Stunning shots of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Cars.com recently posted a stunning gallery of high-resolution images of the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. What is probably even better is that the rear-wheel drive coupe is coated in an equally attractive black paint. Although the front-end and the Genesis nomenclature might raise some conflicts, the Genesis Coupe looks to be another success for Hyundai - if marketed right.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is slated to go on sale in America in spring of 2009. It will be available in two powertrains: a 212 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder that will cater mainly to the vast tuner crowd, and a 306 horsepower 3.8L V6. Pricing is expected to start around $20,000 for the 4-cylinder and $25,000 for the V6. Click on the source to view the images in full glory.

[Source: Cars.com]

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Kia shows redesigned Cerato at Sydney

Kia Motors debuted the redesigned Cerato for the Australian market at the Sydney Motor Show today. Dubbed the Forte in the car's home market of South Korea, the Cerato for the land of Down Under will be available in a 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol engine initially.

Kia announced a sales date of early 2009 for the Cerato. Officials stated that the company is still finalizing the specifications and pricing of the Cerato.

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Hyundai targets 500,000 hybrids per year by 2018

Hyundai hasn't yet put a hybrid car on the market, but the company sure is throwing around some big numbers for its hybrid program. Let’s start with 38 miles to the gallon. According to Hyundai, that’s the mileage expected from the hybrid version of the Santa Fe small SUV, on display this week at the Paris Motor Show.

The company claims that the concept hybrid SUV will reach 38 mpg by virtue of its 2.4-liter gas engine, 40-horsepower electric motor and 270-volt lithium battery pack. The unveiling of the Santa Fe “Blue” Hybrid—no word on actual production—gives further evidence to Hyundai’s intentions to get serious about hybrids and other fuel efficient vehicle strategies.

Hyundai is using the term “blue” to designate an emphasis on aerodynamics, efficiency, and low weight. The “blue” strategy is employed in the Hyundai i20 concept minicar — also on display in Paris — which could break 60MPG, according to the company. The i20 combines a diesel engine and micro-hybrid “stop-start” technology to greatly reduce burning petroleum when the vehicle comes to a stop.

Perhaps the biggest number recently offered up by Hyundai is 500,000. That’s its target for annual hybrid sales by 2018, according to Brandon Yea, senior vice president for marketing. To reach that goal, Hyundai will need to move very fast. The company’s first gas-electric vehicle, the mid-size Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, doesn’t goes on sale until 2010.

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Paris: Kia unveils Soul and hybrid counterpart

Kia has unveiled its Soul urban crossover vehicle at the Mondial de l’Automobile show in Paris, along with concept models of the cee’d Hybrid and Soul Hybrid, the hydrogen-powered Sportage FCEV prototype, and the cee’d with new ISG (Idle Stop & Go). The Soul will be sold globally, including in North America.

In Europe, the Soul will be offered with a diesel or gasoline engine, based closely on the 1.6-litre units produced for the Kia cee’d model. For Canada, the U.S. and some non-European general markets, the Soul will come with a 2.0-litre gasoline engine. For European models, fuel consumption ranges from 5.1 to 6.6 L/100 km. Soul models sold in North America and in the majority of countries in Western Europe will be fitted with standard electronic stability control, four disc brakes and six airbags.

Kia is also displaying four models in its “Green Zone” in Paris: the cee’d ISG, Soul Hybrid, cee’d Hybrid and Sportage FCEV. Kia’s new ISG system, which makes its world premiere at Paris, will be available on Kia cee’d gasoline models from early 2009. The system cuts fuel consumption and emissions in heavy traffic by up to 15 per cent. The hybrid concept cars use a 1.6-litre gasoline engine mated to an electronic motor and automatic transmission, while the FCEV model’s latest generation contains a higher-output 100 kW fuel cell and a range of 300 km.

[Source: Kia]

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More images of Hyundai i20 surface before Paris debut

Hyundai has released more official images of the subcompact i20. Slated to debut at the upcoming Paris International Motor Show on October 2nd, the i20 will replace the Getz/Click/TB. Slotting between the i10 and i30, the i20 is designed with the European market in mind - emphasizing build quality, comfort, and value.

The Hyundai i20 rides on an all new platform. Its new styling is highlighted by the bold side creases and an overall European impression that cues the Opel Corsa. It will be offered with 1.2L and 1.4L petrol engines, a 1.4L diesel engine, and a new 1.4L common-rail diesel that will power the fuel-sipping i20 i-Blue. The i-Blue's eco-friendly diesel produces 89 bhp and 162 lb.ft of torque. It features a 6-speed manual transmission rather than the standard 5-speed manual, low-resistance tires, under-floor covers, aerodynamic changes, and low-friction engine oil. These changes result in an emission rating of 99g/km of CO2 and achieve 68MPG.

More details will be released when the i20 debuts at the Paris Motor Show on October 2nd. A three-door variant is expected to be released a few months after the five-door's debut.

Continue reading to view more images, including interior images and real-life shots.

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A Sure Bet: Motor Trend 2009 COTY Contenders Revealed, Genesis One of Them

Just a couple of hours ago, Motor Trend has announced the 17 contenders running for its 2009 Car of the Year title. The good news? Hyundai's 2009 Genesis is one of the candidates in the running. The not so good news? The Genesis is pitted against one of the most intimidating line-ups in the magazine's COTY evaluation history. The Pontiac G8, Dodge Challenger, Nissan GT-R, Lincoln MKS, and Jaguar XF are the notable examples. So, what's the jist behind the "sure bet" remark? Well, Motor Trend evaluates the contenders based on three primary criteria: Superiority, Significance, and Value. While superiority is still too strong to describe the Genesis, it unequivocally aces the other two factors. From there, the array of possible winners sift down to a couple and the Genesis is looking very good in this case.

Motor Trend is currently testing the contenders at the Mojave testing facility of Hyundai/Kia, and the results are to be in by December when the January 2009 issue of MT will be sent to its loyal subscribers and newsstands. If the bragging rights earned by Hyundai when the Veracruz beat the Lexus RX350 in an MT-conducted comparison serves any indication, the crowning of the Genesis as Motor Trend's Car of the Year may well be one of Hyundai's most significant accomplishments in its history. And an excuse to blast a plethora of ads at next year's Super Bowl.

[Source: Motor Trend]


Acura TL
Acura TSX
Audi A4
BMW 1 Series
Dodge Challenger
Honda Fit
Hyundai Genesis
Jaguar XF
Lincoln MKS
Mazda6
Nissan GT-R
Nissan Maxima
Pontiac G8
Pontiac Vibe
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Matrix
Volkswagen CC

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Mitsubishi officially enters S. Korea

Mitsubishi Motors (MMSK) made its official debut in the South Korean market today. Commencing sales on October 1st, Mitsubishi will offer two models at launch: Lancer Evolution X and Outlander. The automaker will also bring the Lancer, Eclipse, and Pajero at a later date.

Packing the coveted 295 horsepower 2.0L MIVEC turbocharged engine and mated to a Twin-Clutch Sport Shift Transmission, the Lancer Evolution X introduces market-leading performance features to the South Korean market. Other standard features include BILSTEIN shock absorbers, Eibach springs, Brembo brakes, BBS alloy wheels, RECARO sport seats, and a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system.

The Outlander is Mitsubishi's shot at the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan. Standard novelties include a 4WD system, smart key, flap-fold tailgate, and a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system.

Mitsubishi is aiming high with its prospects in the competitive South Korean market, as it targets a 10% share of the import car market in the country by 2013. The Lancer Evolution X will be priced at 62 million Won (US$54,069), while the Outlander will be priced at 42 million Won (US$36,627).

[Source: Mitsubishi Motors South Korea]

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