seat structure. 'Steron', a BASF material,
gives the seats a highly-resilient quality, excellent breathability and a
high-tech touch.
The
Hyundai i-flow Concept is a test bed for new energy harvesting ideas, ranging
from flexible solar panel roofing to a thermo-electric generator. The key
technical components of the vehicle have been developed by Hyundai under the
Blue Drive banner in cooperation with BASF. Blue Drive remains at the heart
of Hyundai's product development strategy, and continues to drive the company
towards its target of global leadership in environmentally-sensitive
technologies.
A
focal point of Hyundai i-flow Concept is its extraordinary CO2 emissions level
of just 85 g/km. The car uses efficient aerodynamics, energy harvesting
technologies and weight-saving materials to significantly undercut the current
average for a D-segment sedan. Furthermore, the company's first diesel-electric
hybrid powertrain runs the exciting new U2 1,7-liter engine augmented by
two-stage turbocharging and Hyundai's Lithium Ion-Polymer battery to give a
very efficient and advanced combination, particularly when partnered with
Hyundai i-flow Concept's six-speed, dual-clutch transmission.
