Hyundai previews the Hyundai IONIQ next generation hybrid and electric vehicles

Hyundai had recently revealed to the media details of their IONIQ next generation hybrid/electric vehicles. The full Hyundai IONIQ range will feature a choice of electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains, which according to Hyundai is a world first for a single model. At the unveiling in Soouth Korea, details were shared for the first version to come to market – the IONIQ hybrid.

The Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid 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. The lightweight and added safety of a strong high tensile steel body also allows better dynamic ride and handling at its core, a characteristic that should set the IONIQ apart from other hybrid vehicles (think the very conservative Toyota Prius as an example). 

By 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.  The new 1.6-liter Kappa GDi engine was developed exclusively for Hyundai Motor’s hybrid engines. This combines with the permanent magnetic electric motor to deliver maximum outputs of 105ps and 43.5ps – engine and motor respectively. 

On a personal point of view the car's styling takes Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design cues and puts them into a somewhat conservative European looking hatchback design. I believe that this is intentional and Hyundai aims for cars like these, with its hybrid and electric technology to be strong selling points in countries where emissions controls are strict and electric, electric hybrid vehicles are welcomed like Europe and even the United States. But technically, with these type of cars, its the chassis, drivetrain and power plants that are more interesting than the rest.

PRESS RELEASE
January 8, 2016 

IONIQ: A Leap Forward for Hybrid Vehicles

 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 8, 2016 – 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.”

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.

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.

-Ends-