2008 Geneva Motor Show: Hyundai HED-5 "i-Mode"

• Looks like: Another small diesel concept we won’t see stateside even if it hits production elsewhere
• Defining characteristics: Twin front-to-back skylights
• Ridiculous features: For a concept, nothing really
• Chance of being mass-produced: There’s nothing so extravagant we’d say “no way” for a possible production version; the engine has already been confirmed for European production

Hyundai adds one more eco-friendly concept, the HED-5 “i-Mode,” to the long list of environmentally sensitive concepts that automakers have been pumping out recently at auto shows. This Hyundai isn’t promising revolutionary hydrogen power or hybrid components; its claimed eco-awareness comes from high-tech, lightweight materials and a small turbocharged diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The i-Mode aims to create a social experience in the cabin with seating for six passengers and a power-operated front passenger seat that swivels to face rear occupants. There’s also an integrated multimedia system with access to the web, video games and movies, plus a wireless keyboard, mouse, game controllers and headphones.

The exterior paint has a self-healing feature that fills small scratches, which is something we’ve already seen on productions cars like the Infiniti EX35. The i-Mode’s styling is something we don’t see stateside, but Hyundai says this concept’s front grille will symbolize its new brand identity in Europe.

One component actually working its way into European production is the concept’s diesel engine, which in the i-Mode makes 158 kW (approximately 211 hp) and 461 Nm of torque (around 340 pounds-feet) using two turbochargers. A single-turbocharger version of this engine will hit production in early 2009, with the dual-turbo engine available in 2011, according to Hyundai.

Comments

[John]

I have always been more of a fan of diesel engines rather than gasoline engines. Though they may be slower in speed the tag for their price is cheaper. Which helps a lot. Now, with this concept car, I think I would choose an SUV from Isuzu that runs in diesel and with proper maintenance will produce less pollution and burn less diesel or a smart car. Maybe./