Geneva 2008: Hyundai HED-5 i-Mode

[Overheat]

Hyundai is working on a replacement for its Matrix compact MPV, though the final production car (due 2010) may be more conventional than this show concept.

The i30-based HED-5 i-mode is a six-seater developed in partnership with supplier firms including Bayer MaterialScience: in place of metal and glass panels, it has lighter-weight, more adaptable composites and "self-healing" water-based paint. The LG Electronics entertainment system provides internet access, video games, films, webcams and wireless set-ups for headphones, keyboards and controllers, with pop-down touch-screen displays housed within an overhead console.

The Swivel Seat system will come to production shortly, however: this enables the front passenger seat to rotate to face rearwards, or to fully tilt, and the second-row seats to slide forwards. The seats have fully-integrated seatbelts, and can be arranged in a lounge-style format. This show car has leather cushions and a lacquered seat structure.

Also set for imminent production is Hyundai's all-new 2.2-litre diesel engine. This "R" unit, with two-stage turbocharging, delivers 215bhp and 340lb ft of torque; it is fitted in combination with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Hyundai will put this engine into production in early 2011, though a less powerful single-turbo version will arrive next year in models including the upcoming Genesis, the Santa Fe and Tucson. A twin-clutch automated manual transmission is also on the way from Hyundai.

[NecroJoe]

Those wheels are...unexpected. I like 'em.

[fbc]

Whoa... that's... err... unique...

(It's actually not at all bad in profile & from the rear, but that front...)

[Overheat]

It looks like a fat pig that's smiling. It's Wilbur!