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Paris Preview: Hyundai goes green blue in Paris

Sunday, September 28th, 2008 by admin

Hyundai is headed to the Paris Motor Show with a bevy of environmentally friendly models and concepts. In addition to bringing along production-intent vehicles like the new i20, Genesis Coupe and Genesis sedan, the automaker will showcase two new concepts that will also carry its blue theme. Remember, blue is the new green. Anyway, the i20 blue features aero tweaks and low rolling-resistance tires in order to improve its efficiency, but it’s the Santa Fe hybrid that’s a bit more interesting. That new model features an electric motor that puts out 30kW of power along with a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine. Both powerplants feed their power through a six-speed automatic transmission with revised gear ratios optimized for fuel savings. A 270V lithium-polymer battery pack sends the juice to the electric motor, and it all adds up to 38 mpg in the U.S. and carbon emissions of 148 g/km. We’ll be in Paris to see these things up close and personal, so stay tuned.

Paris Preview: Hyundai to debut new i20 sub-compact

Thursday, September 4th, 2008 by admin

Hyundai will have a full display at this year’s Paris Motor Show next month, and front and center will be a new subcompact to replace the Getz called the i20. With availability set for sometime early next year, the i20 features five doors and a longer wheelbase than the outgoing Getz, which means there’s more space for passengers inside. Its styling was penned in Germany at Hyundai’s European Design Centre, and that’s a good thing as the i20 is one sharply dressed econo car. Unfortunately, the i20 was designed specifically for European tastes, and like the Getz, won’t be making an appearance in the U.S. anytime soon.

Accompanying the new i20 in Paris will be the i20 i-blue concept, a high-mpg concept version of the production car that can achieve 68 mpg on the Euro cycle, as well as a hybrid Sante Fe concept and new ix55 sport ute based on the Veracruz. We’ll be in Paris next month to watch it all go down, so stay tuned.