HYUNDAI Motor Company has celebrated its presence at the 2015 Seoul Motor Show with the world premiere of an all-new design concept, the ‘Enduro' lifestyle urban crossover utility vehicle (CUV). Additional debuting models included a high-performance coupe concept, the RM15, and the company's first Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, the Sonata PHEV. Making its global debut at the show, the Enduro CUV concept's name is derived from ‘Endurance.' This dynamic model visually combines a SUV look with rally motorcycle which compete in the world's toughest rally events, and has been designed to be the perfect partner for individuals living in the modern city with energetic, athletic lifestyles. By combining robust forms with bold styling, Enduro releases a sense of adventure and freedom for driver and passengers. Featuring a new interpretation of Hyundai's design signature hexagonal front grille this model has a lower centrer of gravity which creates a sense of stability. Meanwhile an aluminum aero blade connects the front fender to the grille, giving the Enduro a look of self-confidence. Seen in profile, Enduro has the look of a crossover vehicle, with raised ground clearance, SUV-style fender cladding and a dark grey garnish to the lower parts of the car, which appear robust and protective, while expressing mobility and agility. The C-pillars are fitted with a unique aerodynamic air-blade to reduce drag and the side-skirts incorporate step bars for easier loading or unloading of the roof rack.
Inside Enduro, the cabin is styled with the same enthusiasm and passion as the exterior. The Hyundai Advanced Design Team worked to create an emotional concept that expresses sensuality and dynamism, through organically interacting lines which generate an intensity that coexists with toughness and sophistication. Small details of the interior are exploited to reinforce the Enduro's sporty and upbeat image. Visual elements reminiscent of sports equipment are applied to those cabin components and surfaces which occupants touch. The steering wheel design features the spoke and handle molding of a road bike and the door handles have a lightweight cowl image of an off-road bike. The design of the trunk turns it into a durable, flexible space, with versatile drawer-style compartments that can safely accommodate a broad range of lifestyle sports equipment. The RM15 (Racing Midship 2015) is an aggressively-styled, high-performance mid-engine coupe concept that makes a confident statement about Hyundai Motor's passion for performance and its expertise in the development of advanced vehicle technologies and materials. The core structure of the RM15 is based on an aluminum space frame, clothed in light, stiff body panels formed in carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) – together achieving a significant weight saving compared to a conventional all-steel vehicle. The body panels are painted in the signature colors of the company's ‘N' brand (pale blue, black, red and Hyundai mid-blue) which also feature on the Hyundai WRC i20 rally car. Power comes from Hyundai Motor's Theta 2.0-liter T-GDI engine mounted transversely behind the two-seater cabin and ahead of the rear axle, ensuring optimized weight distribution and a low moment of inertia for excellent handling agility and high levels of traction. The four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine generates 300 ps at 6,000 rpm and drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Strong torque delivery (39 kgm [383 Nm] at 2,000 rpm) helps to reduce the 0-100 km acceleration time to just 4.7 seconds. The Hyundai Sonata PHEV is the company's first Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Although technologically advanced, the PHEV model will behave much like the regular Sonata Hybrid from the driver's seat. A 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery pack, roughly six times larger than the Sonata Hybrid's battery, is expected to give Sonata Plug-in Hybrid an all-electric range of up to 38.4 km, farther than any other midsize PHEV sedan. The 50-kW electric motor is 32 percent more powerful than the motor in the regular Sonata Hybrid and allows EV operation at higher speeds. — SG
