From the Spies: Hyundai Equus (VI) Interior Snapped

Model: 2010 Hyundai Equus (VI)
Speculated engines: 3.8L Lambda V6 (290 hp) & 4.6L Tau V8 (375 hp) & 5.0L Tau V8 (420+ hp)
Release date: March 2009
Predecessor: Hyundai Equus/Centennial (based on Mitsubishi Proudia)
Additional Info: RWD; Will not be sold in the U.S.; Lane Departure Warning System; Pre-Safe seatbelts; Regular wheelbase and Limousine; 5.0L Limousine model to exceed 130 million Won in Korea

Read More

Replay: Hyundai Genesis vows to win Canadian Car of the Year

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) has announced that the 2009 Canadian Car of the Year will be either the Hyundai Genesis, Mazda6 or Toyota Corolla. The Hyundai Genesis already won "Best New Luxury Car Under $50K" in Canada, and recently took home the continent's most prestigious honors of "North American Car of the Year" at the Detroit Auto Show.

The results were released by international accounting firm KPMG, which secretly tabulates the results of journalists’ votes from the annual three-day test event held at Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, in late October.

Also announced, the winner of the 2009 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year will come from the Ford Flex, Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Subaru Forester; the Best New Design will be either the Honda Fit, Jaguar XF Supercharged or Volkswagen Passat CC; and, the Best New Technology winner will be General Motors’ OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, Infiniti’s Around View Monitor or Mitsubishi’s Super-All-Wheel Control.

All winners will be declared February 11, 2009 during press preview day for the 2009 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

Read More

EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Equus (VI) undisguised!

Here are the very first images of an undisguised prototype of Hyundai's upcoming flagship sedan, Equus, code-named "VI". The automaker's new RWD sedan is set to replace the aging Equus in the South Korean market, and is speculated to shatter the 100 million Won bar for the range-topping model.

According to a Hyundai executive, the Equus will be sold in four configurations. At launch this March, the V6 and V8 regular wheelbase models will go on sale. The former will be powered by a 290 hp 3.8L Lambda V6, while the latter will pack the coveted 375 hp 4.6L Tau V8.

Later in the year, Hyundai will introduce the limousine variants of the 3.8L V6 and a yet-to-be-released 5.0L V8. Sources estimate the latter's power output to exceed 400 horsepower. The 5.0L V8 limousine will be priced at 130 million Won (USD$94,710). Size wise, the Equus (regular wheelbase) will span 5160 mm in length, 1900 mm in width, and 1495 mm in height.

Hyundai has no plans to export the Equus to international markets, such as Europe and North America.

READ: We have extensively edited the image to remove major scuffs in the image, especially around the roofline and profile of the car, in order to give you a clearer representation of the design.

Read More

Kia Soul gets Lotus tuned suspension for the UK

Kia announced today that the new Kia Soul, which will go on sale in the UK in March 2009, gets a Lotus tuned suspension and handling package. The company says the new Kia Soul is the first model in its line-up to be developed specifically with UK roads and drivers in mind.

The Kia Soul has been performing various tests on the British roads since late 2008 and with the work done by Lotus on the ride and handing package it has improved suspension settings and bump stops.

The Kia Soul with the new specific suspension package will be available in Europe, the US and UK.

Read More

Kia Cee'd available with Idle Stop and Go

Kia Motors announced on Wednesday that it began selling Cee'd vehicles equipped with the Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system in Europe.

ISG is a fuel saving system that automatically shuts down the engine when the car is idling and restarts the engine when the car begins moving. According to the company, the ISG system can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 percent in urban conditions and a cee'd fitted with the system emits 6 percent less carbon dioxide than conventional cee'ds.

The new fuel saving system is available on 1.4- and 1.6-liter gasoline models and the company plans to launch a 1.6-liter diesel model fitted with the ISG system within the year.

Read More

History Made: Hyundai Genesis is 2009 North American Car of the Year

The folks over at Hyundai are likely sipping pina coladas as they celebrate an unequivocable historic moment for the company. Hyundai's new 2009 Genesis has been crowned 2009's North American Car of the Year at this year's Detroit Auto Show, narrowly beating the Ford Flex and Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The truck honors went to the redesigned 2009 Ford F-150.

To be eligible for the top prize, a vehicle had to be all-new, completely redesigned or "substantially changed," and available to customers during calendar year 2008. From among those vehicles, a jury of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada narrowed the list down to three cars and three trucks that were eligible for the final award.

Hyundai's first foray into the risky luxury segment has only yielded positive results for both the Genesis' sales performance and, more significantly, the brand's cripped image in America. The Genesis already made history when it was the first Korean car to be nominated as a finalist for the prestigious NACOTY award. From there, we knew that Hyundai's new genesis had begun, as Hyundai had planned.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading to view the official press release.

PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI GENESIS NAMED 2009 NORTH AMERICAN CAR OF THE YEAR

HYUNDAI TAKES HOME ITS FIRST NORTH AMERICAN CAR OF THE YEAR HONOR

DETROIT, 01/11/2009 After months of expert test-drives, critical acclaim and independent awards, the Hyundai Genesis took top honors in the most exclusive award in North America when it was named 2009 North American Car of the Year.

A jury of 50 independent automotive journalists evaluated all the new cars introduced last year and chose the 2009 Hyundai Genesis as the best new model. The award was announced at a news conference at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

“Genesis represents everything we’ve learned, so far, about engineering great automobiles – and we’re delighted that the judges have recognized the good work of our R&D teams,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America acting president and chief executive officer. “And we’re not stopping here…Genesis will share company in Hyundai showrooms this spring with its rear-wheel drive platform-mate, the Genesis Coupe.”

This year the jurors considered more than 50 new vehicles before selecting the top three cars and top three trucks. The Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Ford Flex were the other finalists.

The North American Car of the Year award is decided by a jury of 50 independent, full-time automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. This is the 16th year of the awards, which were inspired by the prestigious European “Car of the Year.” They are administered by an organizing committee and are funded exclusively with dues paid by the jurors. Jurors judge the cars on a number of factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 780 dealerships nationwide.

Read More

NAIAS 2009: Kia unveils Soul'ster Concept

At this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Kia unveiled the highly-hyped Soul'ster Concept. Based on the upcoming Kia Soul that is due to go on sale in the U.S. in April, the Soul'ster is a two-door, open-air variant that is vaguely reminiscent of the infamous Kia Sportage Convertible from the 90's. In contrast, however, the Soul'ster comes off as a sleek, well-proportioned, and I might daresay sexy roadster.

Officials have given no word regarding the Soul'ster's possibility of production. Who knows? Kia might flip through its gloomy archives and forget the idea. On the other hand, the automaker might create a niche segment and offer it as a limited-production model.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading to view a hi-res image gallery and the official the press release.



PRESS RELEASE: KIA MOTORS AMERICA SHOWCASES THE SOUL’STER CONCEPT AT 2009 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Open-Air Concept Heats Up the Show

- Distinctive design portrays style, practicality and efficiency
- Kia Motors America design team delivers another high-style concept

DETROIT, Mich., January 11, 2009 – Bringing a sunny beach feeling into Cobo Center on a cold day in January, Kia Motors America (KMA) arrives at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit with the Soul’ster open-air concept, a variation of the highly anticipated Soul, arriving at Kia Motors retailers this spring. With young buyers’ budgets in mind, the Soul’ster is an efficient front-drive car based on the production model Soul, recently introduced at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

“Soul’ster delivers something new, intriguing and relevant to today’s buyers – a fun, affordable convertible for active people who like to share good times with friends,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer, KMA. “Defying categorization and providing utility and practicality, the Soul’ster exhibits distinctive design cues and satisfies multiple consumer needs.”

Stylin’ Soul’r Yellow Design

A two-door concept with roadster roots, the brightly colored Soul’r yellow Soul’ster projects a hip industrial look with screw borders, reminiscent of a rivet design found on a fighter jet. The windshield is shortened for a sportier and hunkered down appearance. A two-piece top enables passengers to expose the front and back seating areas independently, using elbow-grease technology. The roll bar serves a dual purpose and includes a place for the slider tracks, while providing protection not found in traditional convertibles.

With a unique face, Soul’ster has a tough but refined character. The toughness is expressed through details like the anodized skid-pad insert, which matches the fender vents, roll bar header and wheels.

Soul’ster’s attitude incorporates lighting that shines through with an amber glow under the headlamps. The side vents, side-mirror turn signals, unique LED headlamps, fog and tail lamps incorporate blue shades.

The energetic, distinctive look carries from front to rear with dual chrome exhaust and polished aluminum exhaust tips featuring carbon-fiber interior sleeves. The large 19-inch, five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels perfect the Soul’ster’s appearance. Regardless of Soul’ster being viewed from front, back or side, it offers innovative perspectives derived from the original Soul.

Inside Out

Once inside, Soul’ster takes even more progressive variations from Soul beginning with the new four-passenger seating design, a diversion from Soul’s five-passenger arrangement, lending spacious versatility for long summer weekends. The surprisingly flexible Soul’ster provides real seating for two in the front with comfortable seating for two more adults in the back. Fold-flat passenger and rear seats combined with ample headroom make this the perfect car for social outings outdoors and on the beach with friends. Making basic features hot, its crank-up windows are a purposefully key interior design element as are the dashboard-integrated audio speakers.

Adding to the edgy design scheme, the non-floor-mounted cantilevered seats project the illusion of being suspended in space when viewed from the side allowing for increased rear legroom. Storage compartments below each of the fold-flat rear seats, offer room for myriad cargo needs. In addition to the spacious cargo area, dual storage compartments also can be found in the rear and underneath the cargo hold area.

All Revved Up

With young buyers in mind, Soul’ster offers an agile, smooth and spirited ride. As with its Soul cousin, Soul’ster’s can be made available with a myriad of engine choices depending upon each market’s needs. A 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, which produces approximately 120 horsepower. For those looking for a little more power, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is available with either the five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, producing approximately 140 horsepower. Fuel economy for both engines is estimated at 30 or more miles per gallon. Other markets might choose the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 124 horsepower or a 1.6-liter turbodiesel.

2009 Product Line

Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line of 11 vehicles to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The 2009 vehicle line features the functional Rondo CUV and award-winning Sedona minivan along with a wide variety of popular passenger cars, including the refined Amanti full size sedan, purposeful Optima mid size sedan, versatile and compact Spectra and Spectra5, and sporty yet fuel efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the all-new and affordably luxurious Borrego, rugged Sorento and value-packed Sportage SUVs. The Soul will further complement the lineup when it arrives in dealerships this spring.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. marketshare. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”

Kia Motors America is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

Read More

Keep 'Em Comin: Hyundai Genesis Named Consumer Report's Top-Rated Upscale Sedan

The momentum is only continuing for the highly coveted 2009 Hyundai Genesis, as Consumer Reports recently crowned it the top upscale sedan in a 12-car comparison test. The Genesis beat a competitive batch of offerings, such as the Acura TL, Jaguar XF, Lincoln MKS, Nissan Maxima, and Pontiac G8. Also a finalist for the 2009 North American Car of the Year title, the Genesis was praised for its luxurious refinements coupled to its unbeatable value.

"The Hyundai Genesis rivals high-end luxury sedans but costs considerably less," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center. "Its luxurious and spacious interior and quietness far transcend its relatively modest price."

The model tested was a V6 with Premium Plus package, which retails for $36,000 (destination charges included) and is powered by a 290 hp 3.8L V6. The Genesis, however, did not get a recommendation nod from CR due to the absence of reliability data. The close runner-up was the Lexus ES350.

[Source: Inside Line: Edmunds]

Read More

Official: Hyundai releases first renderings of Equus (VI)

Hyundai has revealed the first official renderings of their upcoming flagship sedan, Equus, code-named 'VI'. The Equus is due to be officially unveiled next month in South Korea, the only country where it is expected to be sold.

The renderings do not surprise, as the recent stream of spyshots has given us sufficient clues on how the Equus would shape up. According to Hyundai's Korean statement, the car will feature LED technology in the headlights - a Hyundai first - and incorporate LED taillights as well. Similar to Mercedes-Benz, the Equus will also feature Pre-Safe seatbelts. Other innovations include Vehicle Stability Management II and Lane Departure Warning System.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading to view the rear-view rendering.

Read More

Hyundai Genesis Sales on Target

According to MediaPost, Hyundai has sold 5,127 units of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. The Genesis has been on sale in the U.S. since July 2008, and 1,151 examples have moved off the lot in November 2008 alone.

"Genesis has helped move the needle away from how Hyundai has been perceived," Ewanick said. "Net consideration is the way we look at awareness and consideration for the Hyundai brand, and that has improved 25 percent this year alone." He also stated that 90 percent of Genesis buyers were new to Hyundai, and 40 percent migrated from luxury automakers such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus.

Hyundai's marketing blitz continues as the automaker announced plans to air two 30-second commercials highlighting the upcoming 2010 Genesis Coupe, during Super Bowl next February. The ads reportedly cost over $6 million to air that day.

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

Read More