Hyundai debuted their efficient Hyundai HED-5 "i-Mode" concept today at the LA Auto Show, a clear sign the Korean automaker is hoping to get in on the green trend in time for gas prices to shoot up again. The HED-5 has been green-lit for American distribution at an uncertain future date. When it does arrive it will feature Hyundai's lightweight 2.0-liter Theta turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder engine. The 2.0T Theta, similar to the Theta engine found in the upcoming Hyundai Genesis Coupe, will be capable of 286 HP with highway mileage in excess of 30 miles-per-gallon. This new crossover was highly influenced by the Hyundai I-Blue concept, which debuted earlier this year. Details from Hyundai in the press release below.
OTHER ASPECTS OF HYUNDAI BLUE DRIVE – WEIGHT EFFICIENCY, TURBO GDI, OPTIMIZED BLUE MODELS, AND FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLES HED-5 i-Mode Concept Vehicle At the Geneva International Motor Show, Hyundai introduced the revolutionary HED-5 “i-Mode” concept car. Today, Hyundai Motor America is announcing that a production version of this compact, spacious, weight-efficient four-cylinder crossover has been green lighted for the U.S., with timing to be announced at a later date. Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection Technology The HED-5 concept was shown with an advanced 2.0-liter Theta turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine capable of developing as much as 286 horsepower, and delivering more than 30 highway miles per gallon. This engine will appear in various Hyundai models in the future. By injecting the fuel directly inside the cylinder in a small, precise amount, combustion is improved resulting in higher fuel efficiency and lower exhaust emissions. The performance and response of the engine also improves thanks to intake charge cooling. When direct injection is combined with turbo charging, customers enjoy even better performance and fewer trips to the gas station. Four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline direction injection engines can be 15 – 20 percent more fuel efficient than V6 engines without compromising performance.