Spied: 2010 Kia Spectra (TD)

Caught here winter-testing, the higher frequency of the appearances of the car indicates a nearing release. The anticipated successor to Kia's compact offering will sit on the same platform as its cousin, the Hyundai Elantra. Judging by how large the current Elantra became over its predecessor, we expect the new Spectra to be plagued with the same effect. Also, if we're not mistaken, the new Spectra is one of the first vehicles in the Kia line-up to be fully designed by Peter Schreyer.

The front shots show elongated headlights and a dropping grille, similar to the Hyundai Sonata or the Acura TSX. As we move to the side, we can definitely sense its Elantra DNA with evidences like the thick C-pillar and the overall wedginess of the design. The windshield rake is considerably sleek, which is a notable design element we've seen here. The back gives off a hatchback scent, with the short trunk overhang and the steep rear window.

We have second to none confirmed information regarding what engines the new Spectra will be available with. Considering the Elantra still uses the 2.0L Beta 138 horsepower 4-cylinder, it won't be surprising if Kia takes that route as well. It also won't be surprising if Kia decides to inject some needed oomph and offer more powerful engines.

Expect to see a precursor concept of the TD Spectra at the upcoming New York International Autoshow in March. The car will go on sale in early 2009 as a 2010 model. There is no word whether a five-door variant will be offered as of yet, but it is very likely Kia will release one.

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Ssangyong to unveil Chairman W in mid-March

Ssangyong's current flagship sedan, the Chairman, had received negative reviews from the press and past owners. When you couple the fact that the car sits on Mercedes-Benz's aging W124 platform, and its mediocre and derivative styling, the Chairman really offers no advantages over its rivals.

The automaker has issued a statement regarding the release date of the anticipated Chairman-replacement today. To be badged as the Chairman W (pictured above), the car will feature an industry-first (South Korean) 5.0L V8 that is speculated to produce over 350 horsepower. Another industry-first accomplishment Ssangyong offers in the car is a Mercedes-Benz sourced 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The Chairman W will sit on an all-new platform. Spec-wise, the Chairman W has beaten the Hyundai Genesis in a number of areas already. However, to every seemingly-great deal, there is always a catch. Ssangyong plans to break the 100 million Won mark ($105 000 USD) for a loaded model, which means the Chairman W will compete with more high-end vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Audi A8.

The Chairman W will become the most expensive Korean-produced vehicle with its 100 million Won price tag. Currently, the one that holds the record is the Hyundai Equus 4.5L Limousine. It stickers for 90.78 million Won. Other outstanding features the car is equipped with include 4-Tronic 4-wheel drive system, Harman-Kardon premium audio system, ten airbags, and Active Cruise Control.

Even though the bounty of features are appealing to the least, we wonder how the Chairman W will actually fare in the heated luxury-car segment when it goes on sale in March. The Chairman marque has already gained considerable status in its domestic market. However, it is the first time Ssangyong has extrapolated into the segment long dominated by the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Will they be able to pull it off? We think Ssangyong will trek through treacherous grounds ahead. What do you think? Tell us via commenting after the jump.

[Source: Maeil Business]

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Kia debuting possible Spectra successor concept car in New York

The current Spectra has been on sale since 2004, and has sold considerably well since its release. The Spectra, along with its 5-door sibling Spectra5, was refreshed for MY2007. Now, according to Ward's Auto, Kia Motors America will be debuting an all-new preview concept at the 2008 New York International Autoshow in March.

Len Hunt, President of KMA, told reporters that the new concept car will be based on the Spectra. Hunt also hinted that the new car, along with the production Soul, will enter the U.S. market in early 2009. We suspect the mystery concept car is the long-awaited replacement of the Spectra. The timeframe is bang-on and testing prototypes were appearing more frequently in the recent months.

Kia has set its eyes on Toyota's youth brand, Scion, with these two vehicles. Hunt stated that the two models will rival the Scion xA and the xB. From this, we can confirm that the Soul's main competition is the xB. Hunt also hinted of a possible compact sports coupe, based on Hyundai's Veloster Concept, for release in the near future.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

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Infiniti starts sales of EX35 in S. Korea

President of Nissan Korea, Greg Phillips, introduced the EX35 crossover for the South Korean market today. The EX35 joins the Q45, M, G35, G37 Coupe, and the FX as the latest model in the automaker's Korean line-up.

The EX35 packs the award-winning VQ35 series 3.5L VQ35HR engine that produces an impressive 302 horsepower. The EX35 features a number of class-leading technologies such as the acclaimed Around View Monitor and Welcome Lighting System. Other features include power folding 2nd-row seats, 11-speaker BOSE Premium audio system, Intelligent Key, and push start/stop button. Safety is also a priority at Infiniti and it is evident with a number of safety features including 8 standard airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The EX35 also boasts a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS in the mid-size sport-utility category.

The EX35 officially goes on sale today, across Infiniti's 4 flagship stores in South Korea. It will have a starting price of 54.7 million Won ($57,319 USD).

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GMDAT releases 2009 Tosca Premium 6

The competitive midsize sedan market in South Korea has recently seen a slew of new cars released. The Hyundai Sonata Transform and the Renault Samsung SM5 New Impression are important examples. Hopping on the bandwagon is the 2009 GM Daewoo Tosca Premium 6. Beneath the long badge are subtle mechanical and visual changes. The main highlight of the changes is the standard 6-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Engineered in cooperation with GM Powertrain's Transmission Engineering Center located in Ypsilanti, Michigan and GM Daewoo, the new transmission promises to deliver significantly improved mileage and performance.

Other changes made to the Tosca include a redesigned set of taillights, the addition of a rear garnish, and redesigned 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels. New gauges, available Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a USB port, switch-blade style keys, and adjustable rear-seat head restraints also make the cut. Last but not least, the formerly optional "Aero Pack" (a bodykit consisting of front, side, rear sideskirts, and muffler trimming) is now standard across the range.

Officially going on sale today, the Tosca Premium 6 will have a base starting price of 17.26 million Won ($18,086 USD) for the L6 2.0L trim. The range-topping L6 2.5L will start at 26.62 million Won ($27,894 USD).

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Montreal 2008: Hyundai unveils 2009 Elantra Touring

The first time we were laid eyes on the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring was at the SEMA show last year. Adorned with a bizzare paint coat and a few other accessories, the new five-door variant of the automaker's compact Elantra did not receive much attention from the press or the public. Badged as the i30 CW in Europe, Hyundai hopes to cross-shop the consumers who would otherwise look at the Toyota Matrix, Dodge Caliber, and Mazda3.

The production Elantra Touring, without the exterior eyesores, was unveiled for the first time at the 2008 Montreal International Autoshow today. Hyundai also celebrated its 25 years of selling cars in Canada at the launch. Acting as the indirect replacement of the Elantra Hatchback, the Elantra Touring boasts many class-leading features such as standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and the largest interior volume in its class. It will be powered by the same engine that propels its four-door variant, a 2.0L 141 horsepower 4-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while a four-speed automatic is optional. The Elantra Touring also features a sport-tuned suspension (purely namesake), and a standard USB port alongside an AUX port. Other options include a leather-trimmed interior, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Elantra Touring will reach showrooms in spring of 2008 as a 2009 model. Pricing should be announced closer to its launch date.

[Source: Hyundai Canada]

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Hyundai rolls out more images of USDM Genesis

If you're looking for information regarding Hyundai's new flagship sedan, I suggest reading the article below this one. However, if that's old news, the new high-resolution images Hyundai released this morning should be satisfying. These press shots give us a better glimpse of the Genesis, which will reveal itself to the world at the upcoming Detroit Autoshow next week. The Genesis is available in three different powertrain configurations: 3.3L 264hp V6, 3.8L 290hp V6, and a 4.6L 368hp V8. If you're interested, follow the jump to view a 30-image high-resolution gallery provided by NetCarShow.com.

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