Geneva — At the Geneva International Motor Show Hyundai Motor Co. will introduce the HED-5 “i-Mode”. The focus for this year's concept car is a combination of visionary styling with future technologies and advanced eco-dynamics. It lead to a 6-seater monocab study that incorporates high-tech materials, a world premiere seating concept and state of the art communication solutions into a completely new vehicle impression. The i-Mode is an innovatively styled, eco-friendly and socially adaptive vehicle. The imposing mono-volume architecture provides an invitation to travel, explore and relax within the concept of moving cocoon.
By working together with the partners Bayer MaterialScience AG, Keiper and LG Electronics, Hyundai is continuing a cross-industry co-operation to drive new technologies faster to market. The co-operation with Bayer MaterialScience enabled the complex curvature and radical design departures of the HED-5 innovations to be implemented more quickly. The materials used are lighter and more adaptable than the metal and glass they replace. This, in combination with a light weight body construction, reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emission. Self-healing water based bodywork finishes from Bayer add to the environmentally friendly concept of the vehicle and even let minor scratches magically disappear by themselves. The i-Mode is the first vehicle to feature the new “BayVision” glazing system and Collimator headlight lenses made from Makrolon®.
Through the advanced multimedia and entertainment concept developed by LG electronics, the vehicle becomes an extension of the digital home, allowing passengers to stay connected, communicate and interact in the car and beyond. Access to the web, video games, movies or video calling are all possible through the pop-down touch-screen displays and webcams, located within the overhead console. A wireless network enables a selection of cable-free keyboards, game controllers and headphones to further personalize the entertainment experience. The advanced developments seen on the i-Mode give a dynamic indication of real possibilities for the near future.
Hyundai's engineering partner Keiper supported the i-Mode project with the exclusive world premiere of its new and unique Swivel Seat concept. The first row passenger seat cleverly rotates to face second and third row occupants. When the seat is turned in a flowing movement, the backrest converts into an equally comfortable seat surface. This is made possible by a fully concealed, power-operated kinematic system. The integrated seatbelt system — another technically advanced debut — and the adjustable headrest maximize passive safety for passengers in either sitting position. The second row bench slides rearwards to increase comfort and create a social space for communication. This seat concept intelligently avoids problems of complex or flexible seat mounting weaknesses.
Tags: 2008, diesel, Geneva, HED-5, Hyundai, i-Mode, monospace, MPV, Salon, twin turbo, two-stage


