Hyundai previews Intrado fuel-cell crossover concept

Tue, 10 Dec 2013

We may still be several months off from the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, but it's apparently not too early for Hyundai to give us a glimpse at what to expect when the Palexpo's doors open in March.

Called Intrado, Hyundai's new concept car takes the form of a high-riding crossover with styling that takes its cues from the Korean automaker's Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language. Designed and engineered in Germany, the concept bears the codename HED-9, a giveaway that it's the ninth concept from Hyundai Europe Design. Inspiration is said to have been drawn from aircraft, with a lightweight form and a name borrowed from the underside of an airplane's wing.

Hyundai isn't saying much more, revealing only the teaser rendering above. But it has indicated that the Intrado concept packs a new hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain that's both smaller and lighter than the one powering the existing ix35 Fuel Cell, which (last we heard) Hyundai was hoping to bring Stateside as part of its Tuscon lineup by 2015.

Intrado(HED-9) Concept to Demonstrate Hyundai Motor Commitment to Innovation
Intrado concept to demonstrate Hyundai Motor's continuing commitment to innovation

- First Hyundai concept car with styling inspired by Fluidic Sculpture 2.0
- Lightweight structure uses advanced materials and revolutionary construction
- Next-generation of hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain is smaller and lighter

Offenbach, Germany, 10 December 2013

At the 2014 Geneva Motor Show Hyundai Motor is set to unveil Intrado, an iconic concept car that confirms the company's ongoing commitment to innovation by previewing future developments for the brand.

Intrado is built around a super-lightweight structure made from a mixture of advanced materials and joined using a revolutionary technique that has the potential to change the way cars are constructed in the future. The car also features a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain that is both smaller and lighter than that powering the assembly-line-produced Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell.

Intrado will be the first Hyundai concept car to feature styling inspired by Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, the latest iteration of Hyundai's design language. The result of close collaboration between Hyundai Motor's design and engineering teams, Intrado was styled and engineered primarily at Hyundai Motor European R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany &ndash as indicated by its codename, HED-9 (Hyundai Europe Design).

Intrado takes its name from the underside of an aircraft's wing, which produces lift, enabling flight to take place. The advanced technical aspects of Intrado also take inspiration from aircraft, such as the use of advanced materials, removal of all unnecessary weight, a style born solely of purpose, and a highly efficient powertrain.

Peter Schreyer, President & CDO of Hyundai Motor Group, commented: "Hyundai Intrado envisages a motoring future that encapsulates the efficiency and freedom associated with flying. I believe in the power of mobility to deliver emotional as well as physical connections and this car helps us find again the joy of discovery. Intrado shows that future cars can be both relevant and exciting."

More information about Intrado will be revealed ahead of the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

By Noah Joseph