Hyundai eco-technology displayed at Frankfurt
September 17, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Hyundai unveiled two important eco-friendly models at Frankfurt over night further proving its commitment to improve energy efficiency and to lower the greenhouse gas emissions of its vehicles.
Making its world debut was the ix-Metro, a hybrid-electric car initially slated from the European market. Emitting just 80 grams per kilometre of CO2, the ix-Metro is powered by a 1.0-litre inline three-cylinder petrol engine featuring direct injection, dual variable valve timing (CVVT) and turbocharging. Mated to a six-speed dual clutch transmission the ix-Metro is not only green, but also quite potent in terms of performance.
The other global premiere was the i10 Electric, a production-ready zero emissions vehicle. Powered by a 49kW engine and a 16kWh battery, the i10 Electric promises a driving range of 160 kilometres and a top speed of 130km/h. It features x-by-wire systems for steering, air conditioning, water pump and the brake vacuum pump. Limited series production will start in Korea in 2010 for pilot fleet demonstration purposes with government ministries, utilities and related agencies.
“Blue Drive is all about bold new thinking, about listening more carefully to what consumers are saying and what they really want,” said Hyundai Vice Chairman Euisun Chung during the unveiling. “Our declared goal is bold: It’s to be the industry’s eco-leader.”
Also in the specially designated Blue Drive Zone were the Elantra LPI Hybrid and the Blue Will Plug-In Hybrid Electric concept vehicle. The Elantra LPI is the world’s first hybrid electric vehicle using liquid petroleum gas (LPG). With remarkably low CO2 emissions (94g/km), it’s also the first production car in the world to be powered by advanced lithium ion polymer batteries.
A new Blue edition of Hyundai’s highly popular i30 – designed in Germany and built in the Czech Republic – was another highlight. Featuring fuel-saving stop-and-go emissions reduction technology, the ISG system contributes to a reduction of seven per cent in fuel consumption and vehicle emissions on the official European combined cycle, compared to standard cars. Tests have revealed a drop in CO2 emissions of up to 15 per cent in heavily congested traffic.
The new ix35, the European version of the all-new Tucson ix that made its debut in the Korean market last month, was also on show. The vehicle was fitted with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The ix35 sat alongside the new 2010 Santa Fe at the Hyundai stand.
The 2010 Santa Fe will feature a 2.2-litre version of Hyundai’s new R series diesel engine and comes with the option of a six-speed automatic transmission – a six-speed manual gearbox being offered as standard.
Love that IX35 hope to get the Diesel 4X4 version here ASAP, anybody know when?? With the eco cars I hope they don’t opt for the plug in version. Plug in Hybrid=Coal powered car
That car pictured at the very top of this article looks like it was designed by someone on some serious acid.
Some fantastic looking cars. They are really getting their styling act together. Good on ya Hyundai.
Looks like the SantaFe will have a better roof rail system to carry heavier gear. The current system is just so flimsey for heavy gear such as multiple sailboards, which was a deal breaker for me…….got a Kluger instead
ix35 looks nice