The Hyundai IONIQ has been revealed in Korea overnight with Hyundai saying the new platform is “the starting point of our future mobility”.
THE HYUNDAI IONIQ has been built on a chassis specifically designed to carry three alternative types of drivetrain, including electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid. At the reveal in Korea, Rag Jung, Head of Project Management Division at Hyundai Motor R&D Center said, “IONIQ embodies Hyundai Motor’s new thinking and bold ambitions for the future. This world-class dedicated hybrid will be the starting point of our future mobility.”
Due to be shown at the Detroit Motor Show next week, Hyundai is dribbling out key details, so we’ll ensure this article is updated as new information comes to hand.
According to Hyundai, the IONIQ is comprised of 53% Advanced High Strength Steel combined with aluminium, indeed around 12.6kg has been saved by using aluminium to cast no structural components. These include the bonnet, tailgate and some suspension components.
In order to ensure the IONIQ would ride and handle like a conventional car, Hyundai said it positioned the car’s batteries low and forward to keep the centre of gravity low. The IONIQ runs dual lower arm multi-link suspension at the rear.
The first IONIQ variant to hit the market will be the hybrid and that’s so far all Hyundai’s released details for. Running Hyundai’s new 1.6-litre four-cylinder Kappa engine (designed purposely for hybrid applications) it allegedly features the world’s highest thermal efficiency at 40%. This is mated to a permanent magnetic electric motor with outputs of 77kW and 32kW, respectively.
Getting drive to the ground is a “hybrid-exclusive” dual clutch transmission. Hyundai said: “Class-leading power transmission efficiency of 95.7% delivers a prompt response, acceleration performance and smooth gear changes to delight drivers with handling alongside the hybrid’s efficiency”.
Stay tuned for more information.
