By Phil Alex
Via: Irmaododecio
Hyundai confirmed that a production model based on the styling of this concept study will hit European showrooms sometime in 2011 offering the South Korean brand a new fighter in the D-segment that includes models like the Ford Mondeo, VW Passat, Toyota Avensis and Opel Insignia (Buick Regal). Hit the break for the videos.
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Hyundai confirmed that a production model based on the styling of this concept study will hit European showrooms sometime in 2011 offering the South Korean brand a new fighter in the D-segment that includes models like the Ford Mondeo, VW Passat, Toyota Avensis and Opel Insignia (Buick Regal). Hit the break for the videos.
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Furthermore, with an overall length of 4,780mm, 1,850mm width, 1,420mm height and a 2,800mm wheelbase, the i-flow is almost identical in size to the latest generation Sonata (4,820mm long, 1,835mm wide and 1,470mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,795mm), so it wouldn't make much sense for the Koreans to sell both models in Europe.
The i-flow or HED-7, is the seventh Hyundai concept car to be born in the firm's Russelsheim studio in Germany.
Hyundai said that the mid-size sedan's styling is an evolution of the company's so-called 'fluidic sculpture' design language adding that the car is also distinguished by its "unique proportions" with the long tail and the short front overhang, features which are said to have been inspired by Chrysler's Cab-Forward design aerodynamic motives.
The fluidic forms of the i-flow's exterior are echoed in the cabin with continuous lines that sweep from the dashboard, through the doors to the open storage area at the rear. Hyundai also claims that it has used cutting-edge materials in the interior to reduce weight.
Under the bonnet is Hyundai's first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain that uses the company's new 1.7-litre diesel plus two-stage turbocharging linked to a Lithium Ion-Polymer battery. The engine is couples to a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission.
According to Hyundai, a production model inspired by the i-flow will hit European showrooms sometime in 2011.
The European penned i-Flow features all the typical design cues of the new Hyundai style with the company claiming a drag coefficient of only 0.25Cd.
Equally important, the concept study is the first ever Hyundai model to feature a diesel-electric hybrid powetrain. Previous reports stated that the Hyundai-Kia Group plans to have such a hybrid system on the road by 2012.
In the i-Flow, Hyundai has used its new 1.7-liter "U2" diesel unit augmented by two-stage turbocharging and a Lithium Ion-Polymer battery motivated electric unit. Power is transferred to the wheels through a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission.
According to the Koreans, the i-Flow is capable of returning an average fuel consumption of just 3.0lt/100km - equal to 78.4mpg US and 94.2 mpg UK- with CO2 emissions of just 85g/km.
We'll have all the details and pictures on the i-Flow straight from the Geneva Show next week.
Penned at the Hyundai's European design headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the i-flow is said to preview the look of the South Korean firm's upcoming D-segment mid-size saloon contender that will go against the likes of the Ford Mondeo, Opel Insignia, Citroen C5 and Toyota Avensis.
It is not clear yet if the production version of the i-Flow Concept will take the place of the current generation Sonata (previous for North America) in Europe or if it will be a more compact-sized proposal.
The latest conceptual product from Hyundai follows the company's new form language called 'fluidic sculpture'. It unquestionably looks exciting from the single teaser image, but then again, that's the case with most teaser sketches, so better wait to see it in the flesh before we jump into any conclusions.
Looks aside, Hyundai said that the i-flow incorporates numerous new technologies from chemical company BASF, ranging from novel lightweight materials to solar cells, to assist in reducing weight and improving energy efficiency.
