click for high-resolution gallery of the HED 5 i mode

Color me disappointed. When Hyundai teased the announcement of the HED-5 "i-mode" concept crossover about a month ago, the company was saying it would feature "exceptional fuel economy." These sorts of things are easy to promise in a concept car, but the official statement from Hyundai, now that the vehicle has been unveiled in Geneva, doesn't give any mileage details. Instead, we hear a lot about the front seat that can swivel around so the front passenger can engage the four people in the back of the car. On the green front, the HED-5 i-mode uses lightweight body materials and Bayer-designed "self-healing water based bodywork finishes" that somehow work to repair minor scratches automatically. More standard eco-touches are in the exhaust gas recirculation system, which reduces NOx emissions and will help the new 2.2-litre R diesel engine meet future Euro emissions standards. The R engines will be coming in production vehicles starting in 2009 - first as single turbocharged versions and then as dual-stage turbocharged editions in early 2011. I guess that's not all bad. More details after the jump.

At the Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai basically gave the green crowd an i-Blue rerun. For Geneva, the Korean company is bringing out some fresh goods. The coolest will likely be the HED-5 concept (above), a six-seat crossover that is supposed to get "exceptional fuel economy." Hyundai isn't saying much about the HED-5 other than it is made with "revolutionary materials and construction techniques have been developed in co-operation with innovation partners such as Recaro, Bayer and LG." That last name, which I think is LG Chem, has been working with Hyundai on a hybrid car, and possibly a plug-in.

Other Hyundai offerings will include "low-emission versions of Hyundai production models" and a "new package of innovations" that can reduce CO₂ emissions by 29 percent "without punitive penalties in price, performance or driving enjoyment. This 'near production' package represents a realistic and achievable advance in reduced emissions and fuel consumption." Stay tuned.


Related:

• Chicago 2008 video: Hyundai brings the i-Blue to North America
• Hyundai to be next with a plug-in hybrid announcement?
• LG Chem gets exclusive contract to supply LiIon batteries to Hyundai/Kia

[Source: Hyundai]