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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Hyundai Confirms Veloster for Detroit, Accent for New York

During a media briefing this week, Hyundai officials confirmed that the upcoming 2012 Veloster will make its world debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The company also announced that the North American version of the redesigned Accent will make its debut at the Big Apple next April.

While Hyundai has yet to make it official, it is almost certain that the Veloster (name subject to change, though rumors suggest it is here to stay) will be powered by a direct-injected version of the company's new 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine. Output is estimated at 138 horsepower and 123 lb.ft of torque. The big news is the new six-speed dual-clutch transmission that will be mated to the powertrain. The Veloster is expected to return at least 40 mpg on the highway.

Stay tuned for more information on the Veloster in the coming days.

[Source: Autoblog]

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2011 Hyundai Elantra Makes Early Debut at Cars and Coffee

Let's face it: that whole photo-op set up by the folks at Hyundai with one of their reps looking mock-shocked that the 2011 Hyundai Elantra had been "discovered" was quite silly really.

Perhaps to save themselves from further embarassment, Hyundai decided to prematurely take the wraps off the all-new US-spec Elantra, scheduled for debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week, by bringing one example for the public eye at a recent Cars and Coffee meet in California. And who else would have been behind the wheel of the car other than the CEO of Hyundai Motor America himself John Krafcik.

Thanks to esteemed automotive journalist Frank Filipponio, we have our very first candid look at the US-spec 2011 Hyundai Elantra. Head over to his website, Frank4cars, to see the high resolution photos in full glory.

[Source: Frank4Cars]

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Hyundai Elantra Teased Ahead of Los Angeles Auto Show Debut

Hyundai has just released a lighthearted "spy photo" of the next-generation Elantra on their Twitter page in advance of the compact sedan's debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week.

Hyundai showed the above photo of the next-generation U.S.-spec Elantra (and a staged, startled PR rep) with only a bit of sheetmetal exposed on Twitter today.

The Elantra will be built at Hyundai's Montgomery, Alabama, production facility alongside the Sonata, starting later this fall, and will reach dealerships in early 2011.

Keep your eyes here for all your updates on the Hyundai Elantra and all the other debuting vehicles headed to the Los Angeles Auto Show.

[Source: Hyundai's Twitter Page]

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Kia Unveils Forte Koup Type R: SEMA 2010

Following a fairly successful inaugural season competing in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series, Kia unveiled the Forte Koup Type R Concept at the 2010 SEMA show in Las Vegas on Tuesday. Kinetic Motorsports, which built and campaigned two Forte Koup race cars in the Continental Tire series, also developed the Type R Concept.

Visually, the car receives wider front fenders and rear quarter panels, front lip, side sills with rear arch flares and is painted in a flat dark shadow gray metallic color. The car rolls on 18-inch forged BBS wheels wrapped with Continental Conti Sport DWS tires. Additional handling improvements come from Kinetic performance springs, Kinetic custom limited-slip differential and strut tower brace.

Minor drivetrain modifications include an upgraded clutch, lightweight flywheel and underdrive engine pulley system. A custom Kinetic exhaust and K&N air filter is also installed. To up stopping power, Alcon four-piston brake calipers are fitted at all four corners.

The custom interior has green contrast stitching in a diamond pattern, short throw shifter with Kinetic shift knob and a 1,200-watt Infinity sound system.

According to a Kinetic spokesman, a line of performance parts has been developed and is ready to be produced for the Forte Koup as soon as Kia gives the the green light for production.

Kia also used SEMA to officially announce that it will also return to the track in 2011 for a sophomore campaign in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series with the Forte Koup.

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