( WCF ) - This Hyundai design study, the HED-5 'i-mode', is a testament to the fruits of co-operation. Partnering with innovators in technology, revolutionary seating concepts and pioneering lightweight materials, Hyundai are demonstrating in concept car form their drive to bring new technology faster to the market.
Stylish and unmistakably Hyundai, its hexagonal grille particular to the firm's European designs, the HED-5 'i-mode' concept car continues a design language which aims to signal coherence, increase recognition and improve brand perception. Forming the basis for a forthcoming six-seater production model MPV, the concept car acts as showcase to a range of technological innovations.
Making its world premiere on the 'i-mode' is a new 'Swivel Seat' design concept by Keiper, allowing the front passenger seat to swivel and face second and third row occupants, with the generation of a new social space by the rearward sliding of the second row. Commonly referred to as the living room, its occupants travel in comfort, the study's revolutionary seats upholstered in Cognac leather and lacquered in burgundy, surrounded by technology and the perception of space and light the car's near-panoramic two-tone roof structure provides.
Experts LG Electronics are at the helm of 'i-mode's digital entertainment. Wirelessly connected via the car's on-board network, cable-free keyboards, controllers and headphones integrate with integrated touch-screen displays to provide access to web, games, movies or video calling.
But it's not just technical innovations in the cabin that give the 'i-mode' its edge. Bayer MaterialScience, pioneers in material development, have integrated lightweight, more durable metal and glass substitutes with a tougher, lighter body construction, and in doing so enabled both a swifter development cycle for the study and improved efficiency in fuel consumption and emissions.
The 'i-mode' is powered by an all-new 2.2-litre R diesel unit with two-stage turbocharging, forcing air through both a low and high-pressure turbocharger to generate 215 PS and 461 Nm of torque. Highlighting the advantages of two-stage charging, low-end torque increases from 186 to 294 Nm over the standard R unit.The two-stage turbocharged R unit will enter the market in 2011 following the entry of its single turbocharged sibling in 2009.