To: Alan Smithee who wrote (262001 ) 8/19/2008 3:53:52 AM From: KLP Respond to of 794009 OT, but we saw the new version of the Concept Vista in Europe tonight....totally interesting and different....only problem now is the battery only runs for 1/2 hour.... The Stockholm Swedes are really going to town on green transportation and fuel as well! Per Science on Cable... theautochannel.com theautochannel.com Hyundai unveils new concept car HED-5 "i-mode" GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - Hyundai is proud to introduce a newconcept car which hints at a future MPV production model and showcasesadvanced technologies. The HED-5, named “i-mode” is asix-seater people carrier that incorporates high-tech materials, anadvanced seating concept and state of the art communication technology in acompletely new vehicle. By working together with the partners Bayer MaterialScience AG, Keiperand LG Electronics, Hyundai is continuing a cross-industry co-operation todrive new technologies faster to market. The co-operation with BayerMaterialScience enabled the radical design of the HED-5 to be implementedmore quickly. The materials used are lighter and more adaptable than themetal and glass they replace. This, in combination with a light weight bodyconstruction, reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Self-healingwater based bodywork finishes from Bayer add to the environmentallyfriendly concept of the vehicle and even let minor scratches magicallydisappear by themselves. The i-mode is the first vehicle to feature the new“BayVision” glazing system and Collimator headlight lenses madefrom Makrolon®. Through the advanced entertainment concept developed by LG electronics,the vehicle becomes an extension of the digital home, allowing passengersto stay connected, communicate and interact in the car. Access to the web,video games, movies or video calling are all possible through the pop-downtouch-screen displays and webcams, located within the overhead console. Awireless network enables a selection of cable-free keyboards, gamecontrollers and headphones to further personalise the entertainmentexperience. The advanced developments seen on the i-mode give a dynamicindication of real possibilities for the near future. Hyundai’s engineering partner Keiper supported the i-mode projectwith the exclusive world premiere of its new and unique Swivel Seatconcept. The first row passenger seat rotates to face second and third rowoccupants. When the seat is turned, the backrest converts into acomfortable 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 headrestmaximize passive safety for passengers in either sitting position. Thesecond row bench slides rearwards to increase comfort and create a socialarea. The i-mode concept demonstrates the increasing awareness Hyundai hastowards environmental issues. Cooperation with Bayer Material Science hasseen use of the innovative glazing alternative ‘Makrolon’,enabling the car to have extended transparent areas, reducing weight andincreasing fuel economy. The HED-5 “i mode” includes the hexagonal shaped grill,which symbolises the new brand identity for Europe. This feature,previously showcased on earlier Hyundai concept cars, demonstrates theconsistency in developing a coherent design language. It is through suchcharacteristics that Hyundai aim to enhance the perceived quality andrecognition of their products. Through the door opening mechanism, the interior is in the form of alounge compartment. The interior represents the concept of social space, anenvironment where all occupants can enjoy safe travel in comfort,surrounded by sophisticated technology and luxurious materials. Attention is immediately drawn to the seats, which offer first classcomfort for all occupants, combining a modern look with innovativefunctionality. The Cognac leather cushions and the burgundy lacquered seatstructure give the occupants a lounge atmosphere without the limitations ofa conventional automotive interior layout. The light beige headliner, which continues through into the pillars,provides the interior with a floodlit, almost roofless panoramicappearance. The horizontal trim colour division, between dark and lighttones further emphasises this. All-new R Diesel with Two-Stage Turbocharging i-mode is powered by an all-new 2.2-litre R diesel engine which firstpasses the intake air through a low-pressure turbocharger from where it isforced into a high-pressure turbocharger for maximum boost: 158kw (215ps)and 47kg.m of peak torque (461 Nm). The R Engine has a power density inexcess of 70kw per litre putting Hyundai diesel technology in the sameclass as any leading German automaker. When its low-end torque of 30kg.m iscompared with the 19kg.m of low-end torque delivered by the standard REngine, one quickly appreciates the value of dual-stage turbo charging. The R Engine is a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic gearbox. Even atmaximum loads, the engine does not incur fuel consumption penalties thanksto its high capacity for exhaust gas recirculation that also benefitsefforts to reduce NOx emissions. The R Engine is assured of meeting future,more stringent EU exhaust emission standards. Mass production of the REngine is scheduled to begin with the standard (single turbocharged)version in 2009 with the dual-stage turbocharged edition arriving in thefirst half of 2011. Read article at Autochannel.com