Hyundai Nuvis projects future Sonata, Santa Fe

The idea of hybrid cars is getting more popular as a Korean automaker, Hyundai Motors, says its latest technology, Hyundai Nuvis, is destined for the next-generation Sonata, while the concept's styling hints at the Santa Fe replacement.

According to the firm, the 11th concept car, the Nuvis, is noteworthy for two reasons: First, its hybrid drivetrain will find its way into the next-generation Hyundai Sonata, and second, Hyundai says the concept's styling hints at what the Santa Fe's replacement could look like.

Hyundai's Hybrid Blue Drive architecture combines a 2.4-litre four-cylinder (known as the Theta II) with a 30- kW electric motor, the last also producing 151 lb.-ft. of torque. The total estimated output of 228 bhp is put to the road via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai says the Nuvis's lithium polymer batteries, which are stored underneath the trunk floor, are more durable and space efficient than nickel-metal hydride and lithium- ion versions.

As a parallel hybrid, the Nuvis can be driven in all-electric mode, gasoline-engine-only mode as well as any combination thereof. Engine management software automatically shuts off the gasoline engine when the Nuvis comes to a stop, improving overall fuel mileage and providing zero emissions, while Hyundai's Integrated Starter Generator restarts the engine once pressure is applied to the accelerator pedal.

Besides optimised engine-management software for the Theta II, fuel consumption is further reduced by using electric assist for the vehicle's steering system and air-conditioning compressor, as well as through the use of low-rolling-resistance tires. Hyundai estimates the 188.3-in. long and 3400 lb. Nuvis would achieve fuel ratings of 34 mpg city/35 mpg highway.

The seat fabric is made from 100-per cent reclaimed soda bottles, while the seatbelts were made by Harveys Original Seatbeltbags (they make handbags out of seatbelts); Harveys also provided two matching handbags for the Nuvis.

The Nuvis's instrument panel streams information throughout the cabin, with passengers able to access each other via Methode Electronics TouchSense technology that links all four seats.