Chicago: Hyundai Genesis Coupe to start at $22K

Hyundai Motor America announced pricing for the new Genesis Coupe, starting at $22,000 for a well-equipped 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine 2.0T model and $25,000 for the 306-horsepower, 3.8-liter, V6 engine model. A freight charge of $750 is added.

The Genesis Coupe will begin arriving at Hyundai dealerships later in the month. Continue reading to view the standard equipment for all trim levels and their respective prices.

[Source: Hyundai]

PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI ANNOUNCES 2010 GENESIS COUPE PRICING

CHICAGO, 02/11/2009 - Hyundai Motor America announced pricing for the new Genesis Coupe, starting at $22,000 for a well-equipped 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine 2.0T model and $25,000 for the 306-horsepower, 3.8-liter, V6 engine model. Genesis Coupe will begin arriving at Hyundai dealerships later in the month.

“Genesis sedan set a new benchmark for the premium sedan segment and we think Genesis Coupe will do the same in the sport coupe arena,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and chief executive officer. “From our 30-mpg 2.0T with its low-pressure, intercooled, four-cylinder turbo, to the 3.8-liter Track model with 306 horsepower and Brembo® braking system, Genesis Coupe offers a wide range of powertrain and performance choices for driving enthusiasts of all stripes.”

2010 Genesis Coupe Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing

Model	Engine	Package	Transmission	MSRP
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.		Six-Speed Manual	$22,000
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.		Five-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$23,250
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.	Premium	Six-Speed Manual	$24,250
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.	Premium	Five-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$25,500
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.	Track	Six-Speed Manual	$26,750
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.	R-Spec *	Six-Speed Manual	$23,750
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6		Six-Speed Manual	$25,000
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6		ZF Six-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$26,500
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6	Grand Touring	Six-Speed Manual	$27,500
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6	Grand Touring	ZF Six-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$29,000
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6	Track	Six-Speed Manual	$29,500
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6	Track	ZF Six-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$31,000

GENESIS COUPE 2.0T: A MORE EFFICIENT TAKE ON THE REAR-WHEEL DRIVE SPORT COUPE

Standard equipment includes:
· 2.0-liter, low-pressure, turbocharged, intercooled 4-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210 hp, 223 lb.-ft. of torque (at just 2,000 rpm), an estimated 30 mpg EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph
· M6VR1 6-speed manual transmission (Optional: A5SR1 5-speed electronic automatic transmission with lockup torque converter and steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift Shiftronic® controls)
· 18-inch Euroflange alloy wheels with staggered Bridgestone Potenza RE92A tires (225/45VR18 front, 245/45VR18 rear)
· Electronic Stability Control with Traction control, ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist
· 12.6-inch ventilated front rotors with 60mm single piston floating caliper
· 12.4-inch solid rear rotors with 43mm single piston floating caliper
· Sport-tuned MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and five-link rear independent suspension, 24mm front stabilizer bar, 19mm rear stabilizer bar
· Front strut brace
· Quick-ratio hydraulic steering (2.7 turns lock-to-lock)
· Tire Pressure Monitoring System
· Front, side, side air curtain air bags
· Active front head restraints
· Driver’s lumbar support
· Black-out front lower fascia
· Air conditioning
· Satin silver and chrome interior accents
· Remote keyless entry system with alarm
· Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
· Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors
· AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD audio system with six speakers
· iPod/ USB Aux jack connectivity
· Steering wheel audio controls
· Cruise control
· Trip computer
· Projector beam headlamps with auto light control
· Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity with steering wheel controls

The 2.0T Premium model adds or substitutes:
· Power driver’s seat
· 360-watt AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD-changer Infinity® premium audio system with 10 speakers including DVC subwoofer, eight-channel external amplifier, and diversity antenna
· Proximity Key with push-button start
· Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink® and compass
· Power tilt and slide sunroof
· Navigation system (mid-model year availability, pricing TBA)

The factory-tuned 2.0T Track model builds from the 2.0T Premium, adding/substituting:
· 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
· Unique Brembo® braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
· Unique track-tuned suspension, higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front strut brace
· Torsen-type limited-slip differential
· Black leather bolster seats with high-friction red cloth insert
· Aluminum pedals
· Aero wipers
· Rear spoiler
· Xenon HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights
· Fog lamps
· Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)
· Navigation system (mid-model year availability, pricing TBA)
· Note: Automatic transmission not available with 2.0T Track

Later in the model year, a tuner-focused performance model, R-Spec, will arrive at Hyundai dealerships. Genesis Coupe R-Spec is the ultimate upgradeable, affordable, turbocharged rear-wheel drive performance platform. R-Spec equipment includes:
· 2.0-liter low-pressure turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210 hp, an estimated 30 mpg EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph
· 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
· Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist
· 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered-width high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
· Brembo® braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
· Track-tuned suspension (higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front strut brace)
· Torsen-type limited-slip differential
· Quick-ratio hydraulic steering (2.7 turns lock-to-lock)
· Tire Pressure Monitoring System
· Front, side, side air curtain air bags
· Active front head restraints
· Driver’s lumbar support
· Air conditioning
· Remote keyless entry with alarm
· Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
· Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors
· AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD audio system with six speakers
· iPod/ USB/Aux jack connectivity
· Projector beam headlamps
· Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)
· Note: Automatic transmission not available with R-Spec

GENESIS 3.8: 306 HORSEPOWER AND STANDARD LEATHER INTERIOR - A NEW BENCHMARK FOR PERFORMANCE AND REFINEMENT IN ITS CLASS

Standard equipment includes 2.0T equipment, and adds or substitutes:
· 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 306 hp and a top speed of 149 mph
· M6VR2 6-speed manual transmission (Optional: ZF 6HP19 6-speed electronic automatic with lockup torque converter and steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift Shiftronic® controls)
· Black leather seating surfaces
· Fully automatic temperature control
· Premium door sill plates
· Chrome front fascia accents
· Fog lights

In addition to 3.8 equipment, the 3.8 Grand Touring adds or substitutes:
· Unique brown leather seat interior environment
· Power driver’s seat
· Heated driver and passenger seat
· 360-watt AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD-changer Infinity® premium audio system with 10 speakers including DVC subwoofer, eight-channel external amplifier, and diversity antenna
· Proximity key with push-button start
· Xenon HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlamps
· Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink® and compass
· Heated mirrors with outside turn signal indicators
· Backup warning system
· Power tilt and slide sunroof
· Navigation system (mid-model year availability, pricing TBA)

The factory-tuned 3.8 Track model deletes the backup warning system and chrome front fascia accents from the Grand Touring model, and adds or substitutes:
· Black leather seating surfaces
· 19-inch gunmetal finish alloy wheels with staggered high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
· Brembo® braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
· Unique track-tuned suspension, higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, strut brace
· Torsen-type limited-slip differential
· Aluminum pedals
· Aero wipers
· Rear spoiler
· Black-out front lower fascia
· Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)

Genesis Coupe will be available in nine exterior colors:
· Karussell White
· Bathurst Black
· Silverstone
· Nordschleife Gray
· Acqua Minerale Blue
· Tsukuba Red
· Mirabeau Blue
· Lime Rock Green
· Interlagos Yellow

Genesis Coupe features four different interior themes:
· Black environment, premium black cloth seats (2.0T, 2.0T Premium, R-Spec)
· Black environment, black leather-bolstered seats with high-friction red cloth insert (2.0T Track)
· Black environment, black leather seats (3.8, 3.8 Track)
· Black environment, saddle brown leather seats (3.8 Grand Touring)

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 780 dealerships nationwide.

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Chicago: 2010 Kia Forte revealed, Spectra is gone

Kia Motors has unveiled the all-new 2010 Kia Forte for North America at the Chicago International Auto Show today. Contradicting to what recent spy shots suggested, Kia has not retained the Spectra name for the North American version of its redesigned compact sedan. However, the new badge is indicative of the car's fresh and bold departure from its bland and uninspiring predecessor. Designed by Kia's Peter Schreyer, the Forte gets its looks from the Kia KOUP Concept which debuted at last year's New York International Auto Show.

Size-wise, the Forte grows in every aspect with an increased overall length of just over an inch to 178.3 inches, a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall width of 69.9 inches and an overall height of 57.5 inches. Thanks to this augmentation, the Forte boasts a class-leading interior volume of 96.8 cubic feet and an impressive trunk capacity of 14.7 cubic feet.

Continue reading for the full article, a hi-res image gallery and the official press release.


The Forte is available in three trim levels: LX, EX, and the sporty SX. The LX and EX models benefit from a 156 horsepower 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with CVVT. The SX is powered by an upgraded 173 horsepower 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with CVVT, in which Kia boasts is more powerful than the Toyota Corolla XRS and the 2010 Mazda3 Grand Touring. The 2.0L models are standard with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. The SX features a standard 6-speed manual transmission, and is available with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0L models boast a fuel economy rating of 26/36 MPG city/highway, while the 2.4L models are projected to achieve 25/34 MPG city/highway. A Fuel Economy package is available with the 2.0L powerplant, in which upgrades such as a 5-speed automatic transmission and low-rolling resistance tires result in a class-leading combined fuel-economy of 36 MPG.

The Forte offers an impressive array of standard features, such as a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with Sirius, USB/AUX inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, 6-way adjustable driver's seat, and a tilt steering column. More notable, however, is the Forte's standard safety equipment, with features like active front headrests, 6 airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control system (TCS), and a tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The EX and SX models are equipped with power windows/door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and a premium 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with Sirius and surround sound. The SX gains unique touches such as sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, telescoping steering column, and sport cloth seats.

As always, every Forte comes with Kia's comprehensive warranty program which includes a 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty. The Forte is slated to arrive in U.S. showrooms by late spring or early summer of this year. Pricing is expected to be announced closer to the sales date.

[Source: Kia]




PRESS RELEASE: KIA MOTORS AMERICA INTRODUCES ALL-NEW KIA FORTE

Kia's New Compact Sedan Makes its Debut at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show

Kia Motors debuts sporty and fuel-efficient compact sedan

New Forte blends impressive new style with Kia Motors quality and value

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2009 – On the heels of announcing the widely acclaimed, all-new Kia Soul, Kia Motors America (KMA) today introduced the all-new 2010 Kia Forte (pronounced for-tay) compact sedan at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Forte blends Kia's exciting new design direction under the tutelage of Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors' chief design officer, with a multitude of standard features. The 2010 Kia Forte will go on sale in North America in late spring or early summer of 2009.

"Kia Motors' product line is rapidly evolving and the Forte compact sedan is another head turner," said B.M. Ahn, group president and CEO, KMA and KMMG. "The Forte is an aggressively stylish blend of comfort and practicality – and with a host of standard features it provides the great quality and value that consumers have come to expect from Kia vehicles."

Style in Motion

Sporting stylish and aggressive design cues, the new Forte firmly establishes itself as a strong contender in its segment. With a bold look set apart by crisp lines, swept-back headlamps and a sleek profile, Forte exudes a confident stance that conveys motion both while cruising the highway and parked in the driveway. Available in three trim levels (LX, EX and SX), Forte offers a sleek, sophisticated design. The sportier SX trim offers a more athletic profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P215/45R17-sized premium tires and a rear spoiler.

Smooth and Comfortable Ride

With a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall length of 178.3 inches, an overall width of 69.9 inches and overall height of 57.5 inches, Forte offers one of the roomiest interiors in its class with seating for up to five passengers. The Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness giving Forte better handling, smoother ride quality and greater refinement than its competitors, with a specially tuned suspension adjusted perfectly for responsive handling on curvy roads. Additional refinements are fitted throughout Forte to help ensure a comfortable ride with good noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities.

Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, Forte utilizes an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension with struts and coil springs. This combination helps provide the optimal balance of handling and comfort. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling by providing the most advantageous amount of assist for varying road conditions. In keeping with the sporty essence of the SX model line, a sport-tuned suspension gives the chassis a firmer feel and responsiveness resulting in a sportier and more spirited ride. The SX model also features larger front brakes for improved stopping capabilities.

Attractive and Practical Interior

Forte boasts a class-leading 96.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, while driver and passengers have an impressive 40.0 inches of headroom and 43.3 inches of legroom in the front seats and 37.8 inches of headroom and 35.0 inches of legroom in the rear seats. Forte's trunk also offers an impressive 14.7 cubic feet of cargo space, one of the largest in its class, perfect for luggage for weekend getaways.

Capitalizing on its spacious interior, Forte pampers its riders with a host of interior features, starting with comfortable, nicely appointed full cloth seats. A six-way adjustable driver's seat, tilt steering column, rear defroster and dual 12-volt power outlets in the center console are driver- and passenger-conscious luxuries standard on every vehicle.

EX and SX models offer a number of additional standard luxurious touches such as: power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; map lamps; steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; dual front and rear cup holders; and floor mats. Forte EX and SX models also include standard cruise control with an optional sunroof and leather-trimmed seats. Also standard on SX models is a telescoping steering column as well as sport cloth seats adorned with red stitching, further enhancing its energetic persona.

Peppy Performance

Forte LX and EX are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which provide for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower – more than the most powerful versions of the Toyota Corolla or even the 2010 Mazda3.

Two transmission options are offered for the 2010 Forte: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission (LX and EX models). The SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic®.

The optional Fuel Economy Package, available with the 2.0-liter powerplant, will include the five-speed automatic transmission, Motor Drive Power Steering and low-rolling resistance tires with aero enhancements. These improvements result in class-leading combined fuel economy of 36 mpg (highway).

Music that Moves

Forte comes with a standard four speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service. Standard on all models is an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players. Standard Bluetooth® connectivity enables hands-free operation for compatible cell phones. For true audiophiles, the EX and SX packages also add a standard six speaker surround audio system and steering wheel controls.

Standard Kia Motors Safety

Forte offers a class-leading level of standard safety equipment, with features such as active front headrests, advanced two-stage airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), a traction control system (TCS), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Industry-Leading Warranty

Like all Kia models, Forte is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

2009 Product Line

Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line of 11 vehicles to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The 2009 vehicle line features the functional Rondo CUV and award-winning Sedona minivan along with a wide variety of popular passenger cars, including the refined Amanti full-size sedan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan, versatile and compact Spectra and Spectra5, and sporty yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the affordably luxurious Borrego, rugged Sorento and value-packed Sportage SUVs. The 2010 Soul will further complement the lineup when it arrives in dealerships this spring.

2010 KIA FORTE SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL INFO

Body configuration: Compact sedan
Body type: Steel unibody
Drivetrain layout: Front engine, front drive
Passenger capacity: 5

ENGINE

Type
LX & EX: 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder, aluminum block and aluminum head
SX: 2.4-liter, inline four-cylinder, aluminum block and aluminum head

Valve gear
LX & EX: DOHC, four valves/cylinder w/ CVVT
SX: DOHC, four valves/cylinder w/ CVVT

Horsepower (hp @ rpm)
LX & EX: 156 @ 6200
SX: 173 @ 6000

Torque (lb.-ft @ rpm)
LX & EX: 144 @ 4300
SX: 168 @ 4000

Bore x stroke (mm)
LX & EX: 86.0 x 86.0
SX: 88.0 x 97.0

Displacement (cc)
LX & EX: 1998
SX: 2359

Compression ratio
LX & EX: 10.5:1
SX: 10.5:1

Emissions rating
50-state: LEV-II (ULEV) Tier-2 (Bin 4)
CAL: LEV-II (SULEV PZEV)

Fuel tank capacity (gal.): 13.7

Engine oil capacity (qt.)
LX & EX: 4.1
SX: 4.5

DRIVETRAIN

Transmission
LX & EX: Five-speed manual
SX: Six-speed manual
LX & EX: Electronically controlled four-speed automatic
EX w/ Fuel Economy Package
SX: Electronically controlled five-speed automatic w/ Sportmatic

SUSPENSION

Front: Independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Rear : Torsion beam w/ struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar

STEERING

Type: Engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft.): 33.8

DIMENSIONS (in.)

Exterior:
Overall length: 178.3
Overall width: 69.9
Overall height: 57.5
Wheelbase: 104.3
Track, front/rear: 61.3 / 61.6
Ground Clearance: 5.9

Interior:
Headroom, front/rear: 40.0 / 37.8
Shoulder room, front/rear: 55.7 / 54.7
Legroom, front/rear: 43.3 / 35.0
Front hip room, front/rear: 53.0 / 53.3
Interior volume (cu. ft.): 96.8
Cargo volume (cu. ft.): 14.7

BRAKES

Type: Hydraulic, power-assisted vacuum w/ four-sensor, four-channel ABS + ESC
Front
LX & EX: 11.0-inch ventilated discs
SX: 11.8-inch ventilated discs
Rear
10.3-inch solid discs

TIRES & WHEELS

Tires
P195/65R15 (LX)
P205/55R16 (EX)
P215/45R17 (SX)

Wheels
5.5J x 15 steel (LX)
6.0J x 16 alloy (EX)
7.0J x 17 alloy (SX)

FUEL ECONOMY (mpg)
LX & EX
SX

City/Highway
5-speed M/T
TBD
--
6-speed M/T
--
TBD
4-speed A/T
25 / 34 (est.)
--
5-speed A/T
26 / 36 (est.)
TBD

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Geneva: Hyundai gears up for i20 3-door debut

Hyundai will use the upcoming Geneva Motor Show next month as the venue for the debut of the new Hyundai i20 3-door hatchback. Replacing the Getz/Click hatchback, the i20 3-door joins its 5-door counterpart, which has already generated high sales in Europe and India.

In Europe, Hyundai will offer the i20 3-door in four different engine options: 78 hp 1.2L petrol, 100 hp 1.4L petrol, 126 hp 1.6L gasoline, and a 115 hp 1.6L diesel. All models boast a CO2 emission output of under 119 g/km. Hyundai will later release a more fuel-efficient i-Blue variant of the model.

The i20 3-door hatchback will reach Hyundai showrooms in Europe by the summer. Stay tuned for more images after Hyundai's official reveal on March 3rd.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading to view more images.

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Geneva: Hyundai releases sketch of HED-6 Concept, previews next Tucson (LM)

Hyundai has released the first official image, a sketch, of the HED-6 Concept ahead of its scheduled debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. A collaboration of design from Hyundai's European facilities in major cities such as Berlin, London, and Paris, the HED-6 Concept previews the next-generation Tucson crossover, code-named LM.

The exterior will feature a hexagonal grille, angular style lines, and a pair of sweeping back front headlights. The concept will ride on 21-inch wheels, which will never reach the production model, and incorporate dual exhaust tips. The three-dimensional sculpted shape of the rear window is achieved by not using regular glass, but Lexan plastics. Under the hood is Hyundai's new 175 horsepower 1.6L GDi turbodiesel engine, and is coupled to the automaker's new in-house developed 6-speed automatic transmission.

[Source: Hyundai]

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Teaser: Kia KED-6 Concept to bow in Geneva, previews Cee'd Plus (YN)

Kia Motors has released the first image of its forthcoming, KED-6 concept car ahead of its scheduled formal debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3rd. The concept is a near-production design of the Cee'd-based 5-seat MPV that websites have been referring to as the Cee'd Plus (code-named 'YN').

Designed by Peter Schreyer, the KED-6 Concept will feature a unique glass-roof treatment. The production model will probably not retain this feature, but is expected to stay faithful in design to its preview concept car. The YN will compete with rivalling 5-seat compact MPV's in Europe, such as the Ford C-MAX and Opel Meriva. Kia will hold the press conference for the launch of the 'YN' concept at 12:45 PM Swiss local time.

[Source: Kia]

EDIT: Kia has stated that the new concept car will be named 'KED-6'.

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From the Spies: 2010 Kia Forte Coupe + Rendering

Here are the first spy shots of Kia's upcoming 2-door variant of the Forte, code-named XK. In addition to the spy shots, we bring you a photoshopped rendering. The Forte Coupe has already been unveiled in concept guise as the KOUP Concept at last year's New York International Auto Show.

Penned by Peter Schreyer, the Forte Coupe will not differ from the KOUP Concept much, other than the expected production tweaks. The engine offerings will be the same as the Forte/Spectra Sedan. One striking design element we notice is the pillar-less door frames. The launch date has not been disclosed yet, but reports point to a reveal near the end of the year.

NOTE: The above image is a doctored version of two original fragment shots posted after the jump.

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Hyundai releases Equus (VI) interior rendering

Hyundai Motor Corp. has released an interior rendering of the upcoming Equus (VI) flagship sedan today. No surprises here though. The recent spy shot we posted looks no different from the digitally pampered one revealed today. Set to be sold exclusively in the automaker's domestic market, South Korea, the new Equus will replace the current decade-old model that has become a trademark of luxury in the country.

Hyundai will officially reveal the Equus this March in South Korea. The Equus will be available in two wheelbase configurations - regular and Limousine - and three powertrain options - 290 hp 3.8L V6, 375 hp 4.6L V8, and a 420+ hp 5.0L V8 which will make its debut in the Equus. While the official word is that Hyundai will market this only in South Korea, talks have recently arisen regarding the possibility of the Equus' entry into the United States. If it is green-lit, Hyundai might have to change its nomenclature. Daniel Radcliffe without his wizardry capes is giving us the shivers.

[Source: Hyundai]

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