Hyundai previews Blue-Will plug-in hybrid

Hyundai has given us our first look at its Blue-Will plug-in hybrid concept. While the silhouette is nice and the proportions are pleasing, there are more character lines and creases than it appears the designers could handle. Then again, it's a concept, so we can forgive the wonky design.

Under the Blue-Will's sculpted hood are a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, a 100kw electric motor, and a continuously variable transmission putting power to the wheels. If that configuration sounds familiar, it's because the Blue-Will is boasting a very second-gen Toyota Prius-like setup. However, the Hyundai concept also brings gasoline direct injection, plug-in charging, and a panoramic glass roof with integrated solar cells to keep the batteries' charge topped off.

The batteries in question are lithium ion polymer packs that Hyundai has bundled with the gasoline tank under the rear seats. These are the same units that will power the Korean market Elantra LPI Hybrid when it goes on sale in July 2009.

Adding to the Blue-Will's green cred is Hyundai's use of recycled PET soft-drink bottles as the raw material for the headlamp bezels and the use of biodegradable bio-plastics made from plant extracts for the interior and engine cover.

The Hyundai Blue-Will concept will be officially revealed at the Seoul Motor Show, which opens on April 2.