Hyundai Ioniq rumours
Hyundai Ioniq rumours
Posted on March 7, 2016
Let’s get one thing – as the fourth largest vehicle manufacturer Hyundai’s certainly got a lot going on for it and for those who drive their lineup. With the recent announcement that they are taking the Genesis name and establishing a new marque for luxury vehicles – with a projection that shows 6 vehicles launching under the new brand name by 2020 – this is going to be a fun few years.
Alongside the official announcement that the new sub-division luxury brand is going to move forward – a fact that we aren’t surprised by in the least, given the recent addition of Albert Biermann, whose 32 years working for BMW, has been heralded as one of the most strategic moves Hyundai has made towards truly innovative luxury-class vehicle development.
In this way we can expect a lot of innovative vehicles from Hyundai on the horizon – but that isn’t to say that there aren’t a number preparing to wow drivers even sooner!
The Ioniq is proof that Hyundai is paying very close attention to consumers and fulfilling guarantees that they would deliver products that aim to outcompete rival automakers. You might ask: “How is the Ioniq doing all of this?”
Well, the Ioniq adds its name to a select list of alternative-fuel compact cars, with over four years of conceptualization that shook the market back in 2012 when an early model was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Representatives from Hyundai stated that they would have a fully realized model ready in 4 years and, after that, little was revealed.
Until now!
Specs have been slowly released and they have been good.
No. Not good. They’ve been downright great! Internal reports show that the Ioniq is the most hybridized car released by Hyundai to date, with electric (BEV), plug-in gasoline/electric hybrid (PHEV), or gasoline/electric hybrid (HEV) powertrains offered for the first time in automotive history to be available in all three options. Head of Hyundai Motor R&D Center Woong-Chul Yang does a pretty great breakdown for the purpose of the vehicle here:
“Hyundai Motor has a heritage of building innovative, fuel-efficient vehicles, so we are proud to advance our eco-friendly car line-up with the introduction of IONIQ. Our vision for future mobility focuses on choice, with a variety of powertrain options to suit customers’ varied lifestyles, without compromising on design or driving enjoyment. IONIQ embodies Hyundai Motor’s vision to shift the automotive paradigm and future mobility; IONIQ is the fruit of our efforts to become the leader in the global green car market.”
Motor Authority has offered seemingly accurate reports that the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants will utilize an Atkinson-cycle 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine tuned to produce approximately 105 horsepower and 108 lb-ft of torque. The 43-horsepower electric motor will be connected to a lithium-ion battery pack, and the drivetrain’s total output will be sent to the front wheels through an effective six-speed, dual-clutch transmission.
We’ll know more in March when it debuts in Europe at the Geneva Auto Show, with anticipation that you’ll be able to get a close look at them in North America come April in time for the New York Auto Show.