Exclusive News On Hyundai AE Hybrid Electric Car
There has long been talk that Hyundai were working on a dedicated hybrid model that would go head to head with the Toyota Prius.
Recent spy shots would seem to suggest that is indeed the case.
Adding further fuel to the fire was the confirmation from Hyundai CEO Kim Choong-ho that such a car was being developed!
Latest News & Rumors On Hyundai AE Hybrid
The new model will ride on a standalone hybrid platform that will not show up on any other vehicle in the Hyundai stable.
The only other place where the platform will be seen will be on the new hybrid crossover vehicle that sister company Kia is working on right now.
The compact car platform has been designed in a way that will allow it to accommodate technologies and powertrains that are eco-friendly.
What that means is that engineers have been given a blank slate that allows them to focus on the new car rather than worrying about how their work will fit with other cars.
The end result will be a car and a powertrain that are truly as one!
Latest Hyundai Hybrid Powertrain Technology
The hybrid electric powertrain used on the new model will feature a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder GDI engine coupled with an electric motor.
Initially, the vehicle will be a hybrid electric model, but expect to see a plug-in hybrid version released at a later date.
While there are no specs for either the engine or the motor yet available, what is known is that the vehicle will also feature regenerative braking and the ISG start/stop system.
- Read other Hyundai news here.
Hyundai DE Seems To Look Much Like The Toyota Prius
Like the Toyota Prius, the Hyundai model will be made available in a 5-door hatchback design.
Kia, on the other hand, will do things a little differently by making their model more like a crossover hybrid with a sense of rugged charm.
The CUV style of the Kia will be highlighted by plastic cladding employed around the wheel arches and bumpers.
It’s going to be interesting to see how the new Hyundai hybrid will compare to the rather bland design of the Toyota Prius.
It will also be fun to see the different approaches that Hyundai and Kia have to the same segment.
The odds would appear to fall in favor of Kia, as the crossover market is one that is exploding right now. (Photos: bobaedream)
Hyundai DE Release Date
While both models are expected to be on sale later in 2016, Hyundai could well deliver a concept model at one of the major auto shows in Europe or the US before 2015 draws to a close.
The LA Auto Show in November is an option, and we should definitely see something at the Detroit Motor Show next January, or perhaps the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016.
