Hyundai: Development and Technology News
11-13-2003, 09:53 AM
#1
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Hyundai: Development and Technology News
Hyundai planning hybrid vehicle for U.S. by 2006
By RICHARD TRUETT | Automotive News
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Hyundai Motor Co. will challenge the gasoline-electric Toyota Prius and Honda Civic sedans with a similar hybrid.
Won Suk Cho, president of Hyundai America's technical center here, says Hyundai aims to have a hybrid of its Getz five-door hatchback on the market in Korea next year and follow with a hybrid for the U.S. market by 2006.
The vehicles will use Hyundai-developed technology, Cho says.
Hyundai has tested electronic powertrains in a small fleet of battery-powered cars on public roads in Hawaii.
Hyundai also is working with UTC Fuel Cells of South Windsor, Conn., to develop its own fuel cell vehicles.
Cho says Hyundai needs experience with batteries, electric motors and gasoline-electric hybrids so that it can use much of its own technology when it converts to fuel cell vehicles.
Early models of the Getz are being tested in South Korea, says Cho, who also is overseeing the company's efforts to develop the fuel cell powertrain.
Cho says Hyundai plans limited production next year of the Getz for the Korean market to gauge consumer interest.
Cho says Hyundai has been working on electric cars for more than a decade.
"We started developing this in 1990," he says. "We tried developing the battery ourselves, but we had so many hurdles to break through. At this moment we are trying to develop a (fast) charging system for the battery. The current technology means you need eight hours charging time. But we need to develop electric vehicles with an hour charging time."
Cho would not say which vehicle the U.S.-bound hybrid powertrain will be used in, nor would he discuss its fuel mileage or performance.
Hyundai's hybrid could be either a strong hybrid that uses the electric motor to propel the car at low speeds or a mild hybrid that uses the electric motor to assist the gasoline-powered engine. The Toyota Prius is a strong hybrid; the Honda Civic and Insight are mild hybrids.
Says Cho: "At this moment, let me say it is a bit similar to Honda."
By RICHARD TRUETT | Automotive News
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Hyundai Motor Co. will challenge the gasoline-electric Toyota Prius and Honda Civic sedans with a similar hybrid.
Won Suk Cho, president of Hyundai America's technical center here, says Hyundai aims to have a hybrid of its Getz five-door hatchback on the market in Korea next year and follow with a hybrid for the U.S. market by 2006.
The vehicles will use Hyundai-developed technology, Cho says.
Hyundai has tested electronic powertrains in a small fleet of battery-powered cars on public roads in Hawaii.
Hyundai also is working with UTC Fuel Cells of South Windsor, Conn., to develop its own fuel cell vehicles.
Cho says Hyundai needs experience with batteries, electric motors and gasoline-electric hybrids so that it can use much of its own technology when it converts to fuel cell vehicles.
Early models of the Getz are being tested in South Korea, says Cho, who also is overseeing the company's efforts to develop the fuel cell powertrain.
Cho says Hyundai plans limited production next year of the Getz for the Korean market to gauge consumer interest.
Cho says Hyundai has been working on electric cars for more than a decade.
"We started developing this in 1990," he says. "We tried developing the battery ourselves, but we had so many hurdles to break through. At this moment we are trying to develop a (fast) charging system for the battery. The current technology means you need eight hours charging time. But we need to develop electric vehicles with an hour charging time."
Cho would not say which vehicle the U.S.-bound hybrid powertrain will be used in, nor would he discuss its fuel mileage or performance.
Hyundai's hybrid could be either a strong hybrid that uses the electric motor to propel the car at low speeds or a mild hybrid that uses the electric motor to assist the gasoline-powered engine. The Toyota Prius is a strong hybrid; the Honda Civic and Insight are mild hybrids.
Says Cho: "At this moment, let me say it is a bit similar to Honda."
10-11-2004, 09:45 AM
#2
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Hyundai mulls U.S. launch of hybrids
Hyundai mulls U.S. launch of hybrids; first vehicle set for Korea by '06 - - By PETER CHANG | Automotive News - - Source: Autoweek
SEOUL -- Hyundai Motor Co. may launch its first hybrid-drive car in the United States after 2007.
"We are watching Toyota's hybrid growth with interest, but we prefer to move cautiously with our hybrid program," Hyundai spokesman Oles Gadacz says. "Possibly we may enter the U.S. market with a hybrid after 2007."
Toyota will export 100,000 Prius hybrid cars to the United States in 2005, double the amount it expects to sell in the United States this year. Honda sells the Insight and Civic Hybrid. Ford Motor Co. sells the Escape Hybrid.
Hybrids save fuel by using a gasoline- or diesel-powered engine plus an electric motor to power the wheels.
Gadacz says Hyundai, which has spent $87 million to develop gasoline-electric cars, will spend another $261 million on the project.
The Korean automaker plans capacity of 300,000 hybrids annually.
"Hyundai and affiliate Kia Motors would set up a production system to develop hybrid vehicles, a segment that would become the next-generation growth engine" of Hyundai, Hyundai Chairman Chung Mong Koo says.
He spoke Oct. 1 to mark the company's sale of 50 hybrids called the Click to the government.
The Click's 1.4-liter gasoline-powered engine and electric motor do not power the wheels simultaneously. The electric motor launches the car from a start and then the gasoline-powered engine takes over.
Hyundai plans to produce and sell gasoline-electric hybrids in Korea starting at the end of 2006.
SEOUL -- Hyundai Motor Co. may launch its first hybrid-drive car in the United States after 2007.
"We are watching Toyota's hybrid growth with interest, but we prefer to move cautiously with our hybrid program," Hyundai spokesman Oles Gadacz says. "Possibly we may enter the U.S. market with a hybrid after 2007."
Toyota will export 100,000 Prius hybrid cars to the United States in 2005, double the amount it expects to sell in the United States this year. Honda sells the Insight and Civic Hybrid. Ford Motor Co. sells the Escape Hybrid.
Hybrids save fuel by using a gasoline- or diesel-powered engine plus an electric motor to power the wheels.
Gadacz says Hyundai, which has spent $87 million to develop gasoline-electric cars, will spend another $261 million on the project.
The Korean automaker plans capacity of 300,000 hybrids annually.
"Hyundai and affiliate Kia Motors would set up a production system to develop hybrid vehicles, a segment that would become the next-generation growth engine" of Hyundai, Hyundai Chairman Chung Mong Koo says.
He spoke Oct. 1 to mark the company's sale of 50 hybrids called the Click to the government.
The Click's 1.4-liter gasoline-powered engine and electric motor do not power the wheels simultaneously. The electric motor launches the car from a start and then the gasoline-powered engine takes over.
Hyundai plans to produce and sell gasoline-electric hybrids in Korea starting at the end of 2006.
10-11-2004, 09:46 AM
#3
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
"We are watching Toyota's hybrid growth with interest..."
I mean at this point, I am convinced that Hyundai is trying to replicate Toyota's every move. And I admire them for that. They dare to set high goals/standards and believe they can reach them and that's why they are succeeding.
I mean at this point, I am convinced that Hyundai is trying to replicate Toyota's every move. And I admire them for that. They dare to set high goals/standards and believe they can reach them and that's why they are succeeding.
05-05-2005, 09:59 AM
#5
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Hyundai, Kia move up hybrid vehicle launch schedule for U.S.; Accent, Rio to be first models - - NORMAN THORPE | Automotive News - - Source: Autoweek
Hyundai Motor Co. and affiliate Kia Motors Corp. have moved up their schedule for introducing hybrid cars to the United States. They now expect to do so by late next year, a Hyundai executive says.
"Probably in the second half of next year you will see some hybrid models for overseas, mainly the United States," says Lee Hyun Soon, senior executive vice president in charge of powertrains.
Hyundai had not expected to bring them to the United States until after 2007.
Hybrids use an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors to power the wheels.
The first hybrid models will be Hyundai's Accent and Kia's Rio. Both small cars were redesigned recently.
These are the same hybrid models the companies are producing for Korea. The company still is gearing up production and will produce only a few hundred this year, Lee says.
The introduction of larger hybrid vehicles won't be until "maybe in 2008 or the beginning of 2009," Lee says.
Hybrid exports to the United States will be in low numbers -- possibly a couple of thousand per year, Lee says.
"The number that we ship to the United States will be very few, to see the reaction," he says. "I don't think we can make a profit with hybrids in the United States."
Hyundai developed the hybrid technology itself. But the company is buying the batteries from Panasonic EV Energy Co., the Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co.-Toyota Motor Co. joint venture that supplies the batteries for the hot-selling Toyota Prius hybrid.
Hyundai sees little potential for hybrids in Europe. It is emphasizing diesel engines there instead. And it does not expect to sell hybrids in China, Lee says, because the focus there is still on low-cost basic transportation.
Hyundai also is investing heavily to develop fuel cells, which generate electricity from hydrogen.
"Probably in the second half of next year you will see some hybrid models for overseas, mainly the United States," says Lee Hyun Soon, senior executive vice president in charge of powertrains.
Hyundai had not expected to bring them to the United States until after 2007.
Hybrids use an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors to power the wheels.
The first hybrid models will be Hyundai's Accent and Kia's Rio. Both small cars were redesigned recently.
These are the same hybrid models the companies are producing for Korea. The company still is gearing up production and will produce only a few hundred this year, Lee says.
The introduction of larger hybrid vehicles won't be until "maybe in 2008 or the beginning of 2009," Lee says.
Hybrid exports to the United States will be in low numbers -- possibly a couple of thousand per year, Lee says.
"The number that we ship to the United States will be very few, to see the reaction," he says. "I don't think we can make a profit with hybrids in the United States."
Hyundai developed the hybrid technology itself. But the company is buying the batteries from Panasonic EV Energy Co., the Matsushita Electrical Industrial Co.-Toyota Motor Co. joint venture that supplies the batteries for the hot-selling Toyota Prius hybrid.
Hyundai sees little potential for hybrids in Europe. It is emphasizing diesel engines there instead. And it does not expect to sell hybrids in China, Lee says, because the focus there is still on low-cost basic transportation.
Hyundai also is investing heavily to develop fuel cells, which generate electricity from hydrogen.
A Hyundai hybrid...intriguing...
05-05-2005, 01:07 PM
#7
Racer
Join Date: Mar 2005
Age: 53
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by gavriil
"We are watching Toyota's hybrid growth with interest..."
I mean at this point, I am convinced that Hyundai is trying to replicate Toyota's every move. And I admire them for that. They dare to set high goals/standards and believe they can reach them and that's why they are succeeding.
I mean at this point, I am convinced that Hyundai is trying to replicate Toyota's every move. And I admire them for that. They dare to set high goals/standards and believe they can reach them and that's why they are succeeding.
Trending Topics
05-05-2005, 02:37 PM
#8
The sizzle in the Steak
Watch out for Hyundai!
05-05-2005, 04:20 PM
#9
Safety Car
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DAMN. They just keep coming and coming. And it's interesting to note that they're using they're own technology, which mean they got wise years ago and realized that this would be a growth market. Nissan got caught sleeping and had to license Toyota's tech of the Altima. Good Shit, Hyundai.
10-25-2006, 03:30 AM
#10
Moderator Alumnus
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Washington DC (NOVA)
Age: 52
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes
on
8 Posts
Hyundai Heading to F1 in 2010
Hyundai Heading to F1 in 2010 - - SOurce: http://www.edmunds.com/
FRANKFURT, Germany — Hyundai Motor Co. plans to enter Formula 1 in 2010, fielding a team in time for the inaugural South Korean Grand Prix, according to Germany's Automobilwoche magazine.
"Talks with Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone are in progress," the magazine quoted a Hyundai manager as saying.
Hyundai officials declined to confirm the report but said the company is planning to re-enter the World Rally Championship with a factory team in 2008.
What this means to you: We assume a slot on the grid at Indy is also in the cards at some point. Gentlemen, start your Hyundais?
"Talks with Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone are in progress," the magazine quoted a Hyundai manager as saying.
Hyundai officials declined to confirm the report but said the company is planning to re-enter the World Rally Championship with a factory team in 2008.
What this means to you: We assume a slot on the grid at Indy is also in the cards at some point. Gentlemen, start your Hyundais?
10-25-2006, 09:42 AM
#11
Senior Moderator
I'll believe this when I see it. As it stands now, they would have to partner with an existing team like Williams or Prodrive, since the field is limited.
10-25-2006, 10:29 PM
#13
The sizzle in the Steak
The timing makes sense...but can they do it is the big question.
10-26-2006, 11:19 AM
#16
Senior Moderator
Very interesting. It will be cool if they make it into F1 etc, but I wonder if there is room for them like F-C mentioned. Only time will tell what happends, but it will be cool to watch if they will become a part of F1 in the future.
10-26-2006, 11:24 AM
#17
Senior Moderator
If it means putting money in his pocket Bernie will make room. This should be interesting by about 2015 when this team, if it actually makes to F1, might be competitive.
10-26-2006, 02:54 PM
#18
2G TLX-S
Take a good look at the Toyota F1 entry. It has enormous financial backing, but still not doing well in terms of results (being fast in qualifying doesn't mean much, able to finish on the podium does). So don't expect too much from Hyundai with its F1 entry.
05-01-2007, 12:05 PM
#19
Racer
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SA, TX
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hyundai to bring Torque
Here comes the torque...without a V-8 or large V-6....others will follow or beat them...
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...1001/1530/FREE
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...1001/1530/FREE
05-30-2008, 02:48 PM
#24
Senior Moderator
Hyundai: Hybrid news **Hybrid Blue Drive Architecture Revealed (page 1)**
http://www.leftlanenews.com/hyundai-...echnology.html
Couldn't find another Hyundai hybrid thread.
Hyundai CEO calls out Toyota Prius technology
May30
may2008/hyundailogo.jpg
Hyundai has made some tremendous improvements over the past few years, but the Korean automaker might be trying to climb the mountain a little too fast. Hyundai will soon launch its Lexus-targeting Genesis sedan, but it already has its sights set on dethroning another Toyota vehicle by 2010.
According to Autocar, Hyundai is confident that its upcoming hybrid — set to launch in 2010 — will be superior to Toyota's bread-and-butter Prius. Hyundai CEO Dr. Kim Dong-Jin even went so far as to call the Prius “quite old-tech” and claimed that Hyundai's offering will be “more advanced than the Prius."
Pretty strong words from a company that has yet to produce a hybrid, especially when consider Toyota has been in the business since the 1990s.
But Toyota isn't one to back down and Hyundai will have to deal with an all-new Prius — with an updated hybrid system — come 2010.
Dong-Jin also revealed in the same report that Hyundai plans to market its first fuel cell vehicles in limited quantities by 2011.
May30
may2008/hyundailogo.jpg
Hyundai has made some tremendous improvements over the past few years, but the Korean automaker might be trying to climb the mountain a little too fast. Hyundai will soon launch its Lexus-targeting Genesis sedan, but it already has its sights set on dethroning another Toyota vehicle by 2010.
According to Autocar, Hyundai is confident that its upcoming hybrid — set to launch in 2010 — will be superior to Toyota's bread-and-butter Prius. Hyundai CEO Dr. Kim Dong-Jin even went so far as to call the Prius “quite old-tech” and claimed that Hyundai's offering will be “more advanced than the Prius."
Pretty strong words from a company that has yet to produce a hybrid, especially when consider Toyota has been in the business since the 1990s.
But Toyota isn't one to back down and Hyundai will have to deal with an all-new Prius — with an updated hybrid system — come 2010.
Dong-Jin also revealed in the same report that Hyundai plans to market its first fuel cell vehicles in limited quantities by 2011.
05-30-2008, 03:58 PM
#26
2G TLX-S
Originally Posted by yohan81718
Hmm.. I thought hyundai made a statement that they are not interested in hybrid systems
05-30-2008, 04:15 PM
#27
The sizzle in the Steak
Originally Posted by yohan81718
Hmm.. I thought hyundai made a statement that they are not interested in hybrid systems
05-30-2008, 04:23 PM
#28
Safety Car
Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
$130 oil will make you change your business plan.
05-30-2008, 06:48 PM
#30
Racer
Join Date: Jun 2006
Age: 41
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hmm... I usually support Hyundai, however, I am kind of skeptical of how Hyundai hybrid could surpass Toyota Prius without having experience producing any hybrids before.
Hyundai should stay humble and diligent, not cocky and arrogant. Its their humble and diligence that brought the level they are in now. LOL at Hyundai CEO....
Hyundai should stay humble and diligent, not cocky and arrogant. Its their humble and diligence that brought the level they are in now. LOL at Hyundai CEO....
07-08-2008, 10:25 PM
#32
Senior Moderator
More info....
While we’ve known of Hyundai’s plans to build a hybrid version of its Elantra sedan for quite some time, new specifics emerged today. Along with being the first mass-produced hybrid to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the car will also be unique in its use of lithium polymer batteries.
The batteries, to be supplied by LG Chem, feature a higher energy density, are less costly to produce, are capable of withstanding more physical abuse and have a longer life before capacity fades than the currently common lithium ion batteries.
The car will at first be launched in South Korea, now known to be in July of 2009, before moving on to other global markets. Hyundai claims the car’s higher price than the standard gasoline-powered Elantra will be offset in as little as two years, basing that claim on South Korea’s current LPG prices.
The fuel-injected LPG engine, dubbed Gamma in Hyundai-speak, will displace 1.6 liters, with its output bolstered by a 15kW (20hp) electric motor, and the two will drive the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. The car is said to produce 103g of carbon dioxide per kilometer. In comparison, Hyundai’s 2.0-liter Tiburon emits 193g/km.
The batteries, to be supplied by LG Chem, feature a higher energy density, are less costly to produce, are capable of withstanding more physical abuse and have a longer life before capacity fades than the currently common lithium ion batteries.
The car will at first be launched in South Korea, now known to be in July of 2009, before moving on to other global markets. Hyundai claims the car’s higher price than the standard gasoline-powered Elantra will be offset in as little as two years, basing that claim on South Korea’s current LPG prices.
The fuel-injected LPG engine, dubbed Gamma in Hyundai-speak, will displace 1.6 liters, with its output bolstered by a 15kW (20hp) electric motor, and the two will drive the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. The car is said to produce 103g of carbon dioxide per kilometer. In comparison, Hyundai’s 2.0-liter Tiburon emits 193g/km.
07-08-2008, 10:32 PM
#33
I'm the Firestarter
How does Hyunday get the money to develop all these new platforms when they're selling bargain-price Sonatas that undercut all their competition?
07-09-2008, 08:55 AM
#34
Racer
Join Date: Jun 2006
Age: 41
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Belzebutt
How does Hyunday get the money to develop all these new platforms when they're selling bargain-price Sonatas that undercut all their competition?
And they charge maximum premium prices to South Korea..lol.
For example, Hyundai Sonata price in Korea can go up to $32,000.
07-09-2008, 09:37 AM
#35
Originally Posted by Belzebutt
How does Hyunday get the money to develop all these new platforms when they're selling bargain-price Sonatas that undercut all their competition?
07-09-2008, 09:44 AM
#36
Race Director
Memo to Hyundai - have you seen any LPG station lately in the US? 
Is it a coincidence that this comes out the same day TB Pickens says we should run cars on natural gas and that 25K gas stations should have LPG islands added (at $400K a pop)
Is it a coincidence that this comes out the same day TB Pickens says we should run cars on natural gas and that 25K gas stations should have LPG islands added (at $400K a pop)
07-09-2008, 12:38 PM
#37
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Dayton
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by msl82
Hmm... I usually support Hyundai, however, I am kind of skeptical of how Hyundai hybrid could surpass Toyota Prius without having experience producing any hybrids before.
Hyundai should stay humble and diligent, not cocky and arrogant. Its their humble and diligence that brought the level they are in now. LOL at Hyundai CEO....
Hyundai should stay humble and diligent, not cocky and arrogant. Its their humble and diligence that brought the level they are in now. LOL at Hyundai CEO....
07-09-2008, 12:40 PM
#38
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Dayton
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Belzebutt
How does Hyunday get the money to develop all these new platforms when they're selling bargain-price Sonatas that undercut all their competition?
09-26-2008, 03:39 PM
#39
Senior Moderator
http://www.leftlanenews.com/hyundai-...ue-hybrid.html
09/26/2008, 4:28 PM
Hybrid
Paris preview: Hyundai Santa Fe Blue Hybrid
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
Find out our Lowest Possible Price on a new 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe!
www.CarPriceSecrets.com
Hyundai will be rolling out the green carpet this year at the Paris Motor Show, with the unveiling of its i20 and Santa Fe Blue Hybrid. While Hyundai has already released one image of its new i20, the Korean automaker has kept the wraps on the Santa Fe Blue Hybrid – until today.
Technically dubbed the Santa Fe Blue Hybrid Concept, the hybrid SUV is more a lightly disguised pre-production model rather than a show car. Underhood, the Santa Fe hybrid uses Hyundai’s new hybrid drivetrain, which pairs the automaker’s Theta 2.4L four-cylinder with an electric motor. That electric motor generates 41 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, which should give the Santa Fe a little more pep to go along with its increased fuel economy, which is rated at 38 mpg in the European cycle. Power is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Of note, Hyundai says the Santa Fe Blue Hybrid’s drivetrain will serve as the basis for all future Hyundai hybrid models.
The Santa Fe Blue Hybrid also utilizes a number of other fuel-saving measures, such as low-roll resistance tires, low-friction crankcase oil, engine stop/start and electrically powered steering.
Battery power is supplied via a lithium-polymer battery pack – which is expected to be the first of its type to market. Hyundai claims the lithium-polymer has several advantaged compared to a lithium-ion battery, including cheaper production costs and better wear over the life of the battery.
Hyundai will bring a hybrid version of its Elantra sedan to the Japanese market next July, although the hybrid Santa Fe likely won’t be far behind.
Hybrid
Paris preview: Hyundai Santa Fe Blue Hybrid
2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
Find out our Lowest Possible Price on a new 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe!
www.CarPriceSecrets.com
Hyundai will be rolling out the green carpet this year at the Paris Motor Show, with the unveiling of its i20 and Santa Fe Blue Hybrid. While Hyundai has already released one image of its new i20, the Korean automaker has kept the wraps on the Santa Fe Blue Hybrid – until today.
Technically dubbed the Santa Fe Blue Hybrid Concept, the hybrid SUV is more a lightly disguised pre-production model rather than a show car. Underhood, the Santa Fe hybrid uses Hyundai’s new hybrid drivetrain, which pairs the automaker’s Theta 2.4L four-cylinder with an electric motor. That electric motor generates 41 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, which should give the Santa Fe a little more pep to go along with its increased fuel economy, which is rated at 38 mpg in the European cycle. Power is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Of note, Hyundai says the Santa Fe Blue Hybrid’s drivetrain will serve as the basis for all future Hyundai hybrid models.
The Santa Fe Blue Hybrid also utilizes a number of other fuel-saving measures, such as low-roll resistance tires, low-friction crankcase oil, engine stop/start and electrically powered steering.
Battery power is supplied via a lithium-polymer battery pack – which is expected to be the first of its type to market. Hyundai claims the lithium-polymer has several advantaged compared to a lithium-ion battery, including cheaper production costs and better wear over the life of the battery.
Hyundai will bring a hybrid version of its Elantra sedan to the Japanese market next July, although the hybrid Santa Fe likely won’t be far behind.
