Hyundai will be rolling out the green carpet this year at the Paris Motor Show, with the unveiling of its i20 and Santa Fe Blue Hybrid. While Hyundai has already released one image of its new i20, the Korean automaker has kept the wraps on the Santa Fe Blue Hybrid – until today.
Technically dubbed the Santa Fe Blue Hybrid Concept, the hybrid SUV is more a lightly disguised pre-production model rather than a show car. Underhood, the Santa Fe hybrid uses Hyundai’s new hybrid drivetrain, which pairs the automaker’s Theta 2.4L four-cylinder with an electric motor. That electric motor generates 41 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, which should give the Santa Fe a little more pep to go along with its increased fuel economy, which is rated at 38 mpg in the European cycle. Power is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Of note, Hyundai says the Santa Fe Blue Hybrid’s drivetrain will serve as the basis for all future Hyundai hybrid models.
The Santa Fe Blue Hybrid also utilizes a number of other fuel-saving measures, such as low-roll resistance tires, low-friction crankcase oil, engine stop/start and electrically powered steering.
Battery power is supplied via a lithium-polymer battery pack – which is expected to be the first of its type to market. Hyundai claims the lithium-polymer has several advantaged compared to a lithium-ion battery, including cheaper production costs and better wear over the life of the battery.
Hyundai will bring a hybrid version of its Elantra sedan to the Japanese market next July, although the hybrid Santa Fe likely won’t be far behind.
