Hyundai Confirms i40 for Geneva

Hyundai has confirmed that its 2011 entry into the European D-segment will be called the i40.

The model, set to make its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011, has been designed at the Korean manufacturer's European research and development centre in Russelsheim, Germany, specifically to appeal to a European audience.

Boasting Hyundai's latest green technologies under the 'Blue Drive' banner, the company claims the i40 will demonstrate best-in-class fuel economy and very low CO2 emissions.

The i40 will initially be available as an estate model, with a saloon version following the same sleek, 'fluidic design' philosophy arriving shortly after.

[Source: Hyundai]

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2011 Kia Pro_cee'd: First Official Images

Kia recently released the first official images of the refreshed Pro_cee'd hatchback. To be unveiled at next year's Geneva Motor Show in March, the updated 3-door hatch will receive several styling updates including a new front fascia with Kia's signature tiger-nose grille, new headlights, and revised front bumper with larger air intakes. The new Pro_cee'd will also be available with a new 1.6-liter diesel engine that produces 128 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque.

Stay tuned for more information to come closer to its unveiling date.

[Source: Kia]

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Boxy Much? Kia to Unveil KV7 Concept in Detroit

Kia Motors announced on Friday it will unveil its KV7 concept car at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show on Jan. 10.

The box-shaped crossover features a high ceiling for a more spacious interior and rear seats that can swivel 360 degrees. While the front doors open normally, the rear passenger doors open gull-wing style, lifting upwards and out.

"This is a concept car, and the upwards-opening rear doors will not show up on mass-produced cars in the near future," the automaker said. "But other features and the exterior design are very similar to a new crossover utility vehicle which will be launched in September next year."

[Source: Kia]

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Milestone: Hyundai Sold 200,000 Sonata's in 2010

Wonder why you’re seeing so many new Hyundai Sonata models on the road? Well, that’s because the Korean automaker sold a total of 200,000 units of the new Sonatas in North America in 2010, a huge milestone for the Sonata during a record-setting year in which Hyundai sold more than 530,000 vehicles in the United States and more than 110,000 in Canada.

“Sonata has delivered some pretty incredible results for us this year,” says John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “Sonata is the Hyundai brand and it’s appropriate that it has led our best year ever. Sonata’s innovation has reset the most hotly contested, largest segment in the U.S. car market, with Sonata delivering more year-over-year retail sales growth – about 90,000 units – than any other car in the entire industry.”

Sales of the Sonata in the stateside were up 117 percent and 65 percent overall in the U.S. marking its best year ever. Canadian sales were up 60 percent.

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2011 Kia Optima Named Top Safety Pick by IIHS

Read the full article at Newswire.ca

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Hyundai Unveils 5-Door Verna in China

Hyundai has revealed the 5-door hatchback variant of the Verna (Accent) at the Ghangzhou Motor Show in China.

According to Hyundai, the 5-door Verna was developed exclusively for the Chinese market and will go on sale there early in January. The 4-door variant was introduced last August.

The Chinese market Verna will be built locally at a plant in Beijing. It will come with two petrol engines - a 1.4 liter and 1.6 liter. The entry-level 1.4 Gamma engine develops a total of 108 PS (79 kW) and 135 Nm of torque. The 1.6 liter Gamma comes with an output of 124 PS (90 kW) and 155 Nm of torque.

Hyundai sales are growing quickly in China. The Korean brand expects Chinese market sales of around 700,000 units for 2010. By 2012, when a third Chinese plant starts production, Hyundai will have a capacity to build 1 million vehicles a year for the local market.



[Source: Hyundai]

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Hyundai Launches Official Veloster Countdown Page [w/Video]

Hyundai has launched the official countdown page for the upcoming Veloster today. The countdown will continue running until the car's official debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on the 11th of next January. As of now, you can only sign up for future updates on the webpage (since when has an automaker sent out updates that blogs haven't revealed days before?). But the site does confirm the Veloster nameplate for Hyundai's highly anticipated car.


The automaker also posted a short teaser of the Veloster on its YouTube channel today. Features like direct-injection, dual-clutched transmission are mentioned, as well as a claim of an estimated 40 MPG rating and Blue-Link connectivity. The teaser ends off with a frontal silhouette of the vehicle which previews an aggressive LED design for its headlights.



[Source: Hyundai USA]

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Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Priced from $26,545, Goes on Sale Next Month

The Sonata is likely Hyundai's best success story this year, and the awaited hybrid version is heading to dealers next month with a list price of $26,545, which includes the $750 destination fee.

Your $26,545 bank withdrawal nets a Sonata equipped with Hyundai's Direct Hybrid Blue Drive system. A 2.4-liter inline-four finds itself matched with an electric traction motor and power is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is 206 horsepower and 193 pound-feet of torque, and an all-electric drive speed of up to 62 mph is claimed, though the gas-fed engine may need to pulse on and off to help the electric motor. Outside, the front end was re-sculpted in the name of efficiency, leaving the hybrid sedan with fuel economy figures of 36 city/40 highway mpg.

For an extra $5000, the Sonata Hybrid's Premium Package adds a whole host of niceties, including a panoramic sunroof, navigation, an Infinity sound system, rearview camera, glossy black door surround, 17-inch alloy wheels, and leather seats and trim.

The Sonata Hybrid's current competition includes the Ford Fusion Hybrid ($28,990), Nissan Altima Hybrid ($27,530), Toyota Camry Hybrid ($27,335), and, soon, the Kia Optima Hybrid (price not announced).

[Source: Hyundai]

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Hyundai and Kia Recall 2011 Santa Fe and 2011 Sorento for Defective Brakes

Hyundai and Kia have issued separate recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2011 Kia Sorento respectively over the same issue concerning the rear brake calipers that may not have been properly machined.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the defective calipers could lead to brake fluid leak, followed by illumination of the malfunction indicator light indicating the brake fluid level is low and should be checked, then a soft or spongy brake pedal feel. If the problem is not taken care of, it will lead to reduced braking power.

The recall affects some 7,697 Kia Sorentos manufactured from September 14, 2010, through October 4, 2010, and 1,783 Hyundai Santa crossovers Fe built from September 28, 2010, through November 25, 2010.

Naturally, dealers from both automakers inspect the rear calipers and replace it if necessary free of charge. The two companies have not yet provided an owner notification schedule.

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2012 Hyundai Azera/Grandeur: Interior Officially Revealed!

In light of the car's nearing launch in its home market, Hyundai has released the first official interior shot of the all-new 2012 Hyundai Azera/Grandeur. And in our opinion, the all-star Korean company has hit another home run out of the ballpark. Leave us your thoughts about the interior in the comments after the jump!

[Source: Hyundai]

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Kia Reveals First Rendering of 2012 Picanto on Facebook

Kia Motors has revealed the first official rendering of the all-new, redesigned 2012 Kia Picanto, due for unveiling next March at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Styled by Kia's European design team based in Frankfurt, under the direction of Peter Schreyer, the all-new Picanto will sport a more aggressive and appealing design compared to its predecessor. The front fascia evokes a striking resemblance to that of the larger Venga compact MPV, while the rear fascia is highlighted by an eye catching set of Euro-styled taillights that recall the now-defunct Rondo/Carens MPV.

The Picanto will likely come powered by the same Euro-5 compliant 1.2 liter Kappa petrol/gasoline engine as the Hyundai i10, with which it shares a platform. It will come in both 3-door and 5-door hatch configurations.

[Source: Kia Motors via Facebook]

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2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to Get More Power

Hyundai shocked the world when it first announced it would build the rear-drive 300-hp Genesis Coupe, and now it appears the automaker is looking to add more oomph to its sports coupe lineup.

Since the Genesis Coupe debuted back in 2008, the horsepower wars have raged on with cars like the Ford Mustang going from 210-hp to 305-hp. Once seen as a bargain, the Genesis Coupe is a slightly less enticing package than it once was. To combat this, Hyundai will look to add more power to the Genesis two-door in 2012, along with a slight facelift.

Both the 4-cylinder and V6 engines are slated to get upgrades, although exactly how extensive they will be is not yet clear. It’s not hard to speculate that the 2.0T model could gain the Sonata Turbo’s new engine, prompting a significant increase in power from 210-hp to 274-hp. That would come very close to the 3.8-liter V6′s 306-hp number, suggesting it would also have to receive a major update, be it through naturally aspirated means, forced induction, or a switch to a V8. Past reports have already indicated the company’s new 5.0-liter V8 will replace the current 3.8L V6, producing a rather significant 429-hp.

[Source: AutoGuide.com]

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2012 Hyundai Azera/Grandeur: Official Powertrain Info Released

Hyundai has released the first official details on what will be under the hood of the all-new 2012 Azera/Grandeur, scheduled to go on sale in South Korea in January.

Korean and North American specs detailed after the jump.

The Korean-market Grandeur will be available in three powertrain configurations including an LPI (liquified petroleum injected) model. The 2.7L Mu V6 in the current Grandeur will be replaced by an all-new 3.0L GDI (gasoline direct injected) V6 engine with an output of 263 horsepower and 225 lb.ft of torque. In addition, the new Grandeur will also be available with a smaller four-cylinder 2.4L GDI engine that produces 200 horsepower and 184 lb. ft of torque. The LPI powertrain is upgraded to an all-new 3.0L unit that churns out 230 horsepower and 205 lb. ft of torque. All three engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The North American Azera will be powered by a 3.3L V6 unit with an output of 286 horsepower and 255 lb. ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, this powerplant is not direct-injected which gives insight to the power potential of the 3.3L V6 engine with such technology.

Hyundai also stated in its release that the new Grandeur will be the first South Korean vehicle to be available with Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC). This system not only adjusts vehicle speed to maintain consistent distance from a vehicle ahead, but also automatically engages the brakes to a full stop in response to a vehicle ahead abruptly stopping.

Hyundai will commence production of the all-new Azera/Grandeur on the 15th of December at the company's Asan plant in South Korea. Sales will begin on the 13th of January following a launch ceremony in Seoul.



[Source: Hyundai]

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Named Car and Driver "10Best"

The all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata has been named one of the “10Best Cars for 2011” by Car and Driver, marking the first time a Hyundai product has received the recognition by the editors of Car and Driver.


“We're delighted so many American consumers have put a 2011 Sonata in their driveway this year,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “Achieving our first Car and Driver ‘10Best’ award is tasty icing on the cake, and a tribute to the team of global engineers, California designers, and Alabama plant associates that made this game-changing product a reality.”

According to Car and Driver, the “10Best” award celebrates the best cars on sale in America for less than $80,000. Testing takes place over a week on public roads in rural Michigan. The staff tested more than 60 new cars before selecting the “10Best.”

“In our testing, we are looking for those automobiles that deliver spectacular value, real driver engagement and the highest fulfillment of their intended missions,” said Eddie Alterman, Car and Driver editor-in-chief. “It’s a real workout and only the best cars on the market emerge victorious.”

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata was introduced earlier this year. Sonata brings to the market a number of breakthroughs previously unheard of in the mid-size family sedan segment including standout design, a standard gasoline direct injected engine that delivers 35 miles per gallon on the highway, an optional 274-horsepower 4-cylinder turbo and a soon-to-be-introduced hybrid model.

Sonata sales are up 64 percent over last year on the strength of the new model. Sonata has been the most “shopped” midsize car in the market for five of the past six months according to Compete, an automotive market analysis firm.

“All of our business metrics are pointed in the right direction,” said Krafcik. “Retail sales are up. Incentive spending is down. Our residuals are among the strongest in the industry. And cars like Sonata are driving more and more smart shoppers to Hyundai.”

The full list of 2011's 10 Best Cars comprised of the following models:

BMW 3-SERIES/M3
CADILLAC CTS-V
CHEVROLET VOLT
FORD MUSTANG GT
HONDA ACCORD
HONDA FIT
HYUNDAI SONATA
MAZDA MX-5 MIATA
PORSCHE BOXSTER/CAYMAN
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF/GTI

The complete story on the “10Best” is available in the January issue of Car and Driver and at CarandDriver.com.

[Source: Car and Driver]

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2012 Hyundai Azera/Grandeur: First Official Images

Hyundai recently released a set of renderings that offered us a preview of the company’s future Azera/ Grandeur model, increasing the public’s interest for the saloon. Today, the company has released the first proper images of the vehicle, offering us another example of what the “Fluidic Sculpture” design language means out here in the real world.

The vehicle, which will be slotted between the Sonata and the Genesis sedans, comes with an interesting look. Ok, the vehicle doesn’t take things too far in any design direction, but we can say that it offers a visually balanced package.

The company is using a step by step approach, revealing new details about the vehicle at a rather slow pace. How does this translates for the current situation? The answer to this question is simple - the South Korean automotive producer still hasn’t offered us any details about the vehicles. Yes, no specs, no list of goodies.

We’ll remind you that the head of the company’s North American division, John Krafcik, recently offered an interview to Autonews, talking about the new Azera.

"The Azera is a front wheel drive car whereas the Genesis is rear-wheel-drive and performance-focused, so (the Azera) will have greater appeal in northern, snow-states where front wheel drive is important, but there will be a very, very strong level of differentiation between the two cars," Krafcik said.

The vehicle is expected to only come with a V6 powerplant, in order to offer a totally different package than the Sonata, which is exclusively available with four-cylinder units.




[Source: Hyundai]

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Hyundai-Kia Overtakes Toyota in Europe

According to reports, the Hyundai Motor Group overtook Toyota in October to become the best selling Asian carmaker in Europe this year, provisionally speaking. Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, or ACEA, had Hyundai and Kia’s European sales up by 4% in the first 10 months of 2010, to 521,369 vehicles, while Toyota’s sales, including that of Lexus, fell 16.5% percent to 511,754.


Hyundai’s achievement is significant, given that new car registrations in Europe decreased by 5% for the first ten months of the year, with 11.6 million new vehicles registered, compared to the 12.24 million for the same time period in 2009.

The Korean carmaker’s US sales has also gone up, by 21%, its market share increasing as Toyota’s fell, not surprising given the negative impact brought about by the latter’s seemingly endless stream of recalls. Sales of the Sonata were up by 64% – comparatively, Camry sales dropped by 6.3%.

Back in Europe, Nissan should also have a lot to smile about – among the major players, it has posted the most significant gains in 2010 sales, up 13.1% from last year.

[Source: Bloomberg]

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2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Unveiled: LA 2010

Kia has unveiled the 2011 Optima Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show recently.

Created specifically for the U.S. market, the car features a full parallel hybrid system which consists of a 168 PS (124 kW / 166 hp) 2.4-liter petrol engine and a 30 kW (41 PS / 40 hp) electric motor. All told, the two can work together to produce a combined 209 PS (154 kW / 206 hp) and 265 Nm (194 lb-ft) of torque.

This enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 121 mph (195 km/h). More importantly, fuel consumption is expected to be 36 mpg city / 40 mpg highway (US).

To get these impressive features, Kia engineers optimized the petrol engine and installed a 34 kW lithium-ion battery which enables the hybrid to operate in EV mode at speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph).

On the styling front, the Hybrid is distinguished by a reduced ride height (lowered 5mm), a revised grille, and unique 16-inch alloy wheels with low-rolling resistance tires.

No word on pricing, but look for the Optima Hybrid to start arriving at U.S. dealerships early next year.

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2012 Hyundai Grandeur (HG): First Official Images

Hyundai commenced a marketing blitz of the new, redesigned Grandeur for the Korean market today, ahead of its scheduled sales launch in Korea in January 2011. And as a treat, the company revealed the first official images of the car.

Hot or not? Looking too much like a Sonata? Tell us your opinion of the new Grandeur in the comments section after the jump. Continue reading to view more images (renderings).




[Source: Hyundai]

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2011 Hyundai Elantra (USDM): Officially Revealed

Nothing new to see here today. The embargo on the all-new 2011 Hyundai Elantra for the North American market has been lifted today, ahead of the car's scheduled unveiling later this week at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. But does that really matter when it has been on sale in its home market (as the Avante) for numerous months now? Nonetheless, we tip our hats to Hyundai for keeping the new Elantra relatively unchanged from its Korean counterpart.


The biggest news of the all-new Elantra, other than its widely-adulated design, is what's under the hood. Powered by Hyundai's brand-"Nu" 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, the new Elantra makes 148-hp at 6500 rpm and 131 ft-lbs of torque at 4700 rpm. Perhaps more impressive is the fact that with that power output, coupled with a standard 6-speed transmission (manual or automatic) the car will achieve 29-mpg city and 40-mpg highway. And even more impressive is the fact that the figures apply to all trim levels of the Elantra, negating the need for a special high-mileage trim like the Chevrolet Cruze Eco.

Just two Elantra trim levels will be offered: GLS and Limited, with all models getting features like power windows with driver’s auto-down, remote keyless entry, six airbags and disc brakes at all corners. Limited models add items like fog lights, heated mirrors, a sunroof, 17-inch aluminum wheels (15-inch steel wheels are standard), leatherette door inserts, a leather-wrapped telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, heated leather front seats and even heated leather rear seats.

Thankfully Hyundai also offers a packages for the base GLS model including a Popular Equipment Package that adds cruise control, A/C, a telescopic steering wheel and 16-inch steel wheels. A Preferred Equipment Package adds on 16-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel audio controls, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition, a sliding center armrest and some upgraded interior trim. A Navigation package can also be had with a 7-inch monitor, while the Limited Premium Package includes items like a 360-watt audio system, as well as a “proximity key” and push-button ignition.

Stay tuned for news on pricing with the official reveal this Thursday at the LA Auto Show.

[Source: Hyundai]

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