Hyundai Introduces New Small Car for Europe, Korea at the Frankfurt Motor Show
9 September 1997
Hyundai Introduces New Small Car for Europe, Korea at the Frankfurt Motor Show
Atos Has New Epsilon Engine, Optional Automatic Clutch System
Vehicle Developed in Just 23 Months
FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 9 -- The Atos, an all-new small car
from Hyundai Motor Company, was unveiled today at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The car, one size below U.S. subcompacts such as the Hyundai Accent, is
designed for European, Korean and Asian markets and will not be sold in the
United States.
The Atos was developed in only 23 months (from the design freeze), a
record setting development time for the Korean auto industry and a testament
to the sophistication of Hyundai's research, engineering, design and
manufacturing divisions.
In developing the car, the objective of Hyundai designers was to create
true interior spaciousness in an urban-sized vehicle. Utilizing what they
call the fusion concept, designers combined the space maximizing
characteristics of minivans with the economy, practicality and size of a
minicar.
The result, or fusion, of these two approaches created a very small
exterior package -- the overall length is 137.6 inches and the wheelbase is
93.7 inches -- with an interior that can seat NBA players with ease. Indeed,
the front headroom of 40.6 inches and rear headroom of 38.4 inches are greater
than those of a Toyota Camry.
The car's overall height of 63.7 inches, minivan like square rear roof
line and carefully designed interior all contribute to the maximizing interior
room for driver and passengers.
Also contributing both to interior spaciousness and overall stability, the
four wheels are positioned at the far corners of the unibody vehicle. Rear
overhang is just 18.9 inches and front overhang is only 25 inches.
At the front of the car, separated by the slatted grille, large ovoid-
shaped headlights are pushed to the edges of the vehicle for a "wide-eyed"
look. At the rear, vertically elongated tail lights run from above the belt
line to the roof, providing a sense of height and volume, in addition to
obvious safety advantages.
Inside the vehicle the styling emphasizes functionality and simplicity,
but still offers plenty of conveniences. There is a full center console with
tray, cupholders, coin box, passenger side visor mirror, interior fuel door
and rear hatch releases. Power windows and door looks are available.
Atos is powered by the newly designed Hyundai Epsilon engine. The three
valves per cylinder 1.0-liter engine develops 55 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 61
pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. Fuel is provided to the cylinders via
electronic multi-port fuel injection and the modified pentroof combustion
chamber utilizes tumble port design which produces a high swirl effect for
better fuel efficiency.
The 1.0-liter powerplant will be used in all export markets, while a 800
cc motor will be used in vehicles sold in Korea. The export engine uses a
three-way catalytic converter with exhaust gas recirculation and is fully
compliant with EC Euro II emission standards.
The Epsilon is the third powerplant Hyundai has designed and engineered,
following in the wake of the company's Alpha and Beta engines.
The Atos comes with either of two Hyundai designed and engineered
transmissions. The standard gearbox is a five-speed manual transmission and a
fully automatic electronically controlled transmission is optionally
available. Among the Atos' technical innovations is the optional ACS
(Automatic Clutch System), used with the manual transmission. The ACS
eliminates the need for the driver to active a clutch, while delivering the
performance and economy of a manual transmission.
The ACS is governed by an electronic control unit which receives
information on the current gear selected, throttle position and engine rpm as
well as other data. An electric motor is used to create hydraulic pressure
which in turn can engage or disengage the clutch.
When the driver wishes to shift he removes his foot from the gas pedal,
which disengages the clutch. He then selects a new gear and pushes down on
the gas pedal, which engages the clutch.
The Atos has fully independent suspension. In the front there are
MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar. The rear suspension utilizes a three-
link and torsion beam design with stabilizer bar. The steering system is a
rack-and-pinion and power assisted steering is optionally available,
The Atos runs on 155/70 R-13 tires. Braking is done with front discs and
rear drums and a four-channel, four-sensor ABS system is optionally available.
The car comes with driver and passenger side airbags, side impact
protection, chlld-safety rear door locks, and an energy absorbing steering
column.
Hyundai Motor Company is the largest automotive company in South Korea.
It exports cars to 190 countries around the world, including the United
States.
SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
