Hyundai Plugs In

The Korean automaker previews a plug-in hybrid system and a new design direction with a provocative concept car.
By Matthew de Paula of MSN Autos

 

Hyundai unveiled its weirdly named Blue-Will plug-in hybrid at the 2010 North American Auto Show in Detroit, showcasing the Korean automaker's next-generation electric drivetrain technology, some of which will debut on the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid that will go on sale later this year. Its "eco-sleek" design, with sweeping character lines, hints at what future Hyundai models might look like.

The basis of Hyundai's new hybrid system is a 152-horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline engine and a 100-kilowatt electric motor powered by a lithium-polymer battery. The transmission is continuously variable, which means it eschews traditional fixed gears for better fuel effeciency.

The basic hybrid system will have electric-only drive capability at low speeds, with the gas engine kicking in to provide power when needed, much as the current Toyota Prius operates. It gets an estimated 50 to 55 mpg.

The Blue-Will concept's plug-in system will reportedly get an estimated 106 mpg thanks to extended electric-only capability that enables it to drive up to 40 miles on a single charge. It can be recharged from regular household power outlets.

Other innovative features include a solar-cell sunroof that trickle-charges a fan to ventilate the interior and help reduce the need for fuel-robbing air conditioning. A thermal generator converts heat from the gasoline engine's exhaust gases into electrical energy to help power auxiliary systems.

Some of the Hyundai Blue-Will's body panels, including side moldings, bumpers and fenders, use carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics and nanocomposites to reduce weight.

The interior has some far-out features that could have interesting implications if, in fact, they become a reality. For instance, the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel is a thin LED panel, and the center console incorporates a svelte touch-screen for all climate controls, audio and other ancillary systems.

Hyundai Santa Fe Gets New Engines
Hyundai also announced that the 2010 Santa Fe, which is on sale now, is getting two new engines that are both more powerful and more fuel-efficient than the ones they replace. It also gets minor styling tweaks and upgraded interior features.

Last year's base 185-horse 2.7-liter V6 engine, which averaged 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, is replaced by a 175-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that averages 20/28 mpg, yet is quicker from zero to 60 mph, Hyundai says. A 6-speed automatic transmission supplants the old 4-speed.

Likewise, last year's 242-horse 3.3-liter V6 gets replaced by a 276-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that weighs less and returns 15 percent better fuel economy, despite being considerably more powerful. Last year's 3.3-liter V6 averaged 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway; the new 3.5-liter V6 gets an estimated 20/26 mpg. On the 2009 Santa Fe, a 5-speed automatic transmission was standard and a 6-speed was offered as an upgrade. Now, only a 6-speed is offered. Sticker prices for the new engine options have yet to be announced.