CONCEPT
After Tucson’s successful long run, the challenge of the EL project team was to conceive an even better C- SUV than the already great original. Starting with a clean slate, the LE development team moved away from the two-box off-roader look in favor of a sleeker, more reformed profile while aiming for a roomier cabin, extra storage capacity and fuel economy leadership.


STYLING CONFIDENCE


Hyundai’s new “fluidic” design language finds confident expression in the sweeping, gently curved lines of the ix35. The hexagonal grille previewed on the ix-onic concept at the 2009 Geneva Auto Salon moves into mass production on the ix35, a defining look that will serve to unify the family of future Hyundai products. To achieve the desired dynamic and sporty image, ix35 gets an aggressive belt line coupled with a low-to-the-ground feel which is enhanced by the optional 225/55 R18 wheels. Aerodynamic tweaks include the addition of a rear spoiler which aids fuel efficiency.


The interior lines echo the dynamic flow of the sheet metal. For improved comfort, designers have managed to carve out extra legroom and headroom (whilst lowering the overall height of the vehicle). The feeling of spaciousness in the cabin is further enhanced by the new dual-panel panoramic sunroof with UV blocking. Rear seat passengers now get to share the enjoyment of a sunroof too. The center panel can either tilt open or can open completely by sliding up and over the rear panel. An anti-pinch system guards against injuries from trapping.


The gauge cluster borrows Supervision technology from the Genesis luxury sedan to display key information with crystal-clear clarity and minimal eye stress. All instruments and gauges are backlit in Hyundai’s signature blue color which is being applied across the range.


OVERALL DIMENSIONS


The ix35 rides on a 2640mm wheelbase which is just 10mm longer than the previous iteration. At 4410mm and 1820mm, it is also longer and wider than its predecessor (by 85mm and 20mm, respectively) greatly improving the interior cabin space but the overall height of 1660mm has been lowered by 20mm without affecting headroom.


Greater travel in the front seat adjustment gives more legroom and headroom for taller drivers. The centre console box has been enlarged to 6.2 litres (an increase of 3.4 litres) for more storage and the centre armrest is longer and higher for greater comfort. The USB/Aux jack has been relocated to create more storage space for personal music players. In addition, the height of the rear cargo screen has been raised by 71mm for more storage plus a small storage binnacle has been added in the rear cargo area.


POWERTRAIN


To further broaden its appeal, ix35 will get the newest fuel-efficient engines and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Powertrain availability will vary according to region.


Western European customers will be offered a choice of two thrifty and clean-burning petrol engines: the Theta-II 2.0 rated at 163ps and 20.1kg.m of torque which emits just 178g/km of CO2 (2WD MT) and the Gamma 1.6 GDI delivering 140ps and 17kg.m of torque, available from November 2010, which delivers only 159g/km of CO2. This 1.6 GDI engine will be available with ISG stop-start technology, further reducing CO2 to just 149g/km.


The European diesel lineup includes two all-new engines: the R 2.0 and the U-II 1.7, which will be available from November 2010. The R 2.0 will come in a choice of two outputs: high (184ps/40kg.m) and low (136ps/32.6kg.m) producing CO2 emissions of just 165g/km (4WD MT), and 158g/km (2WD MT), respectively. The U-II will have a rated output of 115ps with 26.0kg.m and will have class-leading CO2 emissions of just 139g/km when equipped with ISG (2WD MT). Six-speed manuals are standard with both diesels while the R will come with the option of a six-speed automatic.


The R 2-liter diesel will also be offered in markets outside of Europe (excluding North America).


For the North American market, where EL will be known as Tucson ix, a choice of Theta-II engines ?: the 2-liter or 2.4-liter ? will be available.


THETA-II


Hyundai engineers have taken the World Engine, the largest gasoline engine program in the world, and created the lighter, more fuel efficient and cleaner-running Theta-II.


The 2.0-liter Theta-II has shed over 10kg from its previous iteration. For better fuel efficiency and reduced NOx emissions, Theta-II gets Dual CVVT (intake and exhaust camshaft phaser) while Theta-I is equipped with only intake CVVT. Major improvements begin with the application of a two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) which enables switching between long and short intake manifold resulting in an across-the-board performance increase. To reduce internal friction, engineers have applied a Diamond-like-coating (DLC) to the top surface of the valve tappets resulting in improved fuel efficiency. Engineers also expended considerable time and effort optimizing the oil pump pressure to achieve an ideal balance between durability and fuel economy.


R DIESEL ENGINE


The R is the newest member of Hyundai’s passenger diesel family joining the U (1.1, 1.4 and 1.6?liter), the A (2.5?liter) and S (3.0?liter V6). In its initial 2-liter edition, R generates 184ps and 40kg.m of torque.


The R?Engine benefits from the third generation common rail system developed by Bosch whose piezo-electric injectors deliver fuel at 1800 bar providing an unprecedented degree of accuracy and control.


It also features an electronically-controlled variable geometry turbocharger and an advanced engine control unit (air system-based charge control).


The R?Engine is fitted with a 16-valve dual overhead camshaft which is driven by an internal steel silent timing chain. For reduced vibration and lower booming noise, the R gets a lower balance shaft which has been encased in a stiffened ladder frame housing for increased rigidity. Weight-saving features include serpentine belt with isolation pulley, a plastic head cover, plastic intake manifold and plastic oil filter housing.




Developed by a 150-man team at an investment cost of 250 billion won, the RFiled under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Performance, Hyundai, Specialty



A year ago at the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas, Rhys Millen Racing made a splash with it's Hyundai Genesis coupe concept, and this year the team's back with an even more extreme example. Last year's car retained the front engine, rear drive layout of the production car and its turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder. This time around, Millen's crew is going with the 4.6-liter Tau V8 from the coupe's big brother sedan.

Rather than trying to pack the oversize powerplant into the coupe's smaller engine compartment, the RMR staff have discarded the pretty much useless rear seat and most of the floorpan. The engine and five-speed sequential gearbox will now occupy the space behind the two remaining front buckets. Most of the suspension is being retained and the trunk-lid and rear glass will be combined into a hatch for engine access. For the most part, the Tau V8 will remain close to stock with the limited mods raising output to around 450 horsepower. No word yet on whether this will be strictly a one-off or whether it will be offered to paying customers... feel free to join the line at the rear.

[Source: Inside Line]
Mid-engine Hyundai Genesis Coupe by Rhys Millen in the works for SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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