Concept Car 2010 HED-7

Concept

Making its global debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the Hyundai HED-7 concept car carries forward the company’s evocative new form language, ‘fluidic sculpture’. The flowing, elegant lines not only create a bionic, futuristic shape, but also contribute to exceptional aerodynamics, helping to reduce the car’s CO2 output to just 85 g/km and fuel consumption to only 3L/100km.

Hyundai’s first diesel hybrid powertrain is also a key factor in delivering such an environmentally-conscious return, as is the application of next-generation materials and technologies developed in cooperation with leading chemical company BASF.
With an overall length of 4,780 mm and a 2,800 mm wheelbase, the HED-7 brings new ideas and a pioneering form to the traditional European D-segment. The dramatically-sculpted forms of the interior and exterior make for a striking sports sedan, and its width and height (1,850 mm and 1,420 mm respectively) give it an athletic stance.

Performance

Thomas Buerkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe, appraises the design concept of HED-7, the seventh in a series of daring concept cars to be born in the Russelsheim styling studio: "The first impression of HED-7 is the striking appearance generated through feminine sculptural layers combined with broad, athletic proportions. The rearward-oriented peak of the roof and distinctive main volume give an ultra-modern interpretation of the sedan genre. These unique proportions are complemented by the long tail and the short front overhang, features which were inspired by aerodynamic motives.
"Sporting intentions are emphasized through innovative active aero elements, such as the adaptive front spoiler and side rocker blade. Sophisticated, futuristic front and rear light elements are cradled like sparkling jewels within the car's flowing planes, and the signature Hyundai hexagonal grille completes the frontal aspect.

"The sense of agility and focused aerodynamics is further enforced by the glass roof., with its semi-transparent dye-sensitized solar cells connecting the front and rear screens to create an integral design unit. The roof and door glazing blend to form a unified shell, undercutting the floating C-pillar to produce an undisturbed, aerodynamic canopy. These daring, refined details complement the HED-7's overall appearance to culminate in a bold design statement which advances Hyundai's fluidic sculpture philosophy."

Technology

The HED-7 is a test bed for new energy harvesting ideas, ranging from flexible solar panel roofing to a thermo-electric generator. The key technical components of the vehicle have been developed by Hyundai under the Blue Drive™ banner in cooperation with BASF. Blue Drive™ remains at the heart of Hyundai's product development strategy, and continues to drive the company towards its target of global leadership in environmentally-sensitive technologies.
A focal point of HED-7 is its extraordinary CO2 emissions level of just 85 g/km. The car uses efficient aerodynamics, energy harvesting technologies and weight-saving materials to significantly undercut the current average for a D-segment sedan. Furthermore, the company's first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain runs the exciting new U2 1,7-liter engine augmented by two-stage turbo charging and Hyundai's Lithium Ion battery to give a very efficient and advanced combination, particularly when partnered with HED-7's six-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

Energy Conservation

BASF and Hyundai R&D engineers have developed thermal engine encapsulation, which ensures that the engine reaches optimum operating temperature more quickly, by retaining heat when the car is at idle. Where a non-insulated engine would take three hours to drop to 40°C, the HED-7 will stay above that temperature for 14 hours. This translates into fuel savings and emissions cuts of 5% during summer and up to 9% during winter.

Energy Harvesting

Another pioneering technique introduced in collaboration with BASF is thermo-electric waste heat recovery. This process equates to further reductions in fuel consumption, 5% at highest driving. In fact, up to half of the electrical energy consumed by HED-7 at 80 kph - 250 watts - can be recovered through the work of a thermo-electric generator. Harvested energy from hot exhaust gases is recaptured by this generator which is fitted into the exhaust manifold. The thermal electric generator then converts the wasted heat into useful electrical energy to help power auxiliary systems.

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