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Hyundai's diesel-electric hybrid dream car

Hyundai has released preview images and details of its i-flow concept, which will bow at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

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Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
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Antuan Goodwin
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Hyundai i-flow concept
Under this swoopy hood is Hyundai's first diesel-electric hybrid power train. Hyundai

Hyundai has released preview images and details of its i-flow concept, which will bow at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The concept will be powered by Hyundai's first diesel-electric hybrid power train and should slip through the air with a slippery 0.25Cd drag coefficient.

Hyundai i-flow concept
The Hyundai i-flow's swoopy body helps the concept to slip through the air with little drag. Hyundai

At the heart of the i-flow's power train his Hyundai's new 1.7-liter turbodiesel engine that shares motivational duties with a yet-undisclosed electric motor and a lithium ion-polymer battery pack. Hyundai also makes no mention of what sort of hybrid system the i-flow will use. Judging by the size of the engine and the six-speed, dual-clutch transmission putting power to the wheels, we can rule out extended range EV (like the Chevy Volt). However, we're still not sure if the concept will be a full hybrid (like the Toyota Prius) or an electric-assist hybrid (like the Honda Insight). What we do know is that Hyundai estimates CO2 output of just 85g/km and fuel consumption of 78mpg (3l/100km).

We'll have more details and live photos of the i-flow concept when it is unveiled alongside an updated Elantra Touring and six other Hyundai world debuts in Geneva next week.