Hyundai's New Toyota Prius Fighter Spotted Testing
Hyundai has its eyes set on competing with the Toyota Prius.
The Korean automaker is readying a new hybrid model designed to take on the Prius and the Prius V and is currently testing its powertrain with Elantra GT mules. A total of four mules were spied testing with different levels of body modifications, hinting that a new model is in the works, rather than an Elantra hybrid.
One of the mules is seen sporting additional body modifications in the rear that the others don’t have, the tip off that there will be two different models of the Hyundai hybrid. One will compete with the regular Prius, and a larger model will go up against the Prius-V.
SEE ALSO: New Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Delayed Until 2016
The spy photographers were also able to snap interior photos along with pictures of the underbody as well, revealing an orange, high-voltage cable that is attached to a battery pack under the rear seats. It also appears that Hyundai won’t be pursuing a plug-in hybrid variant, at least not initially.
This isn’t the first time we have heard of a Prius rival from Hyundai, as the company rolled out the Blue-Will Concept all the way back in 2010. It was powered by a 152-hp 1.6-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder engine and a 100kW electric motor.
GALLERY: Hyundai Hybrid Mules
GALLERY: Hyundai Blue-Will Concept
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Curious - if they needed a longer rear overhang, why extend an i30 hatchback / Elantra GT shell when they could have used a Euro-market i30 wagon shell?