MOTORING NEWS - Korean motor company Hyundai has unveiled the successor to its fuel-cell powered Tucson at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
The Next-Generation Fuel Cell Vehicle (Nexo) showed updated styling and technology, increased power and torque, improved fuel economy and a range of 596km, with refuelling taking only five minutes.
As Autodealer recently reported, Hyundai is aggressive in developing its hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles and this car follows the Tucson FCEV launched in 2014.
The Nexo's funky styling is the most noticeable change compared to its predecessor, presenting a split headlamp setup, a sleek silhouette, large multi-spoke wheels and flush, as well as funky pop-out door handles.
The Nexo has a host of electronic driver aids to help improve safety.
It features an industry-first blind-spot view monitor (BVM) that uses wide-angle cameras on either side of the car and a display in the cluster to provide a video feed of areas around the car that wouldn't be visible through a traditional rear-view mirror.
Lane Following Assist (LFA) makes its debut on the Nexo. Combined with highway driving assist (HDA), this enables Nexo to maintain lane position and a safe distance from the vehicle in front at speeds between 0 and 145km/h.
Finally, the Nexo has remote smart parking assist (RSPA), which will allow it to park or retrieve itself from a parking space.
Significantly improved over its predecessor, the Nexo's drivetrain includes a lighter and more powerful fuel-cell stack and battery.
This brings output from 124kW to 135kW. Hyundai is also developing the Nexo to be used as a mobile energy station to provide power to camper vans.
The electric motor's power and torque has been increased from 100kW to 120kW and 300Nm to 395Nm, respectively.
Zero to 97km takes 9,5 seconds, which is 3 seconds less than the Tucson. Hyundai also says the new powertrain is more durable and can withstand temperatures ranging from -29ºC to 49ºC.
The range figure has now increased to an estimated 596km, compared to the Tucson's 427km.
The NEXO also supports 350bar and 700bar refuelling systems,enabling it to be refuelled in 5 minutes.
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