Hyundai Reveals Facelifted 2010 Grandeur

Hyundai has released the first official image and information of the refreshed 2010 Grandeur today. The automaker has also begun to take orders for the car, ahead of its official launch scheduled for the 16th of this month. The new Grandeur (Azera) receives a host of changes both inside and out including a redesigned front fascia, rear fascia, and added safety features. In the Korean market, Hyundai will market the car as "The Luxury Grandeur."

The facelifted Grandeur receives an array of styling updates including a redesigned chrome grille and sharper headlights. A sleeker front bumper, highlighted by larger air intakes and round foglights, is reminiscent of the Genesis. According to Hyundai, the rear end of the Grandeur is also revised, but no images of that have been released as of yet. Redesigned alloy wheels round up the exterior changes of the new Grandeur.

According to Hyundai, the interior of the new Grandeur will remain much the same save for a more luxurious Alcantara trimming also found in the Equus. Standard amenities include Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), LED side repeaters, and voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free.

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Kia Soul Awarded 2010 "Top Safety Pick" by IIHS

The 2010 Kia Soul has been given a 2010 “Top Safety Pick” award for the second consecutive time this year in the Small Car category by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). On the heels of being given a “2010 Automotive Excellence Award” by Popular Mechanics, named to TIME.com’s “Most Exciting Cars of 2010” list and being named one of “10 Great and Safe Rides for Teens” by AutoWeek magazine, the spunky and youthful Kia five-door was one of only five small cars to earn the organization’s top honor for earning “Good” ratings – the highest achievable – in frontal, side, rear and rollover impact crash safety tests.

“Since its launch in March, Soul has lived up to its tagline of being Kia Motors’ affordable halo vehicle by winning numerous awards and consistently being a media and consumer favorite,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of Kia Motors America (KMA). “Soul being honored with a ‘Top Safety Pick’ for a second time solidifies it as a top contender in its segment as a vehicle that offers consumers the entire package.”

All trim levels for the Soul come standard with many safety features including front seat active headrests, dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain airbags, an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

[Source: Description]

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Hyundai Unveils Direct Injected 2.4L 4-cylinder Engine

Hyundai Motor Company has officially unveiled the long anticipated 2.4L Theta GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) 4-cylinder powertrain today at the Hyundai-Kia International Powertrain Conference in Korea. The direct-injected inline-4 is scheduled make its debut under the hood of the company's mid-size Sonata sedan early next year.

Producing an impressive 201 horsepower at 6,300rpm and 25.5 kgf.m (184 lb.ft) of torque at 4,250rpm, the GDI powerplant surpasses GM's rivalling 2.4L DI counterpart that produces 182 horsepower and 174 lb.ft of torque.

GDI has been applied to the second generation of Theta, the Theta II featuring numerous design enhancements over its predecessor including the application of a three-stage variable induction system (VIS) which improves engine ‘breathing’, automatically adjusting the volume of the air sucked into the combustion chamber to create the ‘optimal’ air-to-fuel mix under different engine load conditions.

Further performance gains were made possible by incorporating Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT), which improves engine breathing on the intake and exhaust sides for better fuel economy and lower emissions. Depending on engine load and speed, DCVVT can extend or shorten the duration of the valve opening and closing for more power and lower emissions. The DCVVT system is governed by a new steel chain with an innovative roller and tooth designed for silent operation and durability.

According to Hyundai, the automaker spent over 170 billion Won (US$146.4 million) in research and development of the GDI powertrain over a span of 46 months. The new engine complies with ULEV-2 (ultra-low emission vehicle) and PZEV (partial zero emission vehicle) standards. GDI application will subsequently be expanded across the gasoline engine family and applied to other Hyundai models.

[Source: Yonhap News via Hyundai]

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2012 Hyundai Accent (RB): New Spy Shots Emerge

This time, rocking in an alluring tone of red. Truth be told, we have very little information on Hyundai's upcoming redesign for the subcompact Accent. The current generation Accent, sold as the Verna in South Korea and various other markets, has been on sale since 2005. Thus, within Hyundai's rapidly changing line-up, the soldiering Accent is becoming more and more out of place amongst its siblings and a complete overhaul seems to be of reason. And judging by the brand's recent wave of impressive rollouts, the all-new Accent will be another proof that the Hyundai of today should be a force to be reckoned with.

From the spy shots, it is very apparent that the redesigned Accent is essentially a miniaturized counterpart of the YF Sonata. Another embodiment of Hyundai's new "Fluidic Sculpture" design scheme, the RB Accent incorporates a steeper windshield rake, stretched headlamps, sleek side profile, short front & rear overhangs, and a short boot deck. The side window profile is a familiar sight from the current Elantra, YF Sonata, and the upcoming redesigned Elantra (MD), and side mirrors with turn signals add a touch of elegance.

With regards to the upcoming Accent's powertrain line-up, we have no information. The RB Accent is tentatively scheduled for release in early 2011 as a 2012 model. Stay tuned for more information and images as they become available to us.

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Korea: 2010 Kia Carens Adds New Features

Kia Motors has commenced sales of the 2010 Carens (Rondo in North America) multi-purpose vehicle in South Korea today. The 2010 model adds a myriad of appealing new features including new 17-inch "Black Luxury" alloy wheels, Supervision cluster, ETCS (Electronic Toll Collection System), and integrated Bluetooth hands-free system. Also new for 2010 is an available gasoline-powered model.

The exterior of the 2010 Carens is highlighted by a set of redesigned side mirrors with LED turn signals that adds both elegance and safety. The new 17-inch "Black Luxury" alloy wheels, standard in the top trim, pay homage to Kia's new penchant for high-gloss black in the brand's domestic line-up.

For 2010, Kia also introduced two new trim levels: GX Family and GLX Family. The GX Family adds a front passenger airbag, ABS, rear parking assist, and Carmel Beige seats. The GLX Family trim adds active headrests, VDC, rear parking assist, and Carmel Beige seats.

Under the hood, the 2010 Carens is now available in either gasoline or LPI configurations. The former is powered by a 2.0L Theta I 4-cylinder petrol that produces 151 horsepower and 19.8kg·m (143 lb.ft) of torque. The latter is propelled by a 2.0L 4-cylinder LPI that offers 141 horsepower and 19.0 kg·m (137 lb.ft) of torque.

Pricing remains the same for the 2010 model. The 2.0L LPI range is priced from 17.15 million Won to 22.08 million Won, while the 2.0L Gasoline range is priced from 16.35 million Won to 21.28 million Won.

[Source: Kia Motors]

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Kia Forte Koup to Join 2010 GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge

Kia Motors America (KMA) announced its official its U.S. motorsports program at the 2009 SEMA Show. KMA has teamed with the Kinetic Group to build and campaign two Forte Koups in the 2010 GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge Series in the Street Tuner (ST) class.

“The Forte Koup is the latest chapter in the dramatic Kia brand transformation story, and the decision to enter into the motorsports arena was an easy one to make,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. “The Forte Koup’s performance-inspired styling and outstanding driving dynamics make it a natural fit for road racing, and competing in GRAND-AM’s KONI Challenge Series enables us to reach an entirely new and passionate base of automotive enthusiasts.”

As part of its motorsports team development, KMA identified and partnered with the Kinetic Group to develop, build and campaign the two Forte Koup KONI Challenge spec cars. Based outside of Atlanta, Kinetic provides a comprehensive array of in-house services, including fabrication, composites, paint and body, engine, and electronics departments. Completing the team, decorated drivers Andy Lally and Nic Jönsson have been secured to drive the two Forte Koup entries in the GRAND-AM KONI Challenge Series in 2010.

The GRAND-AM KONI Challenge Street Tuner (ST) class utilizes production-based race cars and has a wide variety of vehicles from the U.S., Europe and Asia, using weight and intake restrictions to maintain a level playing field for all entrants.

[Source: Kia Motors America]

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Hyundai Moves Into Times Square With New Outdoor Campaign

PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI MOVES INTO TIMES SQUARE WITH NEW OUTDOOR AD CAMPAIGN

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIF., 11/05/2009 - Hyundai Motor America moved into one of the world’s most high-profile advertising venues with a new Times Square billboard. The space at 2 Times Square in the heart of the famous “crossroads of the world” is a cubed shaped sign offering three display faces. The front display has two LED screens showing an updated stream of Hyundai video content, flanked on each side by two vinyl banners. The first Hyundai ads to be placed in Times Square feature Genesis Coupe. Hyundai is leasing the space through Sherwood Outdoor.

The video display enables Hyundai to develop new content that is both contextual and engaging. For example, the current videos feature the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe flying around the world-famous Road Atlanta racetrack, drifting through corners and accelerating down straightaways. A question is posed: “What’s your excuse?” Viewers are prompted with: “But officer. . .,” then given a series of fill-in-the-blank responses:

“I always drive fast when I hear opera!”
“I was trying to activate the flux capacitor.”
“I get muscle spasms in the leg.”

“As one of the world’s largest brands, Hyundai is actively looking for ways to integrate with the world’s biggest advertising venues, such as the Super Bowl, Academy Awards and World Cup,” said Chris Perry, director of Marketing Communications, Hyundai Motor America. “Times Square billboards draw 1.5 million impressions daily and it is one of the most iconic locations for outdoor advertising, so it aligns perfectly with our overall brand strategy.”

Continue reading for the complete press release.

In the future, Hyundai will integrate text messaging capability so that viewers can customize responses and post them to the video board. Hyundai is exploring other interactive capabilities for the display, and will integrate new campaigns to ensure the content is fresh and topical.

The Times Square billboard follows a year of high-profile advertising initiatives from Hyundai. Hyundai launched its exciting new Genesis Coupe during Super Bowl coverage, and sponsored the game’s pre-game show. In addition, Hyundai sponsored the Academy Awards for the first time ever, airing a total of eight spots during the telecast focused on the innovative Hyundai Assurance consumer program.

ABOUT HYUNDAI

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 790 dealerships nationwide.

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USA: Kia Announces October Sales, Reports Gains

On the heels of its best quarter ever in company history, Kia Motors America today announced October sales of 22,490 units, a 45.3-percent increase over the same month last year. Year to date sales totaled 261,060, a 7.2-percent increase over the same period last year. October sales were led by the all-new Forte compact and Rio subcompact, selling 4,984 and 4,005 units respectively. The Borrego SUV posted its best month ever with 3,919 units.

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic transformation of its line-up, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share. The upcoming launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA and the first vehicle to be built at the company’s first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, is set to further enhance the line-up.

[Source: Kia Motors America]

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USA: Hyundai Sales Surge 49 Percent for October

Hyundai Motor America today announced October sales of 31,005 units, a 49 percent increase compared to October 2008. Calendar year-to-date, sales were up 4 percent. This marks the tenth consecutive month of year-over-year gains in retail market share. Hyundai posted the largest market share growth in the auto industry, up 1.2 percentage points (from 3.1 percent to 4.3 percent) for the first ten months of this year.

“We’ve done a good job of selling down our 2009 model year inventory over the last few months, with about two-thirds of Hyundai car sales in October being fresh, 2010 model year vehicles,” said Dave Zuchowski, vice president of sales. "We have our all-new Tucson launching at the end of this year and the 2011 Sonata coming early next year, so we are excited about the terrific new products we’ll be filling our dealerships with.”

The Genesis continued its strong growth trend with sales of 1,850 units, a 65 percent increase. The subcompact Accent and compact Elantra had significant increases of 106 percent and 225 percent respectively versus 2008, while the Santa Fe delivered a solid sales gain of 70 percent. Sonata sales slipped 2 percent to 7,790 units while Tiburon sales plummeted to zero.

[Source: Hyundai Motor America]

Continue reading for the complete sales chart.

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Spied: 2011 Kia Optima/K5 (TF)

Hot on the heels of the forthcoming domestic launch of Kia's K7/Cadenza, we bring you the latest spy shots of Kia's upcoming replacement for the mid-size Optima sedan, to be called K5 in the Korean market. The current-generation Optima, badged as Lotze in Korea, made its debut in November 2005 and was significantly revised for 2009 with major styling updates.

Scheduled to make its Korean debut in April 2010, the upcoming Optima/K5 (code-named "TF") will be a complete redesign. As indicated by spy shots, Schreyer's latest work will also be substantially larger compared to the current model.

Stylistically, the K5 is a stunning departure from the mundane style of the generation it will replace. The front end will feature Kia's sleek corporate fascia(for reference, see the new Sorento and Forte) incarnated by Peter Schreyer. As evident in a close-up shot, the K5 will also be available with LED headlights in the Korean market. The side profile is highlighted by a sweeping chrome window sill that extends to the trunk lid. The rear-end will ostensibly resemble the K7/Cadenza.

As of now, we have no confirmed details on what engines will be available for the new K5. The 2.4L Theta II 4-cylinder will certainly be one offering, as well as the 2.4L GDI (gasoline direct injection) 4-cylinder with an output of 201 horsepower. In addition, we expect an array of diesel and LPI engines to be offered in various markets. The North American model will likely be available with a 3.5L Lambda II V6 as well.

Stay tuned for more information and spy shots in future posts.

Continue reading to view more spy shots of the K5.

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Hyundai Genesis Coupe Debuts in Forza Motorsport 3 for Xbox 360

Racing game enthusiasts will be able to test their driving skills in the Genesis Coupe in "Forza Motorsport 3," launched in the U.S. on Oct. 27, exclusively on Xbox 360. Developed by Turn 10 Studios, "Forza Motorsport 3 unites the racing game genre where players will live out their dreams behind the wheel of more than 400 of the most-beloved cars, including a roster of Hyundai favorites."

"Genesis Coupe's participation in 'Forza Motorsport 3' will raise Hyundai's awareness with driving enthusiasts and the very important youth segment," said Joel Ewanick, vice president of Marketing at Hyundai Motor America. "The mission for Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car and for it to appear in such a realistic racing simulator is awesome."

The vehicles can be driven on over 100 renowned real-world tracks and exotic road courses from around the globe. Breathtaking HD graphics and advanced vehicle performance modelling make "Forza Motorsport 3" arguably the most realistic racing game in the market today. To celebrate the flourishing "Forza" community, Hyundai will be gifting a free downloadable vehicle package on Xbox LIVE on Nov. 17, 2009. The package will include the Rhys Millen Racing Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe, HKS Genesis Coupe and a one-of-a-kind Genesis Coupe.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe will also boast its own race series within the Career mode of the game. Hyundai is also developing an online photo and video upload contest for "Forza" gamers who can show off their best in-game photo and video of the Genesis Coupe in action.

[Source: Hyundai Motor America via Reuters]

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Kia Releases Soul Tempest Limited Edition for U.K.

Kia Motors has launched a limited-edition Soul "Tempest" for the UK market today. Replacing the outgoing "Samba" model, the Tempest is the latest addition to the automaker's Original Collections line-up in the UK.

The Tempest comes in a Titanium Silver finish with black high-gloss bumper inserts and door mirrors, and is fitted with unique black 18-inch alloy wheels. As for the interior, the Tempest gets 'Soul-Shine' black seat trim with metallic center fascia and chrome accents on the dashboard and instrument clusters.

Other key features of the limited edition model include a reversing camera system with electrochromic rearview mirror and an upgraded audio system featuring a dash-top centre speaker, rear sub-woofer and external amplifier.

The Soul Tempest is available with 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines with prices starting from £12,845.

[Source: Kia Motors]

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Hennessey Builds 500 HP Carbon Fiber Genesis Coupe: SEMA 2009

PRESS RELEASE: HENNESSEY TUNER SCHOOL TRANSFORMS HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE INTO 500-HORSEPOWER BEAST FOR SEMA

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 10/29/2009 - Demonstrating the wide range of aftermarket potential for the Genesis Coupe, Hyundai Motor America has partnered with Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) and the Tuner School to develop a powerful entry for this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. The matte black, carbon fiber-wrapped Hennessey Genesis Carbon Coupe is designed with a high-end European look and performance capabilities to match. The vehicle will be in Hyundai’s display at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 3–6, 2009 (booth # 24387).

Founded by HPE president John Hennessey, Tuner School is a 14-week program dedicated to teaching its students the secrets to success in the high-performance automotive aftermarket. It was established as a way to offer its students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hone their craft, learn from professionals in the field, and springboard their career in the aftermarket industry.

“The Genesis Coupe architecture is the ideal platform for tuners looking to make everyday modifications to their vehicles and our students at the Tuner School took full advantage,” said Hennessey. “The visually stunning complete carbon fiber matte black wrap and high-end performance benchmarks create a monster SEMA car.”

[Source: Hyundai Motor America]

HPE and the Tuner School will blow away the SEMA crowd with its Genesis Coupe achieving 500 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 465 lb-ft of torque, an estimated 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds and a quarter mile time of 12.5 seconds. These aggressive performance capabilities were accomplished through a variety of engine modifications. The Genesis Carbon Coupe features a Hennessey Custom Single Turbo System, Precision 66 mm ball bearing turbocharger, Tial blow-off valve and 44 mm wastegate, a HKS boost controller and upgraded injectors and fuel pump, among other additions.

“To work with a leading tuner such as John Hennessey and his Tuner School is a testament to the potential of our rear-wheel-drive Genesis Coupe,” said Michael Deitz, manager, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “With its 500 horsepower and 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds we expect this vehicle to be one of the stars of SEMA.”

On the outside, SEMA Show attendees will find Savini lightweight wheels with chrome lips and silver centers, Eibach springs and Brembo lightweight rotors.

HENNESSEY TUNER SCHOOL

Tuner School's unique curriculum immerses its students in a combination of classroom education and hands-on experience, all while surrounded by the day-to-day operations of HPE's 30,000+ square-foot facility. Spanning a range of horsepower-induced topics, including engine building, forced induction and dyno testing, Tuner School covers all aspects of building and modifying some of the fastest cars in the world. With dozens of high-horsepower vehicles coming and going, students are placed in a rare position to experience every nuance of working within a high-performance automotive business. For more information, please visit www.TunerSchool.com.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

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 790 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. In addition, Hyundai Assurance is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.

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