TodayApril 16, 2022

The Hyundai Nuvis hybrid concept at NYIAS

2009 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS)

There are no lines on or in this car that are standing still.” John Krsteski, Hyundai Design manager, introduced the Hyundai Nuvis concept at the 2009 New York auto show.

“One of the coolest attributes of Nuvis is that the protective roof appears to float on top of the body through the use of hidden pillars and high-contrast glass,” said Andre Hudson, Hyundai senior designer.

From Hyundai, New York, 04/09/2009

HYUNDAI’S HYBRID BLUE DRIVE ARCHITECTURE

Hyundais all-new, homegrown Hybrid Blue Drive architecture helps define the Nuvis concept. Hyundais proprietary parallel hybrid drive system mates the already-fuel efficient 2.4-liter Theta II engine to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 30kW (205 N-m) electric motor for maximum fuel economy.

Hybrid Blue Drive has an all-electric mode and a parallel drive mode, meaning that the wheels are turned by power coming directly from the gasoline engine, or the electric motor, or both together, as conditions demand. This parallel hybrid drive architecture will serve as the foundation for future Hyundai hybrid drive vehicles, starting with the next-generation Sonata in the United States.

To maximize fuel economy, all of the Theta IIs major driveline and cooling system components have been optimized to reduce friction, while the crankcase has been filled with low friction oil.

Engine management software automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt, cutting emissions to zero. The engine automatically restarts when pressure is reapplied to the accelerator pedal due to the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG).

To further reduce fuel consumption, the Theta IIs engine management software, which governs injection pressure, engine cycle timing and exhaust retreatment rates, has been revised. This control strategy assures that maximum efficiency is achieved during gentle acceleration, while greater power is immediately available during full acceleration.

During deceleration, regenerative braking also comes into play to help conserve energy.

To ensure that the engine runs at lower RPMs, the top three gear ratios in the transmission have been extended. Fuel economy is further optimized through the latest electric motor-assisted steering system which reduces power drain and low resistance tires.

The nine major components of Hyundais Hybrid Blue Drive include:

1. An efficient 30kW electric motor, delivering 205 N-m of torque
2. A regenerative braking system
3. An integrated starter generator that enables the engine to turn off at stops and restart automatically under acceleration
4. A breakthrough lithium polymer battery package, with 5.3 Ah of capacity at 270 volts
5. Optimized Theta II 2.4-liter engine
6. 6-speed automatic transmission with an improved-efficiency electric oil pump
7. Weight-efficient architecture coupled with a low drag coefficient
8. Electric air conditioning compressor
9. The hybrid power control unit

LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERY TECHNOLOGY

Hyundais hybrid system stores it’s electrical charge in a 270V lithium polymer rechargeable battery (5.3Ah/270V) that surpasses both existing nickel-metal hydride and pending lithium-ion applications. Lithium polymer batteries are more durable and space-efficient than other, bulkier hybrid batteries.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Configuration: A crossover utility vehicle
Engine: Hybrid Blue Drive and a 30kW (205 N-m) electric motor
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Horsepower: 228 hp (estimated)
Battery technology: Lithium polymer (5.3 Ah of capacity at 270 volts)
Weight: 3400 lbs.
Overall length: 188.3 inches
Overall width: 77.6 inches
Overall height: 65.3 inches
Wheels: 22 inches
Tires: Hankook
Fuel economy: 34 mpg city / 35 mpg highway (estimated)

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Lou Ann Hammond

Lou Ann Hammond is the CEO of Carlist and Driving the Nation. She is the co-host of Real Wheels Washington Post carchat every Friday morning and is the Automotive, energy correspondent for The John Batchelor Show and a Contributor to Automotive Electronics magazine headquartered in Korea. Hammond is a founding member of the Women's World Car of the Year #WWCOTY, and board member of the Women in Automotive.