Autooonline Magazine

3/31/11

Hyundai Blue2 Concept

The concept is Hyundai's attempt at getting ahead of its competitors in the race for hydrogen-powered electric vehicle technology. The Blue2 is meant to show the comfort and capabilities that a fuel-cell sedan can provide.

Powering the Blue2 is a 90 kW (122 PS / 121 bhp) fuel cell stack that delivers a mileage capability of 34.9 km/liter on the car. It comes with low roll-resistance tires and lightweight alloy wheels to bolster fuel-economy.

Design-wise, the car is very much a 'futuristic concept'. Rear-view cameras replace the side-mirrors and there's an automatic door opening system. The Blue2 comes with wider seats for easy access and exit and a some new technologies such as the Transparent Organic LED monitor on the center console which provides a more vivid display. There's also the Motion Sensor Moustick - a wheel and sensor that create a new way for the driver to more easily operate the infotainment system.

Source: Hyundai

Kia Naimo Electric Concept

3/31/2011 Concept, Electric, Kia, Kia Naimo Electric Concept, Naimo No comments

The Naimo's name is derived from the Korean word 'Ne-mo' which means 'square shape'. And this is one concept which isn't running away from its boxy design. It features no B-pillar and rear-hinged doors.

But the design of the Naimo is influenced by Asian Celadon-style pottery, with its asymmetrical shapes reflected in the roof design of this concept as well as in the dot-styled LED headlamps which also provide an off-center feel to the car. Those off-kilter design cues are meant to contrast with the square shape of the car.

On the inside, things get a little more down to earth with the use of Korean oak for the floor and interior door panels. Korean "Han-ji" paper serves as the headlining and these hand-crafted interior touches are complimented by the off lines of that sunroof design.

Powering the Naimo is a PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) electric motor with an output of 80 kW (109 PS / 109 bhp) and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque. Juice is supplied by a 27 kWh lithium-ion battery pack positioned under the rear trunk.

The car rolls on low-resistance tires on 20-inch alloy wheels.

Top speed on the Naimo is 150 km/h (93 mph) and the car has a range of around 200 km (124 miles) on a single charge. A quick-charge system (50 kW) allows the battery to reach 80 percent capacity in about 25 minutes.