2013 Kia K9 Spied Again!

This time, we get a better look at the rear of the Kia K9. The Lexus LS460 and Hyundai Genesis influence we noted is definitely there.

Click here for our original post on the Kia K9.

More images found after the jump!

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Kia Releases Blake Griffin Dunking Over Kia Optima Commercial (w/VIDEO)

If you’ve been watching any ESPN lately, you know you can’t go a day without seeing LA Clipper’s Blake Griffin and his famous dunk over a 2011 Kia Optima. While we thought the dunk was pretty lame (since all Blake really did was jumping over the hood) and somewhat of a marketing gimmick (since Kia is the official sponsor of the NBA), Kia is milking the event for all it’s worth.

Kia has just released a new commercial showing Blake’s ‘I believe I can fly’ dunk in super slow motion. Watch the video after the jump.

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Kia K9 Full-Size Sedan Spied for the First Time!

Things have been pretty hush these days surrounding the rumored full-size premium sedan from Kia. That is, until today when we got tipped of the first ever spy shots of the "K9", taken at a residential parking lot in South Korea recently. And judging from what we see here, it looks like Kia means business.

Beneath the camo, we see the familiar tiger-nose corporate grille which confirms that the car is indeed a Kia. The overall front fascia though reminds us of the Maserati Quattroporte, and several Korean car enthusiasts on Bobaedream echoed this resemblance as well. The car also sports a set of Buick-style fender vents (or "portholes"), and whether they are functional or not is up in the air at the moment. The rear of the car is still fairly discreet at the moment, but the person who discovered the car and posted the pictures said the LED taillights looked like a blend of the Hyundai Genesis and the Lexus LS460. We're guessing it's good then.

We have little information on the Kia K9 at the moment, but we do know that it is scheduled for a 2012 debut. We're also thinking that it will be based on a rear-wheel drive architecture and will be available with Hyundai's all-new 5.0L V8. Stay tuned for more details as they become available. For now, enjoy the pictures and comment with your thoughts below!



[Source: Bobaedream]

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Hyundai Breaks Ground for New Brazil Factory

Hyundai has begun construction of the company's first Latin American plant in Brazil today.

Located in the state of Sao Paulo, the $600 million, state-of-the-art plant will be home to several upcoming Hyundai's including a new subcompact hatchback slotting below the i20 in the line-up designed exclusively for the Brazilian market.

The construction of this factory is part of Hyundai's much more ambitious goal for nabbing a 10-percent marketshare in the South American country by 2013. The company is also aiming to surpass Ford Motor Co. in the Brazilian market by that year.

Production is scheduled to commence in November of 2012. Hyundai aims to reach full capacity of 150,000 cars per year in the first year of production. The company also plans to import an additional 100,000 vehicles per year.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

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First Photos of the Hyundai Veloster for Europe Hits the Web!

With the Geneva Motor Show just around the corner, Hyundai gave several journalists an early glimpse of what it has in store for the upcoming show.

Alongside the Europe-only i40 CW (they get all the good ones eh?), the all new Veloster tailored for the European market also made its premature debut at this event. From these pictures alone, we can discern several minor tweaks made for the European version including a different (and better looking if we must say) set of alloy wheels and a brighter shade of orange paint compared to that of the North American version.

In Europe, the Veloster will arrive in showrooms this spring with the same 138 horsepower 1.6-liter GDI engine found in the North American version and a choice between a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission with dual clutch. A diesel version may be in the pipeline, but has not been confirmed yet by Hyundai.

Stay tuned for more information to come during the Veloster's official presentation next week.

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New Photos of the Hyundai i40 CW!

Ahead of its scheduled world premiere at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show on March 1st, the all-new Hyundai i40 CW (crossover wagon) for the European market has surfaced on the web in full glory via the latest images we have received. With these pictures, we get our first detailed look at the interior of the i40, which is distinct from the Sonata's and more in line with the Grandeur's. Take a look at these awesome pictures after the jump.



[Source: The Korean Car Blog]

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Watch Out for Hyundai's Heavy Marketing Blitz During the Oscars

Hyundai once again joins Hollywood's biggest night as the exclusive automotive sponsor of the 83rd Academy Awards, broadcast on Sunday, February 27 on ABC. Nine Hyundai ads will air throughout the coverage – two pre-show and seven during the awards ceremony itself. In accordance with Academy rules, and to ensure that Hyundai's long-time "voice" gets to enjoy the spotlight for his second consecutive Oscar nomination, Hyundai cast a guest star for a portion of the evening. Jason Bateman provides the voiceover for four ads surrounding the "Best Actor" award presentation.

Hyundai's lineup includes spots for Sonata, Sonata Turbo, Sonata Hybrid, Elantra, Genesis and Equus. The two red carpet ads include "Good Things Come in Threes" featuring Sonata's three distinct powertrains, and "Comfy Home" featuring the luxurious Equus flagship sedan. In-show spots include "Family," featuring Sonata; "Anachronistic City" featuring Sonata Hybrid; "Drawing Board," "Childhood," and "Deprogramming" all featuring Elantra; "Greatest Luxury," featuring Genesis; and "iPad" highlighting Equus' unique application of an iPad owner's manual. Bateman lends his voice to "Drawing Board," "Greatest Luxury," "Anachronistic City," and "iPad." Hyundai's campaign also includes several animated billboards throughout the show. "Drawing Board" and "Greatest Luxury" are both making their debuts during the show.

"Hollywood's biggest night is a pillar of our 'Big Voices in Big Places' strategy, positioning Hyundai in the most-watched, high-profile advertising venues," said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "With the compelling TV ratings combined with the glamour of the event and its attendees, it's an ideal venue to show off the stars of our vehicle lineup."

All of Hyundai's Academy Awards commercials feature Hyundai's 2011 "New Thinking. New Possibilities." brand vision. Innocean Worldwide Americas, Hyundai's agency of record, is responsible for all creative.

Watch all nine of the commercials here.

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2012 Kia Rio Hatchback Spotted in the Wild!

Today, we bring you the first image of the all-new Kia Rio out roaming in public roads, courtesy of our friends over at The Korean Car Blog. Days away from its scheduled worldwide debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the new Rio was spotted during a commercial filming in South Korea recently.

[Source: The Korean Car Blog]

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Hyundai ix20 Receives Maximum Euro NCAP Rating

As part of a batch of seven cars that were tested by the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP), Hyundai has managed to score the maximum five-star rating from the organization, proving that despite its small proportions, it can take care of the safety of its occupants.

The compact hatchback fared best of all in protecting its adult occupants, with a massive 89 percent rating. Protection of the driver's chest was rated as marginal, while dummy readings showed good protection of the knees and femurs for the front seat occupants. Despite this, the steering column and ignition barrel presented a risk of injury to the driver's femurs. In the side barrier impact test, the car scored maximum points, while in the more severe side pole test, readings indicated marginal protection of the chest and good protection of other parts of the body. Protection of the neck against whiplash injuries in a rear-end impact was good.

Meanwhile, child occupants were also a priority for the South Korean carmaker, as the ix20 managed to score an 85 percent success rate. This is partly because the passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward facing child restraint to be used in that seating position.

The ix20’s bumper scored maximum points for its protection of pedestrians' legs. In most areas likely to be struck by the head of a child, the bonnet offered good protection but was predominantly poor in the areas where an adult's head might strike.

The ix20 comes with a standard equipment list that includes an air-conditioning system, ESP, Bluetooth connectivity and others. As for the safety side, the vehicle will be fitted with active and passive features, which were clearly aimed at securing a five start EuroNCAP rating.

[Source: Hyundai]

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Hyundai i40 Estate Revealed Ahead of Geneva Debut

Hyundai has released the first official pictures of the i40 - the car intended to rival the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat.

The new model is the manufacturer's first foray into the highly competitive European D segment market, and will be launched as an estate following its debut at Geneva.

The i40 was conceived at Hyundai's headquarters in Germany to guarantee a 'purely European identity'. The company will use the car to introduce a new 'modern premium' packaging concept that intends to offer a more upmarket feel for a mainstream price.

A range of powerplants are promised, but the headliner is the new 1.7-litre diesel engine which, according to Hyundai, will lead its class with CO2 emissions of just 113g/km and offer fuel economy of 65mpg.

The manufacturer is also promising a high level of standard kit, and will introduce tech not previously seen on its cars, including heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and an automatic windscreen de-mist system.

The i40 saloon will follow the estate later this year. Expect the entry-level model to cost less than £20,000. Both versions will be backed by Hyundai's five-year unlimited mileage warranty.

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2011 Canadian International Auto Show: Our Coverage

After nearly 10 hours of endless hustling and bustling between press conferences at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, we're back in our home reserve ready to report our findings. Having been the first time we were granted media privileges for the show, we took advantage of the presence of top executives and the absence of public crowd to give you the best coverage of the show we could. Before we get onto our impressions, enjoy some of the photos we took today.

Warning: Not all pictures are of Hyundai's and Kia's. Cheers.

Click here for the photos!

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Hyundai Unveils Tucson iX FCEV, Mass Production Planned for 2015

Hyundai unveiled the latest iteration of the Tuscon iX Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)today at the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy 2011 Conference in Washington DC. The new FCEV showcases the automaker's effort to explore another area of alternative fuel technology.

With a total range of 403 miles (up from 230 previously), the Tuscon has some fairly good legs compared to the electric vehicles current marketed. Hyundai has also reduced the space needed to store hydrogen by 20 percent, and the vehicle gets an equivalent rating of 72 mpg. Hyundai also replaced the previous super capacitor system with a 21kw battery, which is credited with the bump in fuel economy.

The Tucson ix FCEV won't fear the cold, either. It can start in temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius.

Hyundai will test about 50 units throughout 2011 as part of the second phase of the Korean Government Validation Program. The company plans to make a limited supply of the Tucson ix FCEV in 2012 and begin mass production in 2015.

[Source: Hyundai]

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Kia Sportage Tops Small CUVs in Consumer Reports Test

AUTOBLOG.com - The 2011 Kia Sportage beat out both the Nissan Juke and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport in a recent CUV shootout conducted by Consumer Reports. According to CR, Kia has managed to more effectively straddle the line between a full-on SUV and a more civil hatchback with its offering...

Read More at Autoblog

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2012 Hyundai Equus Gains Standard 5.0L V8 and Eight-Speed Automatic

Hyundai launched its Equus full-size sedan in the U.S. as a 2011 model with a 385-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 as the sole engine. For 2012, the Equus gets a significant horsepower bump, thanks to a new 429-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 that becomes the standard engine. The 2012 Equus hits dealerships this summer.

With the new engine comes a new transmission. The 4.6-liter V-8 paired with a six-speed automatic, but the 5.0-liter V-8 works with an eight-speed automatic transmission developed by Hyundai. The 2011 Equus achieves an EPA-estimated 16/24 mpg city/highway, but gas mileage figures — as well as any change in pricing — haven't been announced for the new drivetrain.

It's not every day that an automaker launches a car one year and gives it a new engine the next, but with the Equus' little brother, the Genesis sedan, adding the 5.0-liter V-8 as an optional engine for 2012, Hyundai had to take care of its flagship car, too.

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Update: 2012 Hyundai Elantra Coupe Confirmed for Fourth Quarter of 2011

Hyundai has now made it official that it will build a coupe version of its new Elantra compact car later this year. Previous reports suggested that this model would be hitting showroom floors as soon as April, but we can now confirm that Hyundai will be rolling out the Elantra Coupe later this fall or early winter before the year's end. We expect the new bodystyle to be unveiled at either the New York or Los Angeles auto show.

Stay tuned for more information as it beoomes available.

[Source: Hyundai]

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2012 Kia Rio Unveiled Ahead of Geneva Debut

Kia's product assault continues with the presentation of the all-new Rio subcompact, which will receive its world premiere together with the new Picanto at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March.

The latest car to be revealed by Kia boasts a far slicker exterior design than the current Rio bringing it in line with the rest of South Korean company's passenger model range. There are no photos of the interior, but Kia says its newcomer "will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models" along with a wider selection of trim options.

The Korean firm's Ford Fiesta-sized vehicle features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) compared to the outgoing Rio thus promising to offer improved passenger space together with an increased cargo capacity to 292 liters for the hatchback body style. Exterior dimensions changes include: +55 mm (overall length), -15 mm (height) and +25 mm (overall width).

In Europe, the firm's B-Segment contender will be offered with a comprehensive range of petrol and diesel engines including a 1.1-liter diesel unit delivering 70-horsepower and CO2 emissions from as low as 85 g/km.

But the big surprise is the announcement of an all-new 1.2-liter Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) that will be available from 2012, and which will offer the Koreans a significant advantage over its Japanese rivals.

Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing for Kia, commented: “This new model is a big step forward. The Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car that people will want to buy for its looks.”

The new Rio will go on sale in Europe as a 5-door model this fall, with a 3-door to be introduced into the range in early 2012. Pricing and full range details will be announced nearer the on-sale date.

[Source: Kia]

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Hyundai Unveils 500-HP Veloster Rallycross Racer in Chicago

To help promote the new Veloster to the Gen-Y and under crowd, Hyundai has decided to bolster the coupe’s credentials by taking it racing. And in keeping with the car’s demographic, it won’t be racing in the more mainstream World Challenge or Grand Am series, but in an arena where the Red Bull-drinking youth of today will actually pay attention – Rallycross.

Presented today at the Chicago Auto Show, the new Veloster rally car has been built by Hyundai motorsports partner Rhys Millen Racing and will be piloted by rally racer and Drift champ Rhys Millen himself in the 2011 U.S. Rallycross Championship and in the increasingly popular X Games.

Build by RMR, the Veloster race car makes 500-hp and 600 lb-ft of torque from a seriously reworked 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. A true rally car in every way, it includes expected items like a full roll cage and custom off-road suspension, plus all the body panels are made of light weight carbon-Kevlar.

Rhys Millen himself will race the car in the 2011 Rallycross series, while a second vehicle will be piloted by both rally champ Marcus Dodd and freestyle motorbike racer Robbie Maddison. A third car will then be built to complete in a 2WD class, more closely representing the car’s factory capabilities.

Prepped and ready to go, Rhys Millen and the Veloster Rallycross car will make their debut March 26 at Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, Calif.

[Source: Hyundai]

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