Hyundai has unveiled its latest European concept car, named i-oniq, at 2012 Geneva Motor Show, showcasing new technology and design which present an impression of the company's future thinking.
The 4.4 metre long i-oniq is an electric sports hatchback with a range-extending petrol engine. Intended to convey the latest thinking from Hyundai's designers and engineers, the i-oniq evolves the Company's fluidic sculpture form language and represents bold "New Possibilities" with its futuristic powertrain.
The i-oniq concept car, designed and developed at Hyundai's European R&D centre in Germany, is an evolution of the company's signature design language, fluidic sculpture.
Hyundai's designers chose dynamic propotions to create i-oniq's aesthetic and functional body shape. Its design combines gentle feature lines and muscular surface treatment, conveying premium and atheletic qualities evident in both the exterior and interior of the car.
Mr. Thomas Burkle, Chief Designer at the Hyundai Motor Europe technical Centre, commented, "Two arched curves are the key themebehind i-oniq, creating a strong and playful contrast between sharp character lines and soft but muscular features. The profile lines of the fron fender run from front to back, emphasising i-oniq's coupe appearance, while offering maximum visibility to occupants."
Further design elements, such as the 'penthouse roof" and LED headlights, emphasise the advanced technology encased with i-oniq.
Fittingly for a sporty hatchback, the cabin layout is driver-oriented, with the dashboard and centre-console geometry based around the driver. The user interface components reflect contemporary and future consumer electronics technology such as movement control mounted on the steering wheel, floating instrument cluster with multi-layered projection, and a large background displayfor navigation, entertainment and other information.
The rear cabin area has been designed as a 'cosy lounge area' to ensure maximum occupant comfort, creating a positive contrast to the sports-orientated front area. Use of luxurious interior materials, as well as futuristic interface components, further expresses the evolution of fluidic sculpture within the car.
The i-oniq is powered by an innovative 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine generating a maximum of 45 kW (61 ps). This unit is mated to an 80 kW (109 ps) lithium-ion electric motor which is powered by a 55 kW generator, via a single ratio gearbox. In electric-only mode, i-oniq can travel 120km (74 miles) and up to 700km (435 miles) with the assistance of the petrol engine, emitting only 45 g/km of CO2 emissions. The concept can reach top speed of 145 km/h.
Source: Hyundai Times (Hyundai Malaysia Newsletter Vol 2. No.2)
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