Hyundai to Unveil ix-Metro Hybrid Electric CUV & i10 Electric Concepts in Frankfurt

Hyundai ix-Metro Electric Hybrid CUV Concept

By Thami Masemola
September 4, 2009 2:43 PM
Filed Under: Asian, Concept Car, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hyundai

Still in high spirits after overtaking Ford as the world's fourth biggest automaker in terms of sales, the Hyundai part of the Hyundai-Kia group takes its game to the next level at Frankfurt. Following other big manufacturers it will unveil a host of new concepts and production-ready products designed to fit in with the new enviro-conscious world.

Top of the list is the ix-Metro which is a sub-B segment Hybrid Electric Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV). Its turbocharged petrol engine displaces 1.0-litre, it is run by a 6-speed dual clutch transmission and returns C02 emissions of 80g/km.

Then there is the i10 Electric which is powered by a 49kW (67hp) motor and a 16kWh battery. Hyundai says its range is 160km and its C02 emissions are nil. Sales of the i10 Electric will start in 2010 for selected customers such as South Korean government departments and state utilities.

Other "greenies" at the Hyundai stand will include the Blue Will Plug-In Hybrid Electric concept, the liquid petroleum gas-powered Elantra LPI Hybrid which emits just 94g/km of CO2 and a Blue edition of the i30 which produces 113g/km of CO2 gases.

Normal debuts are the ix35, the European version of the all-new Tucson and the new Santa Fe with the 2.2-litre R diesel motor.

Source: Hyundai

Press Release (Click to expand)

Hyundai's Eco-Initiatives Move into High Gear at 2009 IAA

Blue Drive products and technologies to lower CO2 emissions

(Seoul, Korea) Blue Drive, Hyundai Motor Co.'s eco-initiative, will move into high gear at the 2009 IAA in Frankfurt. The company has created a special Blue Drive Zone where it will exhibit a wide array of its new eco-friendly technologies and products demonstrating its commitment to lowering emissions and improving the fuel economy of its vehicles.

Centre stage is reserved for the world debut of the ix-Metro, a daring new Hybrid Electric CUV for the European sub-B segment which promises CO2 emissions of just 80g/km. The fifth in a series of concept cars to be created by the Global Design Team in Namyang Korea, the ix-Metro is powered by an inline three-cylinder petrol engine displacing just one-liter. Direct injection, dual CVVT, turbocharging are all combined with a six-speed dual clutch transmission to make for a highly potent compact package.

The other world debut Hyundai will be making at Frankfurt is the i10 Electric, a zero emissions urban commuter vehicle which will see limited series production begin in 2010 starting with the Korean market. It will be sold to government ministries, state corporations and utilities in the first stage. The retail sales date is not decided. Powered by a 49kW motor and a 16kWh battery, the i10 Electric promises a driving range of 160km and top speed of 130km/h. It features x-by-wire systems for steering, air conditioning, water pump and brake vacuum pump.

Europeans will also get their first chance to see two other important Blue Drive vehicles, which made their world debut earlier this year at the Seoul Motor Show. The Frankfurt Blue Drive Zone will include the Elantra LPI Hybrid which emits just 94g/km of CO2 (European combined mode) and the Blue Will Plug-In Hybrid Electric concept vehicle. The Elantra LPI HEV is the world's first hybrid electric vehicle to be powered by liquid petroleum gas (or autogas) and the first production car to be powered by advanced lithium ion polymer batteries (LiPoly).

Hyundai is also using the occasion of The Frankfurt show for the European unveiling of its ix35, the European version of the all-new Tucson which made its debut in the Korean market earlier this month. Designed in Europe and to be built in Europe, the ix35 is the first production vehicle expressing Hyundai's new "fluidic sculpture" design language.

It's fitted with the all-new R 2.0 diesel and six-speed automatic transmission.

Also on display will be the updated Santa Fe which will provide fresh momentum to the CUV sector. It is fitted with a 2.2 version of the all-new R diesel and comes with the option of the new six-speed automatic.

A new Blue edition of Hyundai's highly popular i30, designed in Germany and built in the Czech Republic, will debut in Frankfurt. It features fuel-saving stop-and-go emissions reduction technology. The i30 1.6 CRDi with ISG generates just 113g/km of CO2.

Hyundai will stage its press conference Sept. 15th at 2pm at the Hyundai stand in Hall 6.