Hyundai BLUE-WILL concept headed for Seoul
Hyundai BLUE-WILL Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
Hyundai has just released info on its plug-in hybrid concept for the upcoming Seoul Motor Show. Called the BLUE-WILL, the concept features a direct-inject 1.6-liter gas engine mated to a CVT transmission and 100kw electric motor. The car features a state of the art lithium ion polymer batter pack that's packaged with the fuel tank below the rear seats, as well as a trick panoramic roof that integrates solar cells while still being able to see through. The BLUE-WILL also features eco-friendly plastics, with some components, like the headlamp bezels, made out of recycled plastic bottles and other plastics derived from plant extracts. We're not sure where the plug goes, but Hyundai claims the parallel hybrid can be tethered to a wall socket for extra amps.
The concept's five-door hatchback body style is striking with criss-crossing character lines on the body sides and a high rear deck lid. The thick C-pillars also turn into the center of the roof, leaving a window above each pair of doors. The BLUE-WILL's face has an angry look with its forward canted fascia that bends around on each side to blue-tinted headlights sweeping back up the fender. Koreans will get their first look at the BLUE-WILL when the Seoul Motor Show opens on April 2nd, and Hyundai will begin selling its first hybrid, the Elantra LPI Hybrid, in July in South Korea.
Gallery: Hyundai BLUE-WILL concept
[Source: Hyundai]
PRESS RELEASE
BLUE-WILL – Hyundai charges in with advanced hybrid concept
* All-new concept car to be unveiled at Seoul Show
* Lithium-Ion batteries and a 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine
* Solar panels boost battery range
Hyundai has revealed the first pictures of an innovative plug-in hybrid concept car. Due to be revealed at the Seoul Motor Show which opens on April 2nd, the "BLUE-WILL", has exceptionally advanced technology crammed inside its striking bodyshell.
Recycled PET soft drink bottles were used to make the material for the headlamp bezels while use has also been made of bio-plastics: PLA for the interior while PA11 was specified for the engine cover. These materials are made from plants extract rather than fossil fuels and are bio-degradable.
The BLUE-WILL concept is powered by an all-aluminium Gasoline Direct Injected 1.6-litre engine which is coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission and a 100kw electric motor which is at the heart of Hyundai's parallel hybrid drive architecture.
Electric power, stored by a Lithium Ion Polymer battery pack, is neatly bundled with the fuel tank under the rear seat to maximise luggage space.
Hyundai will be the first automaker in the world to apply Lithium Ion Polymer in a mass production vehicle when the Elantra LPI Hybrid goes on sale in Korea in July this year.
A further expression of the concept's design flexibility is found on the panoramic roof. The glass area integrates dye-sensitized solar cells which can generate power for the batteries from the sun without impeding visibility.
Further details of the concept will be revealed at a press conference on Hyundai's stand at the Seoul show.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
the_MVP_X 11:02AM (3/25/2009)
Hmm, blue it's the new green.
Reply
Kareem M. Kamel 11:06AM (3/25/2009)
Green Green Green ...
I dunno about you .. but this Green / Global Warming / Hybrid concepts and cars are beginning to sound ... TOO MUCH !
I just the whole Global Warming and the Ozone HOLE :D doesn't turn out to be a big Y2K hoax :D
Kareem M. Kamel 11:07AM (3/25/2009)
* I just hope
Yaroukh 11:35AM (3/25/2009)
@Kareem M. Kamel:
I believe it will.
superman211 11:48AM (3/25/2009)
@Kareem M. Kamel
I'll let you i on the secret early. It is. Just a marketing ploy for big buz. and a political campaign to make new imposing legislature.
Jj 12:14PM (3/25/2009)
Even if you choose to ignore the overwhelming scientific evidence that global warming is real “green” vehicles still make sence.
Oil is not a renewable resource. There is only so much in the ground and then that’s it. As time goes on the price is only going to go up and up and up. Making vehicles more fuel efficient is VITAL because the entire economy will grind to halt if transportation become prohibitably expensive.
Second, there is only so much land-fill space. We need to reuse as much as possible. There is really no reason not to as for the most part, recycled materials are not distinguishable from “virgin” material.
It’s just unbelievable that so many people still believe that the chemicals we release into the atmosphere are not harmful. Perhaps some companies and politicians overstate the current extent of the damage for their own motives, but the bottom line is that it IS harmful and there no reason to wait until the problem is critical to reduce emissions.
Mazda FTW! 11:05AM (3/25/2009)
The front smile-grille and headlight sweep is very new Mazda3!
Reply
Erik 11:09AM (3/25/2009)
That has got to be the lamest name for a concept ever.
Reply
MajorGeek 11:19AM (3/25/2009)
What the hell was that?
Reply
cdwrx 12:03PM (3/25/2009)
The result of an awkward three-way between a Furai, 5 Series, and CRX.
MATT 11:28AM (3/25/2009)
Although I don't care for the concept that much, I am glad to see that Hyundai is going away from cloning other vehicles. I may see a little Peugot in there, but just slightly.
Reply
blogee9 12:23PM (3/25/2009)
Hyundai has been greatly improving its Design lately, and now this...
They just went back 10 years.
I don't care it's green or not, this looks terrible.
Hyundai, forget about this mistake and get right back on track, please.
larry raines 11:29AM (3/25/2009)
I think they mean Blue Whale
Reply
Yaroukh 11:36AM (3/25/2009)
Not very original but it is stil very nice.
Reply
Yaroukh 7:58PM (3/25/2009)
LOL, not that I would give dog's $hit but I wonder what made ppl rate my comment that low. I was quite polite and easy with my judgement. There are dozens of way more harsh and radical comments about this concept.
"Or is it something about the colour of my avatar, you racists!?" ;))
MikeofLA 11:36AM (3/25/2009)
Oh No! Mazda and Hyundai are in a battle for "Happiest" car. Hyundai just won this round...
Reply
Vincenzo 11:39AM (3/25/2009)
OMG What a F-ing JOKE
HIDEOUS
Reply
superman211 11:50AM (3/25/2009)
Yeah, typical concept. They give us a car that looks like a Mac logo and then build another same-old same-old car for production.
Hey Honda, LAME ASS!
jjpg2000 11:44AM (3/25/2009)
Whats with the Chevrolet Volt rims?
Reply
phez 9:09PM (3/25/2009)
The whole car reeks of Volt. Even the hatch, with the darker bar going across it. Its basically a Volt with crazy lines and curves common to asian concepts nowadays.