Hyundai BLUE-WILL hybrid concept to be unveiled in Seoul

For its home-turf Seoul Motor Show, Hyundai will unveil a new hybrid concept called BLUE-WILL. The car features lithium-Ion batteries paired up with a 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine - oh, and some "dye-sensitized solar cells" in the panoramic roof that send a little more power to the batteries - in a parallel hybrid set up. The concept also throws in a 100kw electric motor to move the wheels. The eco-headline-generating machine even features headlamp bezels made from recycled drink bottles and bioplastics on the interior and in the engine cover. Both the fuel tank and the li-ion battery pack are stored under the rear seat. While the press release doesn't mention it, we've seen reports that this is a plug-in concept, which makes sense. We'll learn more when the BLUE-WILL is unveiled April 2.

Hyundai has said that that it's first production hybrid will have a "distinctive look." That vehicle will be the Elantra LPI Hybrid, which is scheduled to go on sale this summer, but the BLUE-WILL certainly has unusual styling, with the lines on the sides that cross on the front door and that giant grin in front.

[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.