Hyundai Says Plug-In Hybrid for U.S. by 2012; Aims For Volt and Prius

As hinted by Hyundai CEO John Krafcik earlier this week, officials in Korea have confirmed that the brand will bring over its first plug-in hybrid to the U.S. in late 2012.

The vehicle will reportedly be largely be based on the brand's Blue Will concept currently on display at the Seoul Motor Show and will go head-to-head with the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt, head of Hyundai-Kia R&D Yang Woong-chul said.

"We want to be the world leader in fuel economy and alternative fuels," he said.

The Blue-Will currently shown in Korea sports a 106-in. wheelbase and 1.6L direct-injection gasoline engine, not to mention some edgy styling thanks to a solar-cell-clad panoramic roof. Supplementing the engine is a 100-kw electric motor powered by Hyundai's own lithium-ion battery pack.

Yang estimates the Blue-Will has a range of 38 miles on electric power alone and can achieve 106 mpg in plug-in mode and 55 mpg in hybrid-electric mode.

"Almost every part on this car has been developed in-house," Yang said. "That will make it possible to make this vehicle affordable."

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)