We’ve already seen one teaser image of the Hyundai i-flow HED-7 concept, but the automaker released an image of the front of the show car as well.
Stepping up the “fluidic sculpture” design language Hyundai has adopted, the concept — which hints at a future D-segment sedan for Europe — boasts an ultra-low drag coefficient of just 0.25 Cd. Underneath that sleek skin lurks Hyundai’s first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, with a 1.7-liter oil burner, boosted by two-stage turbocharging. Electric power comes from a new-tech lithium ion-polymer battery (of the same type set to be used in the upcoming production Sonata Hybrid sedan), while a six-speed dual-clutch transmission manages power. Hyundai claims a the car can achieve over 78 mpg.
While we haven’t seen the i-flow’s interior yet, Hyundai promises that it will “redefine the perception of space in a sedan bodystyle.” With next-generation materials co-developed by the BASF chemical company, Hyundai claims to have taken significant weight and volume out of key cabin components such as the seats and center console. The central interface is a large contoured screen that recognizes both touch and gestural inputs. BASF also helped to develop the i-flow’s ‘Liquid Metal’ exterior paint finish.
Source: Hyundai
