2008 Hyundai HED-5 i-Mode Concept Review

Specifications

By the year 2010, what will the automotive landscape hold for us? Who will be number one? Will it be Toyota or GM? While these two duke it out, position number three could very well be held by a onetime unlikely contender, an automaker that rose to the challenge in a fraction of the time that it took the top two automotive superpowers. Truly, Hyundai could be number three, having already passed Honda and Nissan, two Japanese giants.

Hyundai’s product strategy is different for its major markets. What it sells in North America is different from what it sells in Europe, and those products are different than what it sells in Asia. This year’s Geneva motor show gave a glimpse at what Hyundai is striving to achieve in terms of niche products by the end of the decade. The HED-5 i-Mode concept is a small minivan that’s based off of the i30, a Golf-sized hatchback that shares its platform with the Elantra. It’s quite literally bursting with new technologies that are leading the way, not only for Hyundai, but for the automotive industry.

The HED-5 i-Mode, designed by Hyundai’s European Design arm (hence the HED), had its fancy materials and rear-hinged rear doors removed and styling slightly toned down, would essentially be the new compact-sized people mover that’s slated for production in the Czech Republic down the road (probably 2009). And while Hyundai claims that the i-Mode aims to create a new direction for Hyundai’s European products, with big, bold styling and unique rear-end treatments, the resounding impression is that they’d rather you take interest in the materials and finishes that their partners have developed for them.

Since the HED-4 QarmaQ Concept, Hyundai has made it known, loud and clear, that they’re into developing concepts with partner brands, such as GE Plastics. This time around, Hyundai has selected Bayer MaterialScience (who are also known for their collaborations with Rinspeed, amongst other brands), but Keiper and LG are also on board.

When it comes to acting on the whole “green” thing, there are more than merely tailpipe emissions to be considered. Sometimes it’s the materials used to build a car and the construction process on the whole that makes a greater difference, and by selecting new plastic materials, serious carbon emission cuts can occur. Besides being lighter or more environmentally friendly, the benefits to Bayer’s plastics include the ability to achieve the strength of conventional metals, and that they can be molded and injected in a variety of ways to render painting unnecessary. But not in the case of the i-Mode, as it features Bayer’s new water-based, self-healing paints that keep the car looking fresh and new. Other uses of Bayer’s material expertise include special glazings for glass and headlamp lenses.

Because every new compact crossover or minivan needs to separate itself from the crowd with new and clever features, the i-Mode features something Hyundai calls Swivel Seat, which was developed by Keiper. Essentially, this is like Chrysler’s Swivel ‘n Go used in the new Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan models, but rather than turning the second row around to face those in the third row, Swivel Seat affects the front passenger’s seat, allowing it to face the second row. It’s not ground breaking, but it’s yet to be applied to a vehicle of this size.

Additionally, LG’s electronics allow the i-Mode to hook up to wireless networks for portable communication between car and house, and items within the car, such as keyboards or headphones. Happy family, happy journeys.

The next big step forward for Hyundai is with regards to engine technology. The South Korean automaker has sunk millions of dollars into developing new engine families, such as the Tau engine lineup, highlighted by the brand new V8 going in the upcoming Genesis full-size luxury sedan. But it has also invested capital into things we’ve yet to see, such as turbocharged engines and direct injection gas systems. Or, for we North Americans, diesel engines. The HED-5 i-Mode is powered by Hyundai’s new R-Series diesel, which is scheduled to start production next year. At 2.2 liters, this engine isn’t remarkably out of the ordinary, except that it features a brand new dual-stage twin-turbo system, which is similar to what BMW fits to its critically acclaimed 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel that will be sold in the 335d come fall.

With two turbos working together, Hyundai was able to escalate boost to levels normally not practical (or desirable) with a single, larger turbo. The net result is surprising output that’s developed in a seamless manner. At 212 horsepower this four-cylinder engine produces more power than the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec motor, which is a V6, at not much more than two thirds the capacity. Talk about efficiency! Furthermore, with 340 lb-ft of torque moving a fairly light vehicle, the HED-5 is certain to be one quick family-hauler. Because this diesel engine will be coming into production for 2009 (in single turbo form, where it is estimated to make 170 hp), Hyundai has already made preparations for the upcoming Euro6 emissions standards, which are very similar to the Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards currently in effect for North America, so it’ll be clean. Twin-turbo diesels such as the one featured in the HED-5 will go into production starting 2011. Hopefully we’ll have access to these brilliant motors, but only time will tell.

When the production version of the HED-5 goes on sale, Hyundai will undoubtedly have a very strong product to go to market with. What would be a bonus is if Hyundai were able to incorporate some of the materials that Bayer has developed. Although impressive this is unlikely, although in this industry you never know. Much like Hyundai rising to the top of the pile, anything is possible.

Specifications (HED-5 i-Mode):