Determined to hold on to their title as most eco-friendly car company, Hyundai introduced a new gas-hybrid concept at this month’s Detroit Auto Show. But the Blue Will is much more than just a plug-in hybrid car.

The Blue Will’s glass roof integrates an array of dye-sensitive solar panels designed to collect the sun’s energy while parked, recharging the battery and powering a small fan to keep the car cool. The power plant is a combination of an all-aluminum 152 horsepower gasoline direct-inject engine attached to a Continuously Variable Transmission and a 100 kW electric architecture. A lithium polymer battery runs the electric motor, a technology Hyundai will be using in its upcoming Elantra hybrid. The Blue Will can travel up to 40 miles on the battery alone, and with both the gasoline and electric engine engaged, gets an average of 100 miles per gallon or more.

One of the more innovative features of the concept car is the tailpipe. Hyundai has developed a thermal generator that mounts to the exhaust manifold to capture exhaust heat, converting it to electricity to power auxiliary systems in the vehicle. But the ideas don’t stop with power generation. Other high-tech innovations include:

• An ultra-thin Transparent Organic Light-Emitting Diode, which replaces the gauge cluster and displays in high-resolution color.

• A touch-screen interface display that controls the HVAC, drive selector, and infotainment systems.

• An “Eco-Coach” that graphically promotes fuel-saving behavior by providing constant feedback about fuel consumption and driving efficiency.

• Carbon-fiber reinforced plastics and nano-composites on the side sills, moldings, and fenders. Bioplastics have been used for panels and other interior and exterior parts.

With all these new innovations and features, one has to wonder what Hyundai will come up with next year.

View a previously written post by Mouli Cohen about concept cars