Despite the 2011 Seoul Auto Show being held in their motherland, Korean OEs like Hyundai didn’t make use of their home-court advantage. Other than a bunch of older auto show circuit vehicles making domestic appearances, there were no shocking developments or big reveals. Boo. Feeling a bit blue, we came across a sole Seoul gem, the Hyundai Blue2 concept.
Pronounced “blue square” (as if the 2 were an exponent), the Blue2 is Hyundai’s first foray into world of fuel-cell electric sedans—a mid-size one at that. The name comes from Hyundai’s eco efforts, which go by the name of “blue.” The number “2” is from H2, the molecular formula for hydrogen gas. How that translated to “blue square” and not “blue two” is beyond us, especially with the latter name rhyming. Look at Dr. Seuss and all the success he had with rhymes.
The Nuts and Bolts
On to the hardware. The fuel-cell electric system in the Blue2 is rated at 90 kW, which is about 121 hp. With its flowing design, low rolling resistance tires and aerodynamically designed alloy wheels, the Blue2 has a claimed efficiency of 34.9 km per liter, or 82.09 mpg.
The exterior design features what Hyundai refers to as “Intersected Flow.” If that means the mouth of a Maserati, the headlights and stance of an Audi and a rear that resembles aChevy Camaro/Hyundai Genesis Coupe mash-up, we’re in. Funky LED panels on the front and rear are used to display the vehicle’s condition, although we can think of a creative use or two for the highway tailgater.
Antibacterial Leather? Sick! Er…
Eco-friendly materials make their way into the interior, although the leaf design on the antibacterial leather-clad seatbacks might’ve told you that. The doors are automatic, and a welcome system recognizes the driver, which certainly would be helpful in a carjacking.
All that aside, the rear seat monitors, sleek interior design, starship-like driver’s instrumentation and Tron-esque blue light going every which way make the cabin about the coolest aspect of the Blue2. It appeals to the Sci-Fi nerd in me. I yearn for technology like the Transparent Organic Light Emitting Diode (TOLED) monitor in the dash or the Motion Sensor Moustick—a haptic wheel and motion sensor that uses your touch and hand movements to operate the infotainment system—to trickle their way into a production car and eventually into a future car of mine. Till then, I’ll have to settle with feeling a bit blue. Blue square, even.
