Hyundai Intrado revealed before Geneva

The Hyundai Intrado crossover debuts next week at the Geneva motor show, but the company revealed some pictures and information about the car on Monday. The Intrado is the first concept produced under the direction of Peter Schreyer, who became Hyundai president and chief design officer last January.

Hyundai says the Intrado demonstrates the company's belief that advanced vehicle technologies and intelligent design can combine to engage with drivers and passengers. The Intrado takes its name from the area under a plane's wing that creates lift.

Hyundai says the exterior uses its fluidic sculpture language, and is “free of any unnecessary adornments.” The body panels are made from super-lightweight steel.

Inside, the Intrado is made to be useful and adaptable, taking cues from high-end…mountain bikes, according to Hyundai. Bare carbon fiber is exposed when opening the hood, roof and trunk, while the seats are bolted directly to the exposed frame. The interior color is called Beaufort orange.

Hyundai says the Intrado demonstrates its desire to “produce lighter, stronger cars that are better to drive and simpler to repair.” We don't think Hyundai's alone in that desire.

The carbon frame structure is constructed using a new technique, according to Hyundai, that has the potential to “change the way cars are made.” The rigidity of the structure also allows body panels to be made from any material, giving designers greater flexibility. Of course, this is a concept -- so take everything the automaker says about revolutionary manufacturing techniques with a grain of salt or two.

The Intrado is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and a 36-kWh lithium-ion battery. Hyundai says the crossover has a range of about 370 miles on a tank of fuel, and emits only water.

We’ll find out more at the Geneva motor show.

By Jake Lingeman