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| April 28 |
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Hyundai Displays Three Concept Cars and New Tech at 2005 Seoul Motor Show |
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- Portico, HED-1 and HCD-8 demonstrate Hyundai's global design capabilities
- Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle and Getz Hybrid shown
- New Grandeur sees domestic sales launch at 2005 SMS
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(Seoul, Korea)
Korea's automotive leader Hyundai Motor Co. unveiled its fourth generation Grandeur luxury sedan and showcased its newest technologies and concept cars at the 2005 Seoul Motor Show. The show opened for a press preview on Thursday April 26th at KINTEX, the new home of Korea's premiere motor show.
Though the new Grandeur made its international debut at the 2005 Geneva Auto Salon, its appearance at 2005 SIMS was a first in the home market and marked the domestic sales launch of the new import fighter. In the North American market, it will retail under the Azera badge.
Taking center stage at the Hyundai exhibit were the Portico, HED-1 and HCD-8 concept cars, a statement of the company's new global design capabilities. Portico is the creation of the company's Namyang Design and Technical Center, while the HED-1 was styled and executed at the company's European Design and Technical Center in Russelsheim. The HCD-8 was penned by an American design team based at Hyundai's California Design and Technology Center in Irvine.
"In recent years, Hyundai has earned a new reputation as a high quality manufacturer. With these three concept cars being shown at the 2005 SMS, we are demonstrating to the world our global design capabilities," said Kim Dong-Jin, vice chairman and ceo of Hyundai Motor Co. "We've invested aggressively in design and engineering with the aim of meeting the unique requirements of each of the major markets," he added.
The Hyundai display was the single largest exhibit at the show generating widespread public interest with its daring vision of the automotive future and innovative technologies that promise to make driving safer, more convenient and more enjoyable.
Portico
The V-6 hybrid engine equipped Portico, a creation of Hyundai's Namyang Design and Technical Center, explores new directions in family transportation. Seating six in an innovative staggered seating plan and featuring a flexible cargo space, Portico made its world debut earlier this year at the 2005 Chicago Motor Show and is making its first appearance before the Korean public.
Neither a sedan nor an SUV, Portico provides the benefits of both designs with a car-like ride and a large, versatile and "family friendly" interior. Portico combines the functional benefits of current family vehicles in a stylish package with better drivability.
Portico offers a clean aesthetic appeal that delivers a feeling of strength and substance. Designers employed a unique panoramic roof design with glass that can be darkened to control the inside sunload. The unique seating configuration improves ingress and egress for six passengers and provides better legroom for all the passengers when compared to the common three-row configuration of current family vehicles.
Portico features front hinged front doors and rear hinged rear doors with a pillarless design. With both doors open, the Portico invites passengers into the high-styled interior.
Portico's wide stance and long wheelbase deliver lots of useful interior space. The innovative concept's key feature is the large, comfortable and versatile interior that provides three-across seating and the option of staggered seating for three in both the front seat and the second seat. Using two rows of three seats - which can be staggered - allows for comfortable three-across seating. This seating configuration also provides much more space and volume for cargo behind the rear seat - something that three-row vehicles lack.
Both front and rear seats are power-operated. A DVD-based entertainment center is provided for rear seat passengers. In front, driver and front passengers share a navigation screen and overhead console, providing key road and vehicle information.
Portico is powered by Hyundai's new, high-tech Lambda V6 engine. It's a 24-valve, DOHC V6 with aluminum heads and cylinder block, mated to a six-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission soon to be offered in Hyundai's production vehicles. The Portico is also designed to accept Hyundai's hybrid drive system. This configuration features two electric motors; one driving the front wheels and a second driving the rear wheels, providing efficient AWD (all-wheel-drive) capability. Front power is supplied by a 110 kW (136 horsepower) electric motor; a 60 kW (83 horsepower) motor powers the rear wheels.
HED-1
The HED-1 takes aim at Europe's B-segment MPV and represents a logical progression from the Hyundai E3 concept first shown at the 2004 Geneva Auto Salon.
The external design elegant yet functional vehicle. The sculpted appearance is carefully proportioned to emphasise strength and character, rather than speed. Integral to the design are angular and triangular LED head, tail and indicator lamps, adding a distinctly modern echo of art deco.
Yet the harmonious, voluptuous styling is merely the first striking aspect of the HED-1. Opening the doors reveals the practicality of the pillarless construction for entry and disembarkation in limited space. The door frames themselves form an irregular oval structure which adds to the friendliness of the design.
The color and trim design team matched texture and color to the basic "lounge" ideal. Black nubuk covered seats with white, ceramic-look, poly-carbonate shells integrate stylishly with a curved and friendly dashboard covered in white Amaretta. In front of the dashboard a mat black, full width video screen on the bulkhead extends the impression of the seat covers and upper door trims.
A reassuringly sturdy, glossy, white steering wheel with aluminum indicator and gear change paddles, a small binnacle display for basic driving information and stylish accelerator and break pedals which form a horizontal oval add flair to the drivers command position. All minor controls, such as the external mirror settings and the handbrake are flush-fitting and touch sensitive electronically operated.
Between the front seats in the position usually reserved for the gear stick is an interface control column.
On it a round selector bearing the Hyundai logo activates all the systems of the car, including the door mounted ambient lighting strips. Above this four different press buttons control entertainment, communications, navigation and climate. Pressing any of them will bring up the appropriate menu on the full width bulkhead screen. Rotating the selector then allows easy individual menu navigation and selection. Also, as this central control column can be removed and used remotely from any location in the vehicle, it reinforces the social and sharing aspects of the design.
One immediate benefit of this is that the rear passengers can easily select their own preferences in terms of climate, communication and entertainment, without having to intrude upon the concentration of the driver or the patience of the front passenger. Another is that any passenger can bring up whatever the driver wishes on the forward screen display, enabling him to fully concentrate on driving.
A further social refinement is that both front seats swivel through a full 180 degrees. A folding table rises from the central console and the HED-1 is transformed into mobile conference room, a cocooned and relaxing personal space perfectly suited to elegant pic-nicking, or whatever the imagination invents or demands.
Another ground-breaking feature of the HED-1 is the way the space can be optimised. While the front seats remain firmly positioned, the dashboard and pedals slide for optimum comfort. The rear seats are electrically operated, sliding back or forward to fit the need for space. Maximum luggage space is achieved by sliding them fully forward. The two tier, sliding luggage platform then extends forwards to give more load space. Increasing the rear legroom is merely a matter of sliding the seats backwards. The loading platform then automatically recedes. The flexibility of this design also eases loading, the top tier extending some 250mm rearwards once the rear sill has been lowered.
Although the HED-1 was not envisioned as a production ready exercise, practicality has been a major force in its conception and design. The extreme corner positioning of the wheels aids city maneuverability. The 19 inch five spoke wheels with 245-45 profile tires indicate Hyundai readiness to adapt high-performance technology to benefit the city driver. The engine space was designed to accommodate the new Hyundai Theta series of World engines which range from 1.6 liter to 2.4 liters in capacity. All computer, web access and ancillary electronic features of the car can be firmly proven actually in situ, smoothing the way into production on other vehicles. In short, the HED-1 is more than a concept, it is a practical way of assessing future developments which cannot be adequately refined merely in terms of CAD/CAM. In other words, a technically viable indication of future trends and developments which also serves as a means of generating potential customer response and feed back.
HCD-8
Since it was established in 1990, the Hyundai California Design Center has produced seven outstanding, show-stopping concept vehicles. Number eight, initiating the new era of HCD vehicles, is the first vehicle designed at the new $30 million dollar Hyundai Kia Design and Technical Center in Irvine, Calif.
The HCD-8 is a conceptual design model used to evaluate the design, package and proportion of the next generation sports coupe. The surfaces of the vehicle have the volume and shape to retain some classicism of a sports car.
Highlighting the exciting design elements is the Ballistic Yellow tri-color paint from Nippon. The body color is complemented with anthracite color ground effects trim and road wheels. The exterior trim is polished nickel.
The interior is finished with two-tone Vapor Gray leather seating surfaces accented by wood flooring and wood and aluminum accented steering wheel rim and shift lever knob.
The designers also stretched the Day Light Opening (DLO -- a designer's term for the side glass) for increased side and rear visibility. They also increased the wheelbase by 100mm (in the dash-to-axle dimension) to achieve classic sports car proportion. Overall, the styling combines soft flowing surfaces with crisp, taut lines.
The HCD-8 with its supercharged 2.7-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual transaxle and tuned dual exhaust provides performance to match its styling. For real world driving, the driver can adjust the ride height a total of four inches through the air suspension. The vehicle can sit low for high-speed touring or can be raised to handle inclement weather, avoid parking wheel stops, handle a car wash or any other situation where additional ground clearance is needed.
The HCD-8 also features state-of-art lighting. The LPI-supplied optics use Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology from Osram Opto Semiconductor to illustrate how future automotive lighting systems will work. The LED lights burn brighter, and are more energy efficient than current lighting systems. In addition, they are expected to last for the life of the vehicle. Unlike incandescent bulbs, LED lighting performance does not deteriorate during its life.
The HCD-8 represents what a next-generation sports car from Hyundai could be. It is bold and different. It crosses boundaries within its intended price point and market segment. It offers the consumer an alternative to the expected.
- New Technology
- Hyundai has been making huge strides in its technology as evidenced by the Tucson Fuel Cell Electric
Vehicle and Getz Hybrid Vehicle displayed at the 2005 Seoul Motor Show.
The Tucson FCEV is Hyundai's second-generation fuel cell vehicle and is dramatically improved in almost every way. The Tucson FCEV has a driving range double that of Hyundai's first-generation vehicle, the Santa Fe FCEV. Maximum speed and power have both increased to improve the overall performance. In a major technology breakthrough, the Tucson FCEV is one of the first fuel cell vehicles capable of starting in freezing temperatures. Testing has proven that the vehicle is capable of starting after being subjected to -20 degrees Celsius temperatures for five days. Other technical advancements including a higher output fuel cell and a new lithium ion polymer battery.
Built with lightweight, performance-boosting aluminum body components, the Tucson FCEV has a power-to-weight ratio similar to that of a conventional SUV. It also features low noise levels plus a roomy cabin that offers the same level of comfort and convenience as its gasoline-powered sibling.
Unlike the Santa Fe FCEV, the Tucson Fuel Cell program has been running on a parallel path with the conventional Tucson providing fully digitized engineering data from the earliest stages.
The Tucson FCEV's power plant has been relocated under the front hood, unlike its predecessor, which was integrated into the floorpan. In addition, the Tucson FCEV is capable of starting and operating in sub-zero temperatures.
Tucson FCEV's driving range has also been extended to 300 km (186 miles) thanks to its 152-liter (40-gallon) hydrogen storage tanks developed by Dynetek Industries Ltd. of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. By contrast, the Santa Fe FCEV lacks cold weather start capability and is equipped with a 72-liter fuel tank.
Marginally lighter than its predecessor, the Tucson FCEV also gets five more kW of power for a peak output of 80kW. Its maximum speed is rated at 150km/h (93 mph) compared to the Santa Fe's 124km/h (77 mph).
As in the Santa Fe FCEV, Hyundai has once again partnered with UTC Fuel Cells of South Windsor, Connecticut, which supplies the hydrogen-powered fuel cell. Enova Systems, of Torrance, Calif., has been tapped to provide the next generation hybrid-electric drive train, motor and control unit. The Hyundai Tucson FCEV 152-V high voltage battery was co-developed by Hyundai Motor Co. and LG Chem in Seoul, Korea.
Hyundai formed its first fuel cell task force team in 2000 and by October of the same year, it unveiled the Santa Fe FCEV, its first prototype fuel cell vehicle. Hyundai has been an active member in the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) in Sacramento, Calif. for five years.
Getz Hybrid Electric Vehicle
The Getz EV, now undergoing fleet testing with the Korean Ministry of the Environment, is a test bed for new hybrid technologies which will be commercialized in the 2006~2007 time frame, beginning with the domestic market.
The Getz HEV is powered by a second generation 1400cc DOHC Alpha engine, though the production version will be fitted with the even more efficient third generation powerplant. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission-a more expensive solution than a manual but one which yields improved fuel economy. Gasoline is stored in a 45-liter tank, the same size as a normal Getz.
The engine is fitted with an integrated starter-generator and the entire electrical system is governed by a digital control system which was developed in-house.
Twelve kilowatts of power is served up by a synchronous AC motor. The Getz HEV is equipped with a mobile electric motor which is somewhat different from stationary motors. Serving up a maximum of 12kW, it's engineered to save weight, is extremely compact and runs much cooler than its stationary counterpart. The motor is connected to a rear-mounted nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery. The hybrid development team is investigating alternatives to Ni-MH which promise a much higher energy density at a lower cost.
Getz Super Low Emission Vehicle
The Getz Super Low Emission Vehicle is equipped with a 1.1-liter Common Rail Diesel engine and an advanced Idle Stop and Go System which meets EURO IV standards and SLEV standards.
Active Geometry Control Suspension
- Hyundai's patented Active Geometry Control Suspension (AGCS) employs an electric motor and to actuators to vary the geometry of control arms which regulate toe-in. This low-priced but highly cost-effective solution brings a new level of control for the driver and improves ride quality. With its horizontal distribution of power to control the wheel toe-in, the system is inherently more efficient that vertical control solutions that represent the industry norm.
Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group which includes over two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Employing over 68,000 people worldwide, Hyundai Motor posted US$26.1 billion in sales in 2004 (on a non-consolidated basis). Hyundai motor vehicles are sold in 193 countries through some 5000 dealerships and showrooms. Hyundai Motor Co. is a sponsor of the 2006 FIFA Germany World Cup. Further information about Hyundai Motor Co. and its products is available at http://www.hyundai-motor.com
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