HYUNDAI UNVEILS UNIQUE NEW CONCEPT CAR: I-ONIQ

- Geneva show car, i-oniq, embodies ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities.’

- Concept model is an electric sports hatchback with range-extender

- Demonstrates next evolution of Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design language

Hyundai has unveiled its latest European concept car, named i-oniq, at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, showcasing new technology and design which present an impression of the company’s future thinking.

The 4,4 meters long i-oniq is an electric sports hatchback with a range-extending petrol engine. Intended to convey the latest thinking from Hyundai’s designers and engineers, the i-oniq evolves the company’s fluidic sculpture form language and represents bold ‘New Possibilities’ with its futuristic powertrain.

Exterior design: inspiration and evolution

The i-oniq concept car, designed and developed at Hyundai’s European R&D centre in Germany, is an evolution of the company’s signature design language, fluidic sculpture.

Hyundai designers chose dynamic proportions to create i-oniq’s aesthetic and functional body shape. Its design combines gentle feature lines and muscular surface treatment, conveying premium and athletic qualities evident in both the exterior and interior of the car.

Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, commented, “Two arched curves are the key theme behind i-oniq, creating a strong and playful contrast between sharp character lines and soft but muscular features. The profile lines of the front fender run from front to back, emphasising i-oniq’s coupé appearance, while offering maximum visibility to occupants.”

Further design elements, such as the ‘penthouse roof’ and LED headlights, emphasise the advanced technology encased within i-oniq.

The roof is a unique design solution that ensures great space for rear passengers and contributes to the overall dynamic appearance. The car’s doors open up to the side: innovative, weight-optimized door and seat kinematics make entering the car’s front and rear seats a simple manoeuvre.

The headlights emphasise the advanced technology of i-oniq. A uniquely-shaped polished aluminium frame houses the day-time running light and forms a unique signature light element.

Futuristic interior and complete connectivity

Fittingly for a sporty hatchback, the cabin layout is driver-oriented, with the dashboard and centre-console geometry based around the driver. The user-interface components reflect contemporary and future consumer electronics technology such as movement control mounted on the steering wheel, floating instrument cluster with multi-layered projection, and a large background display for navigation, entertainment and other information.

The rear cabin area has been designed as a ‘cosy lounge area’ to ensure maximum occupant comfort, creating a positive contrast to the sports-orientated front area. Use of luxurious interior materials, as well as futuristic interface components, further expresses the evolution of fluidic sculpture within the car.

Electric vehicle with extended range powertrain

The i-oniq is powered by an innovative 1,0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine generating a maximum of 45 kW (61 ps). This unit is mated to an 80 kW (109 ps) lithium-ion electric motor which is powered by a 55 kW generator, via a single ratio gearbox.

In electric-only mode, i-oniq can travel 120 km (74 miles) and up to 700 km (435 miles) with the assistance on the petrol engine, emitting only 45 g/km of CO2emissions. The concept can reach a top speed of 145 km/h.

Specifications

 SOURCE: Hyundai

- New concept car will debut at Geneva Motor Show

- Inspiring design and innovative powertrain to make i-oniq a show star

- The most powerful demonstration of Hyundai’s ‘New Thinking’ to date

The first image of Hyundai’s new i-oniq concept car has been released today, showcasing new technology and design which present an impression of the company’s future thinking.

The i-oniq is an electric sports hatchback with a range-extending petrol engine.  Intended to convey the latest thinking from Hyundai’s designers and engineers, the i-oniq evolves the company’s fluidic sculpture form language and represents bold ‘New Possibilities’ with its futuristic powertrain.

Hyundai stylists chose dynamic proportions to create i-oniq’s aesthetic and functional body shape.  Its design combines gentle feature lines and muscular surface treatment, conveying both premium and sporty qualities evident in both the exterior and interior of the car.  Further design elements, such as the ‘penthouse roof’ and LED headlights, emphasise the efficiency and advanced technology encased within i-oniq.

At 4.4 metres long, i-oniq has space for four occupants in its driver-oriented cabin.  High-tech equipment in the driver interface and controls reflects contemporary and future premium consumer electronics technology.  Passengers benefit from a lounge-style space designed to optimise comfort, featuring sculpted surfaces inspired by musical instruments to create a positive contrast with the sports-focused driver area.

The i-oniq concept has an innovative powertrain that demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to clean technology.  A 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine is mated, via a generator, to a lithium ion electric motor which produces 109 ps.  In electric-only mode, i-oniq has a range of 120 km, while with assistance from the petrol engine it can travel up to 700 km, producing just 45 g/km of CO2 in the process.

Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, Allan Rushforth, commented, “The i-oniq concept has been created to reflect the new thinking that runs through the Hyundai brand.  It has a bold design, inside and out, that provokes contemplation on the future of automotive possibilities, and a powertrain that highlights one of the ways in which we could power future products – wrapped in a package that exudes premium qualities.”

The Hyundai i-oniq concept car will be unveiled during Hyundai’s press conference at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show on 6th March at 09:45am (CET).

SOURCE: Hyundai