Hyundai i-Blue concept (2007): first official pictures

By Guy Bird

First Official Pictures

12 September 2007 06:48

Fuel cells, coupes and crossover wagons…

The world debut of the i-Blue fuel cell concept headed up a trio of key Hyundai products at the Frankfurt show stand. ‘Spare me another fuel cell concept’ I can almost hear you thinking, but don’t switch off. This one is no theoretical eco powerplant for a fantasy concept but a serious design showcase tailor-made for Hyundai’s very real third-generation fuel cell technology (the previous two versions were in special versions of the bigger Santa Fe and Tucson). 

It’s Hyundai’s first ever model designed from the ground-up to incorporate fuel cell technology. Powered by 100kW and a fuel cell stack with compressed hydrogen in a 115-litre tank, its range is about 375 miles and top speed 100mph-plus. Hyundai says by storing the fuel cell stack under the floor rather than in the engine compartment, like in the second-generation Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), the car gains an ideal 50:50 weight distribution. The Korean firm also says it drives ‘almost noiselessly’ and has an acceleration that will “delight passionate drivers.” Okay. 

By Guy Bird