One of the highlights of this year’s Geneva Motor Show has to be Hyundai’s stand. Earlier, we brought you news that the Korean carmaker was to unveil a diesel hybrid called the i-flow (see post) but this is far from all there is to see.

Along with the innovative sports coupe hybrid planned for launch sometime in 2011, Hyundai is displaying its all new i10, i20 and i30 models all with super-low emissions. Entering production in March, the new i30  features a host of external tweaks to the design.To complete the upgrade, the new i30 will come with Hyundai’s ‘Triple5’ package, including an enhanced five-year warranty with five year’s roadside recovery.

Blue Drive takes i10, i20 and i30 under 100g/km

Perhaps more interestingly, however Hyundai has revealed its latest eco-focused Blue Drive vehicles. Four new cars have resulted from the company’s leading-edge program: the i10 blue, i20 blue, i30 blue and ix35 blue.

The eco-friendly variants incorporate improvements in emissions without compromising performance, reliability or driver satisfaction. All employ the latest energy-efficient powertrain technology. The new, downsized 1.0-litre Kappa petrol and 1.7-litre U2 diesel engines, for example, are coupled with high-performance, low-friction engine oil, to considerably reduce driveline friction. Dual continuously variable valve timing, improved combustion efficiency, gear ratio optimisation, and engine control optimisation to increase engine efficiency.

Hyundai has also made available its Idle Stop & Go (ISG) system on the models.  Like all stop/start systems. this cuts the engine when the car is stationary and restarts it when the clutch pedal is depressed.

It’s not just the engines which are more efficient. To minimise drag, the Blue Drive models have improved aerodynamics and lower rolling resistance. Under body panels have been installed on all models to smooth airflow under the car and certain models also feature reductions in brake-pad drag on the discs. Wheels are also fitted with low rolling resistance tyres, inflated to a higher pressure.

Through such innovations, engineers have succeeded in lowering the CO₂ emission levels of the i10, i20, and i30 blue models to the sub-100g/km range.

The i10 blue, which goes into production at the end of 2010, employs a new and extremely efficient 1.0-litre version of the Kappa petrol engine, which produces 69PS at a lower rpm level of 6.200 rpm while generating 94 Nm of torque. By tweaking the aerodynamics and refinements to the powertrain, CO₂ emissions in the i10 blue have been reduced to just 99g/km.

The i20 blue features the U2 1.4-litre diesel engine, designed and engineered at the R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and produces 75PS at a lower rpm level of 4.000, while generating 220 Nm of torque.  The power train is mated to the latest six- speed manual transmission.  Producing just 98g/km of CO₂ emissions, the i20 blue is scheduled to go into production in 2011.

The i30 blue uses the U2 1.6-litre engine, which produces 90PS at 4.000 rpm, while generating 240 Nm of torque.  CO₂ emissions of just 98g/km and 99 g/km for the hatchback and estate models, respectively, will save customers tax and fuel. Production commences in 2011 at the Nosovice plant in Czech.

Fuel cell future

A new crossover model, the ix35 blue, which goes into production at the end of 2010, also boasts an extremely impressive CO₂ emissions figure of just 135g/km, positioning it not only as a rival to leading C-segment SUV models but also to C-segment hatchbacks.

This new model is also joined by a different version of the ix35 which has taken CO₂ emissions from the exhaust out of the equation altogether. The ix35 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (pictured) makes its debut of the show too, to display the carmaker’s steps toward commercialisation of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.

The ix35 FCEV incorporates several important innovations over the previous generation Tucson FCEV.  And with these improvements, Hyundai is set to meet its goal of ramping up production volume of FCEVs into the thousands by 2012.

Leading car manufacturers continue to throw their weight behind plug-in hybrid technology and now Hyundai has announced it will bring its own plug-in vehicle to market in 2012.

The announcement was made by Dr Byungsson Min of Hyundai Motor Company Research and Development Centre as part of the SAE 2010 Hybrid Vehicle Technologies Symposium in San Diego. He announced that company would also be launching a fleet test programme in Korea and the US.

Noting that Hyundai is “late in launching hybrid vehicles”, Dr Min stated that it would be accelerating the introduction of conventional hybrids and noted the Sonata Hybrid would reach the US market later this year. The Sonata is based on Hyundai’s full parallel Hybrid Blue Drive architecture which includes nine major components: an integrated starter generator for stop start; optimised Theta II 2.4litre engine; 30kW electric motor; a regenerative braking system; a six-speed automatic transmission with improved efficiency electric oil pump; 1.4kWh lithium polymer battery pack; hybrid power control unit; electric air conditioning compressor; and weight-efficient architecture with low-drag co-efficient. More details are expected to be revealed about the Hybrid Sonata at the New York International Auto Show in April.

In addition, Hyundai announced the Blue-Will Plug-in Hybrid Concept at the North American International Auto Show in January. The Blue-Will concept uses an all aluminium 152hp petrol direct injected 1.6litre engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy is projected to be 50-55mpg and the vehicle range is 652miles.

Furthermore, Hyundai has announced the introduction of the I-Flow concept at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show on March 2. It is a compact saloon car for the D-segment that utilises a host of technologies from BASF including lightweight materials and solar cells.

The North American International Auto Show in Detroit marked the US debut of Hyundai’s Blue-Will plug-in hybrid concept that was first introduced at the Seoul Motor Show in 2009.

The Blue-Will represents a myriad of new ideas including roof-mounted solar cells, drive-by-wire steering, touch screen controls and lithium polymer batteries. It promises an electric-only driving distance of up to 40miles on a single charge with a fuel economy rating at the equivalent of 106mpg.

Among the features of the Hyundai Blue-Will is an all-aluminium 152hp petrol direct injected 1.6litre engine that is connected to a continuously variable transmission. The vehicle features a 100kW electric motor at its heart with fuel economy in charge sustaining mode estimated to be between 50 and 55mpg with Hyundai stating that the vehicle has a range of 652miles.

To maximise luggage space the fuel tank is located under the rear seat alongside the lithium polymer batteries that can be recharged using a household current. Hyundai is the first car marker in the world to incorporate lithium polymer batteries in mass production after putting the Elantra LPI Hybrid Electric Vehicle on sale in Korea last year. It will also use this battery technology in the 2011 Sonata BlueDrive hybrid.

Efficiencies are further improved thanks to low-rolling resistance tyres, low-drag brakes and the panoramic glass roof with solar cells that provide a trickle of charge to help operate a cabin cooling fan, reducing interior temperatures.

If Japan is leading the way with hybrid and electric technology, then Korea is surely the front-runner for LPI (Liquefied Petroleum Injection) Hybrids.

Now, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has started a test run of LPI hybrids from Hyundai-Kia Motors as taxis – the test period began on December, 3.

According to reports, the Korea National Joint Conference of Taxi Association will select participating taxi companies and support the monitoring of its operation. Meanwhile, Hyundai-Kia will monitor the technologies including making an analysis of the vehicle components’ durability.

A total of 10 taxis will be deployed across five taxi companies in Seoul with the Korea LPG Association to support the supply of fuel for the taxis and the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Ministry of the Environment to offer administrative support.

As for the vehicles themselves, they are powered by an LPI Gamma engine displacing 1.6litres, as well as a pancake type permanent magnet synchronous motor and a continuously variable transmission. The Hyundai-Kia Elantra LPI hybrid electric vehicle emits just 99g/km of CO2 – that’s 90 per cent fewer emissions that a standard petrol powered Elantra.

The green car innovations just keep on coming and now the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group has announced plans to add a diesel hybrid to its fleet.

The company, which already has both liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and petroleum hybrid offerings will attempt to commercialise a hybrid edition of one of its diesel models, according to a report in the Korea Times. The nation’s largest car maker made the revelation at the National Assembly on Monday, with Kim Hae-jin, the company’s managing director, stating that commercialisation will be established in 2011.

It is expected that Hyundai-Kia will focus on diesel hybrids rather than electric vehicles in the short-term. Kim outlined that electric cars will be produced in 2011 as well, but it will take five-six more years to churn them out and so the initial focus will be on diesel hybrid models.

Hyundai has already released hybrid editions of both the Avante and Forte saloon cars, and is also planning a hybrid version of the Sonata and Santa Fe.

The all-new 2011 version of the Hyundai Sonata was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, marking the North American debut of the latest version of the vehicle.

The new Sonata will include a four-cylinder engine line-up with a naturally aspirated version of the new Theta II GDI 2.4 litre four cylinder engine with a gasoline direct injection fuel delivery system making it the first midsize saloon car to adopt the technology as standard equipment.

The GDI allows greater control of the fuel mixture which in turn improves efficiency. The fuel is injected by a high pressure pump with direct injection utilising a high compression ratio for increased power. The engine also features continuously variable valve timing on both camshafts as well as a variable induction system for better engine breathing. A version of the engine will also meet partial zero emission vehicle standards.

When equipped with a six-speed manual drive, the Sonata achieves 23mpg city/34mpg highway with 184lb-ft of torque. The six-speed helps the vehicle accomplish a nine per cent gain in fuel economy and it is smaller, more compact and lighter than other transmissions on the market. It has been developed over a four-year period and is 26.4lbs lighter than the five-speed it replaces.

The Hyundai Sonata can also boast world-class body rigidity and is 25 per cent stiffer in torsion and 19 per cent stiffer in bending rigidity than its predecessor.

Korean manufacturer Hyundai has enjoyed vast sales success in recent months, but it clearly has no intention of resting on its laurels.

Now the carmaker has unveiled the 2.4 Theta II GDI, which is its first gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine. The new technology was showcased at the Ninth Annual Hyundai-Kia International Powertrain Conference in Korea and has a compression ratio of 11.3:1.

Compared to a conventional engine, the GDI offers seven per cent more torque at low revolutions and 12 per cent more at the high-end which creates better take-off and overtaking performance. It has been developed with a budget of 170billion won over a 46-month long period and is expected to make its debut in 2010 in the newly launched Sonata.

The new production version includes a high pressure fuel pump that injects the fuel at pressures up to 150bar. The injection is split into two phases to optimise combustion with the first phase involving the pilot injection and the second phase seeing more fuel injected and ignited during the piston’s descent. This split technique reduces the loading on the catalytic converter while lowering emissions. Indeed the split injection helps the catalytic converter to optimal operating temperatures much faster and is therefore able to cut emissions by around 25 per cent during cold starts.

Additional performance gains have been achieved thanks to the incorporation of dual continuously variable valve timing which enhances the engine’s breathing while offering better fuel economy and lower emissions.

Keep your eyes on Korean manufacturer Hyundai-Kia which is determined not to be forgotten in the green car race.

The company has developed its first, independent continuously variable transmission (CVT) for application in the Hyundai Elantra LPI Hybrid and the Kia Forte LPI Hybrid. The work on the transmission has taken three years and was carried out at the Namyang Research and Development facility in South Korea.

Soo-Jin Hong of the company’s research and development planning team stated that a CVT was needed because of its infinite number of gear ratios that would allow the company to optimise fuel consumption according to the driving conditions. He stated that because of packaging issues, a traditional transmission would have increased the overall length of the powertrain – but using the CVT meant the torque converter and traditional automatic transmission could be deleted because they were able to use a starter clutch with a direct solenoid valve for precise pressure control.

According to Hyundai-Kia statistics, the CVT contributes around a seven per cent fuel efficiency gain compared to standard four speed automatics, which in turn allows for a smoother shift feel.

As for the vehicles themselves, the LPI Hybrid is a mild hybrid powered by a 1.6litre liquefied petrol injection gamma engine; the Elantra LPI HEV emits 99g/km of CO2 and has 90 per cent fewer emissions than an equivalent standard Elantra. It has a fuel economy rating of 53mpg – a 47 per cent improvement over the 1.6l Elantra.

The CVT may be applied in other vehicles going forward, but modifications to the system would be needed.

Keep your eyes on Hyundai in the coming weeks. The Korean manufacturer, which has already catapulted itself to the top of the UK sales charts, will now debut two new vehicles at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

First is the ix-Metro, a new hybrid electric CUV concept for the sub-B segment that promises carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at a meagre 80g/km. Second, is the i10 Electric, an electric urban commuter vehicle which will begin limited series production at the start of 2010.

The ix-Metro will be powered by an inline three-cylinder, 1.0litre petrol engine with direct injection, dual CVVT and turbocharging. It is the fifth in a series of concept cars created by the Global Design Team in Namyang, Korea.

The i10 Electric meanwhile, will be sold to government ministries, utilities and state corporations initially. It is powered by a 49kW motor and a 16kWh battery with a driving range of 99 miles and a top speed of 81mph. It also includes x-by-wire systems for steering, as well as air conditioning, a brake vacuum pump and a water pump.

Hyundai’s innovations don’t end there, however. The Frankfurt Motor Show will also mark the European debut of the ix35 which made its initial appearance in the Korean market earlier this month. An updated Sante Fe will also be on display with a 2.2 version of the all-new R diesel. There will also be a Blue edition of the popular i30 featuring stop-and-go emissions reduction technology with a CO2 rating of 113g/km.

Also keep your eyes peeled for two other Blue Drive vehicles including the Elantra LPI Hybrid, which emits just 94g/km of CO2; and the Blue Will Plug-In Hybrid Electric concept vehicle.

Better fuel efficiency and lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have become staples of new sports utility vehicle (SUV) releases as manufacturers realise that there is no room for compromise on environmental features regardless of the type of vehicle being sold.

Hyundai is the latest to recognise the trend towards eco-conscious car buying with its new ix35. This C-segment crossover vehicle showcases Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design language and replaces the popular Tucscon, previously one of Europe’s best-selling SUVs.

The Hyundai ix35 will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month and has a smaller footprint than most C-segment hatchbacks and MPVs, so it should appeal to buyers wanting a more stylish alternative to conventional cars.

Its environmental statistics are expected to be boosted by enhanced aerodynamics and a more refined powertrain technology that enables the ix35 to deliver better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions than rival SUVs.

Stay tuned for more details when the car is unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15.