Hyundai BLUE-WILL: Prius-Like Plug-in Hybrid Concept to be Unveiled in Seoul

Korean automaker Hyundai is ramping up its efforts in the hybrid segment with the presentation of an all-new concept car at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show that opens on April 2. The BLUE-WILL is a proposal for a family-sized, dedicated hybrid model in the likes of the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. The plug-in hybrid powered by an all-aluminum gasoline direct-injected 1.6-litre engine which is coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and a powerful 100kw (134HP) electric motor

Electric power is stored in a compact Lithium-Ion Polymer battery pack which is located along with the fuel tank under the rear seat to maximize luggage space. The Hyundai group will be the first automaker in the world to apply Lithium Ion Polymer batteries in mass production vehicles when the Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra LPG-Hybrids go on sale in Korea this summer.

Other notable highlights of the BLUE-WILL include the use of recycled PET soft drink bottles for the headlamp bezels and bio-degradable plastics for the interior and the engine cover while the car's panoramic glass rooftop integrates dye-sensitized solar cells that generate power for the batteries from the sun without hurting visibility.

Further details of the concept will be revealed by Hyundai at the Seoul Show.