New Sport Car

The Geneva Motor Show is quite generous in reveals this year, considering the trend of the automotive industry. Hyundai has just presented its new i-Flow Concept on the catwalk, continuing the company’s statement of developing a the “fluidic design”. As Hyundai continues to branch out into new segments, its European operation, which until recently has focused primarily on small cars, is debuting the Hyundai i-flow concept in Geneva. It's a vision of a coming Hyundai that's expected to do battle in Europe's larger D-segment.

The i-flow is the latest concept to wear Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" design language, and the large D-segment sedan wears it well. Hailing from Hyundai's European Design Headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany, the i-flow incorporates lightweight materials and solar cells from supplier BASF meant to reduce weight and increase energy efficiency.

The i-flow is fitted with Hyundai's first-ever diesel hybrid drivetrain, in which a 1.7-liter diesel engine with dual-stage turbocharging is mated to Hyundai's Blue Drive hybrid system and a new six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. As we understand it, the i-flow is a parallel hybrid, allowing it to be powered by its lithium-polymer battery pack and electric motors, the diesel engine or a combination of both. Combined with a slippery 0.25 coefficient of drag, the i-flow will reportedly return 78.4 mpg and emit 0.30 grams of CO2 per mile.

The new lines give an elegant avant-garde look, helping in the same time in reducing the CO2 emissions to 85g/km and improving its aerodynamics. In collaboration with chemical company BASF, Hyundai produced its first eco-friendly diesel hybrid powertrain, using high-technologies and next-generation materials. The new i-Flow combines perfectly the concept of a little-big car, as it shows a sporty looks but also provides quite enough space due to the use of a minimalistic design for the seats and center console.

The high-tech engine presents the new 1.7-litre engine fitted with 2-stage turbocharging connected to a Lithium Ion-Polymer battery for a more efficient consumption, especially when driven i-flow’s six-speed, dual-clutch transmission. The i-Flow technology is a test bed for new energy harvesting ideas, ranging from flexible solar panel roofing to a thermo-electric generator which uses exhaust heat to produce power. More news of Hyundai’s star cars will be published in advance of the show and will be available on the stand.  The company’s press conference will take place in Hall 1 at 14:15 (CET) on Tuesday 2nd March  (2010).