HYUNDAI TO PRESENT EIGHT WORLD DEBUTS AT GENEVA

Hyundai 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 be joined on stage by other newcomers, including the facelifted i30 – to be launched as i30U – and a number of new, production-ready derivatives with CO2 emissions below 100g/km.

Previewing a future D-segment contender from Hyundai, 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-liter engine is augmented by two-stage turbocharging and Hyundai’s Lithium Ion-Polymer battery, 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 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.

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.

Entering mass production in March this year, the i30U takes over from the well-established i30, and incorporates a wide range of improvements in design, specification and competitiveness, as well as even cleaner powertrains. To complete the upgrade, i30U comes with the Hyundai ‘Triple5′ package, consisting of an enhanced five-year, bumper-to-bumper unlimited warranty, five years’ roadside assistance, and an annual vehicle seasonal health check for five years. The package reflects the quality and reliability of the Europe-built i30 family and gives added peace of mind to consumers.

At the Show Hyundai will also reveal the latest additions to its growing collection of eco-focused Blue DriveTM 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. 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 C-segment SUV. These improvements are achieved without compromising performance, reliability or driver satisfaction, making all Blue DriveTM models a realistic solution for motorists.

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 information about Hyundai’s star cars and the latest corporate news will be made available on the stand, where media can request press kits. The company’s press conference will take place in Hall 1 at 14:15 (CET) on Tuesday 2nd March.

Source : Hyundai-blog.com

- Hyundai’s sixth-generation Sonata encompasses new `fluidic sculpture’ design philosophy

- Features 2.0 Theta II MPi engine, 6-speed automatic transmission

(Note: All specifications and details in this release are based on the Korean domestic model)

(Seoul, Korea) Hyundai Motor Company’s all-new Sonata, being introduced today, is expected to shake up the world’s mid-size sedan market with its daring design.

The 2010 Sonata adopts Hyundais new “fluidic sculpture” design language, boasts outstanding performance with the segment-leading safety features and fuel efficiency. Incorporating state-of-the-art technologies, the new Sonata will further elevate the Hyundai brand.

“The Sonata will set a new standard for world class mid-size sedans with state-of-the-art technology, superior build quality and emotional design,” Euisun Chung, Hyundai’s Vice Chairman said at the launching ceremony for the car today in Seoul. “The new Sonata will raise Hyundai’s brand values.”

The ceremony, held at a trendy riverside cafe, was attended by more than 200 VIPs, company executives and media members.

Sonata has been the perennial best-seller in Korea since the first generation model was launched in 1985. The sixth-generation Sonata will continue this successful tradition with impeccable quality seen today in other Hyundai premium models, such as the Genesis and EQUUS.

Hyundai began developing the new Sonata in 2005 under the codename YF (Note: The car may be launched under a different name in some regions). The project took 4 years and 450 billion won (US$ 372 million*) to go from concept to customer.

Although it is a completely new vehicle, Hyundai is retaining the Sonata name as the mid-size car has been Korea’s most popular sedan. Applying a new design aesthetic of “fluidic sculpture,” the 2010 Sonata pursues a younger and sensuous image in its interior and exterior profiles. Inspired by nature, the “fluidic sculpture” tries to reflect sophistication and dynamism in the shape of the vehicle and will serve as the core of Hyundai’s future design identity.

The outer design of the new Sonata exudes a voluminous look that creates character through the refined and harmonized lines. The interior has a dynamic look that matches the exterior while not compromising comfort or convenience. The Sonata is available in nine exterior colors, from Remington Red to Blue Black to Espresso, satisfying the diverse tastes of younger customers.

The new Sonata delivers powerful performance through its 2-liter Theta II MPi gasoline engine (Max output 165ps, Max torque of 20.2?·m). Delivering the highest fuel economy in its segment at 12.8 kilometers per liter, fuel economy is more than 11% improved compared with today’s Sonata. Furthermore, all engines are offered with a new six-speed automatic transmission for heightened performance.

To meet the most stringent automotive safety and crash requirements, the Sonata is built with hot-stamped ultra high-strength steel while featuring six standard airbags.

In addition, safety has been upgraded with standard Vehicle Dynamic Control including Hill-start Assist Control and Brake Assist System functions?an industry first in this competitive segment.

The new Sonata comes with a three-piece panoramic sunroof, giving a sense of openness and freedom as well as a stylish look. The Parking Guide System (PGS) allows drivers to avoid obstacles during parallel parking or when driving in reverse. The Dimension premium sound system offers high-quality sound in three types of modes to satisfy customers’ wide-ranging musical tastes.

The Mozen system, a telematics service that debuted in 2003 in Korea, has evolved to become more sophisticated, offering more diverse and upgraded multi-media and IT functions. The newly applied Mozen Premium Wide Navigation system provides drivers with a faster communication service through the third-generation WCDMA wireless network. For two years, it also offers free safety services such as an SOS and anti-theft tracking service. The audio-visual functions have been upgraded with the 8-inch wide screen and JBL Premium Sound system.

In the new Sonata, Hyundai offers a wireless vehicle monitoring service?another industry first– through the Mozen Autocare service, linking the vehicle’s electronic control systems to a monitoring center. The center checks various components for errors, informs the driver of the analysis, and provides directions to nearby service centers, saving time for drivers.

Hyundai revealed it aims to sell 60.000 units of the 2011 Sonata sedan in its home, Korean market by the end of this year, while next year, Hyundai plans to double that number.

Hyundai will continue to produce Sonata at both of its overseas manufacturing plants, located in Alabama, US and China. Production of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata for the US market will begin early next year, while production in China will commence in the beginning of 2011. From that year, combined Korean and overseas production of new Sonata is expected to reach 450.000 units annually!

Pricing for the US-market Sonata will be revealed closer to its official US debut, scheduled for NAIAS 2010. In Korea, Sonata will be priced from 21.3 million Won (US$17.600) for a base 2.0L model and top out at 25.95 million Won (US$21,450) for a fully-loaded 2.0L model.

Hyundai ix-metro to be i20 MPV lenght 3.93 metre widght 1.73 metre,mounted by Hybrid 1.0l GDI 125 HP Dual Clutch+Start Stop functions.

BLUE-WILL – Hyundai charges in with advanced hybrid concept

* All-new concept car to be unveiled at Seoul Show
* Lithium-Ion batteries and a 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine
* Solar panels boost battery range

Hyundai has revealed the first pictures of an innovative plug-in hybrid concept car. Due to be revealed at the Seoul Motor Show which opens on April 2nd, the “BLUE-WILL”, has exceptionally advanced technology crammed inside its striking bodyshell.

Recycled PET soft drink bottles were used to make the material for the headlamp bezels while use has also been made of bio-plastics: PLA for the interior while PA11 was specified for the engine cover. These materials are made from plants extract rather than fossil fuels and are bio-degradable.

The BLUE-WILL concept is powered by an all-aluminium Gasoline Direct Injected 1.6-litre engine which is coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission and a 100kw electric motor which is at the heart of Hyundai’s parallel hybrid drive architecture.

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Source : AutoTelegraaf.nl

2010 Hyundai Equus, official press release

To create the best: That was the uncompromising objective for Hyundai Motor Co.’s VI Project design and engineering team. After ten years in the marketplace, the company’s flagship sedan EQUUS would be retired and replaced by a new EQUUS, an import fighter that would need to compete on an equal footing with the most storied names in the luxury car business.

Much had changed in the interim requiring a rethinking of the basic assumptions. It started with the adoption of a front engine, rear wheel drive architecture, the luxury segment’s de facto standard, to achieve the ideal 52:48 front-rear weight distribution needed to achieve optimal ride and handling characteristics.

“Genesis showed the world what a great car we could build, but EQUUS improves on the Genesis in every measurable way,” said Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, Vice Chairman and Chief Technology Officer of the Corporate Research and Development Division.

“The VI (EQUUS) was a fun project: It was greatly satisfying to have absolute freedom to adopt the newest and the best technologies. For once, we weren’t constrained by our usual design-to-cost approach to engineering and manufacturing,”” said Dr. Lee.

From design to execution, absolute excellence would be required on all levels if the new EQUUS was to meet the needs and wants of the target customers, a highly demanding group of top income earners, male executives or entrepreneurs in their 40s and 50s for whom cars serve as an expression of status.

A majority of Korean luxury car customers had defected to Japanese and German luxury marques over the years, and winning back their trust in Hyundai posed the ultimate test of the new EQUUS. An entirely new set of technologies would be needed to attain first-class performance, safety, comfort and convenience.

The visual statement is one of elegance and luxury. The exterior lines are progressive, faithful to the original design concept. Viewed from the front, the impression is one of strength and confident power but with luxurious refinement evident in the details of the headlamp and grill design.

A study of the side profile hints at a deeper dynamic, sporty personality but without compromising the sedan’s overall grace and from the rear, perhaps the most commonly viewed angle, the emphasis is on balanced proportions for visual stability. LED rear combination lamps impart a dynamic, high-tech note.

The interior design concept is, in a word, sumptuous. A classical image welcomes the eye with a simplicity of form that is in balance with high-end IT details for a thoroughly modern interpretation of luxury. From the selection of exotic hardwoods for the crash pad and centre console to the supple leather upholstery of the seats, master craftsmanship and premium natural materials soothe the senses taking luxury motoring to a new level.

EQUUS customers will have a choice of three interior colors with matching hardwood accents (Eucalyptus, Walnut or Burled Birch) while brushed satin aluminum trim will add a contemporary feel.

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Hyundai will use the upcoming Geneva Motor Show next month as the venue for the debut of the new Hyundai i20 3-door hatchback. Replacing the Getz/Click hatchback, the i20 3-door joins its 5-door counterpart, which has already generated high sales in Europe and India.

The i20 three-door measures in at 3.94m in length, 1.71m across, and 1.49m in height, and features space for five occupants. Standard features include six airbags and an MP3 capable stereo with USB connection.

The powertrain lineup includes three petrol units displacing 1.2L, 1.4L, and 1.6L, and outputting 78hp (58kW), 100hp (75kW), and 126hp (94kW) respectively, as well as a 1.6L common-rail turbodiesel with 115hp (85kW) on tap.

While the U.S. will miss out on the new i20, there was previous speculation that the even smaller i10 five-door hatchback could reach our shores. The biggest hurdle for Hyundai, and most other carmakers looking to import their global models, will be to bring the cars into line with tough U.S. safety regulations.