Green was a very popular color at the Detroit Auto Show this year with eco-friendly vehicles appearing all across the show floor. However, after the unveiling of Hyundai’s new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) concept car, it’s possible that blue might be the new green. The vehicle, dubbed the Blue-Will, is Hyundai’s first ever PHEV, and it looks to position the company as a leader in hybrid technology.

Operating on a strong parallel hybrid system, the vehicle can drive solely under electric power, internal combustion, or a combination of both. On a single charge, the lithium polymer battery is capable of powering the car for up to 40 miles. Such versatility would allow it to adapt to each owner’s commuting lifestyle, which seems to constantly fluctuate in response to ever-changing gas prices.

Although the Blue-Will is still a concept model, in Kansas City Hyundai 2010 models supporting this technology are scheduled to appear late this year with the first one being the new Sonata BlueDrive hybrid.

In addition to the potential savings from decreased gas dependency, Kansas City new car dealers realize that consumers have also begun to evaluate their car’s impact on the environment as well as their pocketbook.

The Blue-Will appears set to deliver on that front as well. It sports a panoramic glass roof with solar cells for recharging batteries and a thermal generator that converts hot exhaust gasses into electricity. Both of these technological advancements enable the vehicle to prolong its battery life, thereby minimizing the amount of gas used and exhaust produced.

Other design aspects meant to bolster fuel economy include low-friction tires, a full-length cover to minimize aerodynamic drag, and a lighter body made possible by carbon-fiber reinforced plastics and bioplastics. As a result, the fuel economy rating of the Blue-Will is expected to be more than 100 miles per gallon.

For Kansas City new car buyers, the future is looking bright, or should I say blue? With Hyundai and their Blue-Will concept model leading innovation, the cars of tomorrow promise to push the boundaries of fuel economy and low emission levels.