The vehicle pairs a 1.6-liter version of the company’s Kappa engine – boasting thermal efficiency of 40 percent and good for 104 horsepower to an electric motor making another 43 hp. It’s juiced by a lithium-ion polymer battery pack and transmitted by a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Hyundai promises the Ioniq will be more engaging to drive than its rivals. It’s designed around a lightweight chassis with 53 percent high-strength steel. Non-structural body panels made of aluminum trim nearly 30 pounds off the curb weight. The South Korean automaker has also placed the batteries low in the body to drop the center of gravity and forward to optimize handling along with the multi-link rear suspension.
For those who haven’t been following the story, the Ioniq will be Korea’s challenger to the likes of the Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius, and Nissan Leaf. Instead of offering one or two forms of electric propulsion, the Ioniq will offer three: gasoline-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full EV. More images and details are sure to follow as Hyundai prepares to introduce the new model later this month back home in Korea. After that, we should be seeing it at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
– Hyundai Motor reveals technical innovations underpinning its evolved hybrid system
– Lightweight, high-strength architecture delivers a fun, responsive drive
– Next generation drivetrain efficiencies achieve class-leading fuel economy
– Electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains available in a single body type, a world first
January 7, 2015 – Following its unveiling to domestic media at Hyundai Motor’s Namyang R&D Center in South Korea, details have been confirmed of the IONIQ – the next generation of hybrid vehicles.
Rag Jung, Head of Project Management Division at Hyundai Motor R&D Center said, “IONIQ embodies Hyundai Motor’s new thinking and bold ambitions for the future. This world-class dedicated hybrid will be the starting point of our future mobility.”
Lightweight engineering from a dedicated design
Built on a chassis created specifically to carry the world’s first choice of three efficient and ultra-low emission powertrains, the IONIQ boasts 53% Advanced High Strength Steel combined cleverly with lightweight aluminum. The new model saves 12.6kg (45%) of weight by casting non-structural bodywork from aluminum, such as the hood, tailgate and suspension components. Where crash structure or energy absorption is necessary, the structure features Advanced High Strength Steel that can withstand significant collision forces.
The new model was created with dynamic ride and handling at its core, a characteristic that sets the IONIQ apart from other hybrid vehicles. Positioning the car’s batteries low and forward achieves a low center of gravity that enables highly responsive, stable cornering. The IONIQ furthers its handling prowess with dual lower arm multi-link suspension fitted at the rear.
Inside IONIQ: the evolved hybrid system
The full IONIQ range will feature a choice of electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains, a world first for a single model. At the unveiling in Korea, details were shared for the first version to come to market – the hybrid.
With the world’s highest thermal efficiency (40%), the new 1.6-liter Kappa GDi engine developed exclusively for Hyundai Motor’s hybrid engines, combines with the permanent magnetic electric motor to deliver maximum outputs of 105ps and 43.5ps – engine and motor respectively.
Within the engine, class-leading thermal efficiency of 40% is achieved, while the head and block is split for optimized cooling. Plus, the 200 bar high pressure 6-hole direct fuel injector further improves fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
Alongside this, the Lithium Ion Polymer Battery delivers outstanding charge and discharge performance, optimizing output from the high voltage motor and allowing for rapid regeneration. Controlling power distribution is a hybrid-exclusive Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which presents a dynamic driving experience unique to IONIQ. Class-leading power transmission efficiency of 95.7% delivers a prompt response, acceleration performance and smooth gear changes to delight drivers with handling alongside the hybrid’s efficiency.
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