- 6-seater monocab study
- High end materials and advanced eco-dynamics
- World premiere of a unique Swivel Seat concept
- Futuristic communications and entertainment system
- World debut of 2.2-liter R Diesel engine with 2-stage turbocharging
Hyundai Motor Co. has introduced the Hyundai HED-5 concept car known as
“i-Mode” at the Geneva International Motor Show overnight. An innovatively
styled, eco-friendly and socially adaptive vehicle, the imposing mono-volume
architecture of the Hyundai i-Mode provides an invitation to travel, explore and
relax within the concept of a mobile cocoon.
The product of a combination of visionary styling with future technologies
and advanced eco-dynamics, the i-Mode us a 6-seater monocab study that
incorporates high-tech materials, a world premiere seating concept and state of
the art communication solutions into a completely new vehicle concept.
By working together with the partners Bayer MaterialScience AG, Keiper and LG
Electronics, Hyundai is continuing a cross-industry co-operation to drive new
technologies faster to market. The co-operation with Bayer MaterialScience
enabled the complex curvature and radical design departures of the HED-5
innovations to be implemented more quickly. The materials used are lighter and
more adaptable than the metal and glass they replace. This, in combination with
a light weight body construction, reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emission.
Self-healing water based bodywork finishes from Bayer add to the environmentally
friendly concept of the vehicle and even let minor scratches magically disappear
by themselves. The i-Mode is the first vehicle to feature the new “BayVision”
glazing system and Collimator headlight lenses made from Makrolon®.
Through the advanced multimedia and entertainment concept developed by LG
electronics, the vehicle becomes an extension of the digital home, allowing
passengers to stay connected, communicate and interact in the car and beyond.
Access to the web, video games, movies or video calling are all possible through
the pop-down touch-screen displays and webcams, located within the overhead
console. A wireless network enables a selection of cable-free keyboards, game
controllers and headphones to further personalise the entertainment experience.
The advanced developments seen on the i-Mode give a dynamic indication of real
possibilities for the near future.
Hyundai’s engineering partner Keiper supported the i-Mode project with the
exclusive world premiere of its new and unique Swivel Seat concept. The first
row passenger seat cleverly rotates to face second and third row occupants. When
the seat is turned in a flowing movement, the backrest converts into an equally
comfortable seat surface. This is made possible by a fully concealed,
power-operated kinematic system. The integrated seatbelt system – another
technically advanced debut – and the adjustable headrest maximize passive safety
for passengers in either sitting position. The second row bench slides rearwards
to increase comfort and create a social space for communication. This seat
concept intelligently avoids problems of complex or flexible seat mounting
weaknesses.
The i-Mode design
Exterior
The sculptural profile is mainly characterised
by the wedged body side in combination with a generous, rounded rear, giving the
impression of a bow under tension. The vehicle portrays a clever combination of
convex and concave surfaces directly inspired from nature. These forms have
enabled a powerful, dynamic stance to be achieved devoid of aggressive
sentiment. The choice of colour and level of finish provides a rich, warm
radiance, with an open and almost translucent appearance.
The shoulder of the car divides the green house from a muscular body side,
twisting towards the rear to increase tension and to create an intriguing
highlight play. The shape of the wheel arches place emphasis on the door
openings as an invitation to access the spacious interior. An innovative
mechanism enables the practicability of a sliding door free of conventional
inner and outer guide rails. When the doors are opened, the lack of a B post
enables a feeling of space and remarkable accessibility to the generous
interior.
The arched pillars and the high waist line are underlined by an elegant
aluminium garnish reflecting Hyundai’s playful and dynamic design language. The
finish also emphasizes one of the most unusual features of the exterior, namely
the negative B and C posts, combined with almond shaped quarter light windows
fore and aft. The front window revives an innovative approach, rotating in a
manner typical of historic vehicles of the past.
Nature is one of the key influences for the Hyundai design team and new
plastic materials have enabled exploration of unconventional and irregular
shapes. The fundamental architecture of the exterior shape is symbolized by an
external frame embracing the protected volume within, like a shell. This concept
also demonstrates the increasing awareness Hyundai has towards environmental
issues. Cooperation with Bayer Material Science has seen use of the innovative
glazing alternative ‘Makrolon’, enabling the car to have extended transparent
areas, reducing weight and increasing fuel economy.
A view from above illustrates a compelling negative section running from the
bonnet and continuing over the roof, creating an unusual auxiliary brake lamp,
before eventually fading out in the tailgate. On the bonnet, the feature line
develops through the surface where it visually connects to the dashboard design
in a logical manner showing the will of the designers to create a coherent,
uniform design.
The flowing form encapsulates the hexagonal shaped grill which symbolizes our
new brand identity for Europe. The theme of the grill mesh is a fragmented,
irregular structure which is also adopted within the boomerang shaped rear lamp,
generating a lasting impression. The boomerang theme is also evident within the
small floating wings of the wheel design, mimicking the dynamic whirl of a
turbine.
These unique features, previously showcased on earlier Hyundai concept cars
including the Genus of 2006, demonstrate the consistency in developing a
coherent design language. It is through such characteristics that Hyundai aim to
enhance the perceived quality and recognition of our products.
Interior
Through the innovative door opening mechanism,
the interior is exposed as an inviting landscape of softly sculpted shapes and
advanced technology in the form of a lounge compartment. The interior represents
the concept of an encapsulated social space, an intimate environment where all
occupants can enjoy safe travel in comfort, surrounded by sophisticated
technology and luxurious materials.
The first step into the car reveals the elegant application of selected
natural materials wrapping over sculptural seat shells and the wide, floating
dashboard. Soft, silky leather in warm and natural brown tones give the interior
level of comfort normally experienced in home interiors. In contrast to the
natural materials, these components also partially reveal refined gloss surfaces
as a modern expression of lightweight precision. The floor consists of blue felt
piercing through the precision cut scratch-resistant leather tiles, emphasizing
the flowing design concept whilst simulating the refined image of luxury boat
deck. The felt textile provides a comfortable climate within the interior,
regulating the humidity whilst complementing the first impression of an
enticing, relaxing atmosphere.
Attention is immediately drawn to the seats which offer first class comfort
for all occupants, combining a modern, floating look with innovative
functionality. The Cognac leather cushions embrace the burgundy lacquered seat
structure enabling the occupants to experience the lounge atmosphere without the
limitations of a conventional automotive interior layout.
The dashboard and door trim panels are designed in a clean, unobtrusive
manner to further enhance the feel of space and comfort. The simplicity of
shapes and graphic symmetries convey a theme of harmony and relaxation.
The leather wrapped steering wheel invites the driver to focus for a moment
on his tactile senses whilst diffused blue illumination, emanating through
innovative translucent panels in the doors and dashboard instruments, complete
this special atmosphere of serenity. Metallic details display an authentic
appearance, highlighted with a special lacquer to echo the brilliance and depth
of finish found on grand pianos.
The light beige headliner, which continues through into the pillars, provides
the interior with a floodlit, almost roofless panoramic appearance. The
horizontal trim colour division, between dark and light tones further emphasizes
this impression, maintaining a harmonic contrast.
All-new R Diesel with Two-Stage Turbocharging
The i-Mode is powered by an all-new 2.2-liter R diesel engine which, in a
novel concept, allows intake air passing through a low-pressure turbocharger
from where it is forced into a high-pressure turbocharger for making maximized
boosts: 158kW (215PS) and 47kg.m (461 Nm) maximum power and peak torque
respectively, endow the R Engine with a power density in excess of 70kW/L. When
comparing a low-end torque of the two stage turbo system with that of the
standard R engine, the value of faster take-off acceleration is apparent.
The R Engine is mated to a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic gearbox
providing a smoother drive. Higher EM (Nox, PM) potential and fuel economy are
achieved due to the higher EGR capacity with stable combustion characteristics
at high engine loads. The R Engine is assured of meeting future, more stringent
EU-5/6 exhaust emission standards with the role of the two stage turbo-charging
system becoming even more important. The standard single turbocharged R engine
will be launched in early 2009 followed by the two stage turbocharged version in
the first half of 2011.
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