Following Hyundai’s successful ascent to the top of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) report in November 2009, the Blue-Will Plug-in Hybrid concept makes its U.S. debut at the 2010 North American International Auto.
Chief highlights include:
· Blue-Will foreshadows coming plug-in hybrid technology from Hyundai
· Four-seat sedan concept explores future design direction of compact cars
· Features panoramic glass roof with solar cells for recharging batteries
· Thermal generator converts hot exhaust gases into electricity
The Blue-Will also serves as a test bed of new ideas that range from roof-mounted solar cells to drive-by-wire steering, lithium polymer batteries and touch-screen controls, and previews future focused hybrid production vehicles from Hyundai. The concept car from Hyundai also promises an electric-only driving distance of up to 40 miles on a single charge and a fuel economy rating of more than 100 miles per gallon. Codenamed HND-4, the Blue-Will is the fourth in a series of innovative concept vehicles to come out of the Namyang Design Center.
“Blue-Will’s bold character lines and fluidic sculpture design language give the perfect expression to the advanced eco-friendly technologies found beneath the skin,” said Oh Suk-Geun, executive vice president of design, Hyundai Motor Company. “At a time of rising concern about the environment and our energy future, Blue-Will demonstrates to eco-conscious car buyers everywhere that Hyundai has practical hybrid solutions that will appear on the next generation of vehicles.” he added.
