In 2017, Korean brand Hyundai unveiled its highly anticipated competitor for the Toyota Prius. It's called the Ioniq; it features a sporty design and a premium interior, and a drivetrain that rivals that of the Prius in terms of performance and efficiency. Hyundai also launched an all-electric version, but very soon we may also see a performance-oriented model hit the market. However, the latter may not come from Hyundai, but from tuning company Bisimoto Engineering, which just unveiled a souped-up Ioniq ahead of the 2017 SEMA Show.

While this tuning brand makes a living from developing and selling aftermarket updates for a range of cars, including the Dodge Viper and Porsche 911, it's quite famous for rolling spectacular concept cars at every SEMA show in recent years. And the U.S.-based brand has made a passion for Hyundai, preparing beefed-up versions of just about every important model made by the Korean company. This year will be the year of the Ioniq, which was turned into an innovative concept that integrates "the best hypermiling, economy and friction technologies" for enhanced fuel economy and drivability. Find out more about it below.

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2017 Hyundai HyperEconiq Ioniq

Specifications
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  • Model: 2017 Hyundai HyperEconiq Ioniq
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

As the name suggests, the HyperEconiq is a souped-up version of the four-door hybrid and the rendering created by Matko Graphics suggests just that. The first thing that catches the eye is the revised bodywork that includes new aerodynamic features. Called the Bisimoto Dream Aero Kit, the upgrade add a carbon-fiber splitter up front. While it might not seem like a lot, the element is quite aggressive and blends seamlessly in the Ioniq already sporty front fascia. The dark gray color and the absence of chrome trim also helps a lot.

But it the profile of the car that changed in a more dramatic fashion. The bland side sills are now enhanced by carbon-fiber skirts with small winglets toward the rear, while the regular wheels were swapped with carbon-fiber, 19-inch rollers made by Carbon Revolution. These lightweight rims are wrapped in low-rolling resistance, high-silica tires with ARP studs. The rear wheels are now covered by custom, body-painted covers, also part of the Bisimoto Dream Aero kit. Finally, the Ioniq sits closer to the ground by at least two inches compared to the standard model.

There's no rendering of the rear section, but the new trunk lid spoiler is quite obvious. The large aerodynamic element should be backed by a carbon-fiber diffuser. All told, the concept looks exciting, to say the least, and would make for a great performance version of the Ioniq. At least as far as design goes.

Interior

Note: Standard Hyundai Ioniq pictured here.

Bisimoto didn't release renderings or photos of the interior as of this writing, but did say that the Ioniq is fitted with Recaro Pole Position racing seats up front. Made from fiberglass, the Pole Position is a competition seat designed with a larger shell to suit taller and heavier drivers, which makes it more suitable for road-legal, high-performance cars. The seats shaped for superior lateral support and comfort and feature a specially molded back cushion which offers improved support for the spine. The seat design is approved by the FIA.

No other information is available about the car's interior, but it's safe to assume that Bisimoto meddled with the trim and upholstery too. But we will find out more about that at the SEMA Show.

Drivetrain

Note: Standard Hyundai Ioniq pictured here.

Bisimoto made most modifications under the shell, but unlike other concepts, upgrades aren't intended to improve performance. Instead, the aftermarket firm integrated new parts that reduce drivetrain friction and improve fuel economy.

The HyperEconiq concept uses enhanced e-generators that increase overall range, as well as a Bisimoto-designed pulse-chamber exhaust system for enhanced volumetric efficiency. The engine features NGK spark plugs, while the electric motor is fitted with inertial supercharging during valvetrain overlap. A bespoke, eco PurOl Elite Synthetic oil further reduced friction within the drivetrain.

Bisimoto also added Racepak OBD-monitoring electronics with interactive OBD cluster, a Progress Performance coilover suspension with optimized alignment settings, and Buddy Club aluminum brake calipers.

There's no word as to how these changes increase drivetrain performance, but it's safe to assume that the HyperEconiq will benefit from a little more than the standard 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Bisimoto claims that internal testing revealed a fuel economy of 83 mpg combined. That's a significant increase from the Ioniq's standard 54-mpg EPA rating.

Note: Standard Hyundai Ioniq pictured here.0}

While not as spectacular as the usual concepts we get to see at the SEMA Show, at least not in terms of design and performance, the HyperEconiq is an awesome rendition of what can be done with an otherwise uninspiring hybrid. The 83-mpg range estimate is downright impressive and trumps everything else in this segment, while Bisimoto's aerodynamic kit turns the good-looking, but still bland Ioniq into a sporty proposition that rivals the most exciting hot-hatches out there. Finger crossed that Bisimoto puts this package into production!

Conclusion

Hyundai Ioniq

Read our full review on the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq.

Read our full driven review on the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq.