Heading straight from Hyundai’s European design studio in Rüsselsheim to the Geneva Motor Show is the Hyundai i-Flow concept, finally unveiling its curvaceous shape and the technology punches by the South Korean manufacturer.

According to Hyundai, the i-Flow concept is a preview of the D-segment mid-size saloon contender that “carries forward the company’s evocative new ‘fluidic sculpture’ philosophy.” The flowing, elegant lines are joined by the long tail and the short front overhang along with low roofline and swoopy styling that combine to give the concept a futuristic look.

The same fluidic design language echoes in the interiors, that we see flowing through the dashboard to the doors and then rear with cutting-edge materials used to reduce weight.

Under the hood of the i-Flow concept  is seated Hyundai’s first  diesel-electric hybrid powertrain that consists of a 1.7-L two-stage turbocharged diesel unit mated to an electric-motor that gets its power from a lithium-ion battery pack. The engine is coupled with a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission. Also showcased is a new technology that uses flexible solar panels in the roof to keep the batteries topped up. The horsepower details still remain unknown; however, according to Hyundai, the i-Flow gets 78.4 mpg. The i-Flow also recycles the exhaust heat and uses a thermal engine encapsulation technology that drives the engine to an optimum operating temperature quickly by retaining heat when the engine gets idle.

Hyundai says that the i-Flow concept’s “looks and technology point the way to a new D-segment family car which will hit European showrooms in early 2011.”