Hyundai Blue-Will to Attend 2010 NAIAS

Hyundai will display the already-popular Blue-Will concept at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, with the model expected to hit the United States market as soon as 2012, if we are to trust the rumors. This is the first hybrid released under Hyundai's badge but up until now, there's no confirmation on its release date around the globe.

The BLUE-WILL concept is powered by an all-aluminum gasoline direct injection 1.6l engine, mated onto a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and a 100kw electric motor. The vehicle also draws power from the panoramic roof's integrated sensitized solar cells. The battery pack is fitted, together with the fuel tank, under the rear seats to maximize luggage space.

Fuel economy figures are really encouraging, if we trust the official data provided by Hyundai. The concept can go for as much as 38 miles (60 km) in electric mode only, while fuel consumption ratings stands at 106 mpg (2.2l/100 km) in plug-in mode and up to 55 (4.2l/100 km) in hybrid mode.

"We want to show our technological image to get people to the dealerships to drive our cars," said Yang Woong-chul, president of Hyundai-Kia Motors' research and development division, a few months ago when Hyundai revealed the concept for the first time. "We are not necessarily trying to make money on hybrids."

In order to demonstrate how environmentally-friendly the concept actually is, the BLUE-WILL concept uses PET soft drinks bottles as the main material for the headlamp bezels, while bio-degradable bio-plastics (made from plant extracts) have been used for the interior.