Spied: More Undisguised Shots of the Hyundai Genesis Pt.IV

How about starting the morning with a batch of new images of the undisguised prototypes of the Hyundai Genesis. These images, however, seem to be taken from the same photographer as the ones of Pt.III of the undisguised Genesis spyshots. We have a full frontal shot as well as a full side shot. The full frontal shot shows the prominent Hyundai logo, which creates enough shivers in the automotive industry. For the curious folks who have no idea what's covering the logo, it is the sensor for the adaptive cruise control available on the Genesis.

There is not much else to report on the Genesis as of now, since we have posted umpteen articles regarding the car before this. We direct you to the jump where the frontal shot is posted.

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Spied: More Undisguised Shots of the Hyundai Genesis Pt.III

Today's posts were either of Hyundai and Kia receiving awards or images of undisguised prototypes of the Hyundai Genesis. Before wrapping up for the day, we discovered another batch of images of an undisguised Hyundai Genesis today. These images are of a silver model and give us a better look at the front-3/4 view of the car. We can proudly say a Hyundai at an angle looks so much better, with proof evident in our last post of the Genesis.

The first shot presents the front fascia of the Genesis on a whole new level and we have grown...fond of the look. The LS460 is still visible, however these shots give off a sleeker look than the previous shots. The second shot, available for your viewing after the jump, compares the front of the current Hyundai Equus and the upcoming Genesis. In the South Korean market, the Genesis is expected to replace the aging Equus.

More and more shots pop up on the web and strangely, our impression of the highly-anticipated vehicle has definitely turned for the positive. There are and will still be a lot of naysayers, those who especially prioritize style first. However, the consumer market indicates the vast majority looks everywhere else for buying new cars and the Genesis will fare very well in that criteria. Stay tuned for more images of undisguised Genesis's throughout the coming days.

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2 Hyundais and 1 Kia receive 2008 Autobytel MyRide.com Editor's Choice Awards

Hyundai and Kia's award shelves might need some reorganizing with the recent ambush of awards from different organizations and publications. The editors of MyRide.com, affiliated with Autobytel, announced their Editor's Choice Award for 2008. While the Car of the Year, Truck of the Year, Utility of the Year, and Hybrid of the Year were all swept up by American automakers (which raised more than a few eyebrows), Hyundai and Kia were also in line to receive some as well.

The Hyundai Santa Fe went home with a "Best Family Car" award while the Hyundai Veracruz was awarded "Best Mid-Size SUV" title. The Kia Rondo received two awards: "Best Kept Secret for 2008" and "Best New Wagon". Each MyRide.com editor tested and selected the best car for each category and simply the majority of each segment took home the award.

[Source: Business Wire]

Continue reading to view the press release.

PRESS RELEASE: Autobytel Announces 2008 MyRide.com Editors’ Choice Awards

Cadillac CTS Named Car of the Year, Ford Super Duty Named Truck of the Year, 2008 Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon Tie for Hybrid of the Year

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The automotive editors and analysts of MyRide.com, Autobytel Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ABTL) brand new vertical search experience for car lovers, buyers and researchers, today announced results for the fifth annual Editors’ Choice Awards, a ranking of the best new 2008 vehicles on the market.

The MyRide.com Editor’s Choice Awards name the editors’ top choices for major vehicle categories as well as providing their top recommendations for buyers with specific priorities – including fuel-efficiency, family/teen driving, affordability and just plain fun. In keeping with the buyer-focused, “real world” spirit of the Awards, consideration was limited to vehicles with base prices lower than $75,000 except in the Dream Car” category.

“As in past years, certain vehicles stand out from the pack, particularly in terms of comfort, design, quality, performance, or overall value. This year, domestic automakers are on top, sweeping most of the major categories in MyRide.com’s 2008 Editors’ Choice Awards,” said MyRide.com Chief Automotive Analyst Brian Chee. “Clearly, the time and energy the winning automakers have invested in making better quality cars is starting to pay off for them.”

And the Winners Are …

The following MyRide.com Editors’ Choice Awards will be presented to winning automakers at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

2008 Car of the Year and Best New Entry Luxury Car Under $40,000 – Cadillac CTS – The second-generation, all-new-for-2008 CTS, with edgy style to burn, a world-class interior, and extraordinary performance takes Cadillac’s entry-luxury model to a whole new level of refinement and is living testament to how serious GM has become about new products. As one of the best-handling and performing Cadillac’s ever, the super-evolved CTS finally proves that it can hold its own against import rivals like BMW, Lexus, Audi and Mercedes. The most affordable vehicle in the Caddy line-up just happens to be the best one to buy.

2008 Truck of the Year and Best New Pickup — Ford Super Duty – In the brutally tough ‘heavies’ category, Ford’s redesigned Super Duty managed to best the always-worthy choices from Dodge, GM and Nissan, all thanks to its incredible towing and hauling capabilities, mind-bending menu of body styles, and trim levels and powertrain options. This truck performs so competently it can make popular light-duty pickups seem like golf carts. F-Series has been the best-selling vehicle in America for a quarter century and the well-engineered new Super Duty, with its first significant overhaul since 1999, will go a long way in helping Ford retain its truck title.

2008 Utility Vehicle of the Year and Best New Luxury Utility Vehicle Under $75,000 — Buick Enclave — Buick has aspired to be a truly premium automaker for years and with the Enclave it has finally, and convincingly, achieved that elusive goal. In a veritable sea of new crossovers, Enclave’s handsome looks in and out, near-silent ride, plentiful cargo capacity, and superb comfort, have given its luxe import competitors — Acura, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes — a Buick to actually worry about. Part practical family hauler and part true luxury SUV, all those consumers shopping Asian and European crossovers now have a compelling reason to think, yes, Buick.

2008 Hybrid of the Year — Chevy Tahoe Hybrid/GMC Yukon Hybrid – No, not that popular P-word, but a pair of full-sized SUVs — a category which GM’s new offerings may just help save from the vehicular graveyard. When a hybrid is tough enough for off-roading, seats eight, is capable of towing at least 6,000 pounds, offers four-wheel-drive, a low-range transfer case, and also achieves an estimated 22-mpg, awards are in order. The two-mode system, deftly switching between all-electric propulsion around town to the gas engine for high speeds and towing (and myriad complex combinations in between), represents a significant hybrid technology breakthrough, and one that uniquely delivers the best fuel economy across a wide range of driving situations. Many people simply can’t drive a compact hybrid, and they need the utility, power and roominess of their once-beloved large SUV. For cutting-edge technology, and for offerings that should help encourage wider hybrid adoption, Tahoe/Yukon take the prize.

Best Kept Secret for 2008 and Best New Wagon — Kia Rondo – Call it what you will, mini-minivan or crossover sport wagon, Kia’s practical little Rondo has unjustly flown under too many people’s radar. With flexible seven-passenger seating, a nice long warranty, four- or six-cylinder powertrain options, and a base price under twenty grand, Rondo uniquely delivers up the versatility and passenger-toting a family seeks in a minivan, but in a smaller, nimbler, more affordable package. Compact minivans, big hits all across Asia and Europe, are rare on these shores. Rondo, with its compelling combination of value and utility, should be equally celebrated on this side of the pond.

Best Car for Teen Drivers – Honda Civic – A perennial award winner, Honda continues to dominate this category. This is the second year in a row the Civic has been named Best Car for Teen Drivers. Known for its reliability, but still fun to drive and stylish, this car pleases both teens and their parents.

Winners in additional categories

Best New Minivan – Chrysler Town & Country / Dodge Grand Caravan

Best New Small Car – Volvo C30

Best New Midsize Car – Chevrolet Malibu

Best New Large Car – Ford Taurus / Mercury Sable

Best Family Car – Hyundai Santa Fe

Best New Luxury Car Under $75,000 – BMW 5 Series

Best New Convertible Under $75,000 – Audi TT Roadster

Best New Sports Car Under $75,000 – Audi S5

Best New Small SUV – Saturn Vue

Best New Midsize SUV – Hyundai Veracruz

Best New Large SUV – Mazda CX-9

Best Non-Hybrid for the Environment – Honda Civic GX

Most Fun New Car for 2008 – Infiniti G37

Best New Dream Car Over $75,000 – Aston Martin V-8 Vantage Roadster

Methodology

Each MyRide.com editor voted for the vehicle they’d most recommend to buyers in each Award category, with winners determined by a simple majority. Vehicles that were not driven by at least one staff member prior to final voting on November 9, 2007 were disqualified, as were those that did not go on sale during the 2007 calendar year. Contenders for the Best Non-Hybrid for the Environment, Best Family Car, and Best Car for Teen Drivers awards were not limited by sales dates or model year.

For more information or to speak with an Autobytel editor about this year’s selections please contact: Stephanie Rice at 323-877-6401 or rices@ruderfinn.com.

About Autobytel Inc.

Since launching the first car-buying website in 1995, Autobytel Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ABTL) mission has been to empower automotive consumers with the tools and information they need to make smart, well-informed vehicle purchasing and ownership decisions. The company has helped millions of car shoppers and generated billions of dollars in car sales for dealers. Today, the company’s innovative, consumer-driven flagship site, MyRide.com, expands the company’s mission across the automotive purchase and ownership life cycle. As the first vertical search experience for the automotive marketplace, MyRide.com is designed to help Internet-savvy consumers FIND, SEE, BUY and LEARN anything automotive and BELONG to a diverse community of people who have similar automotive interests

By providing a convenient and comprehensive automotive consumer experience across the purchase and ownership lifecycle, Autobytel provides new value and touch-points for automotive marketers. Through MyRide.com and Autobytel’s marketing network, the company connects dealerships with a steady, diverse stream of exceptionally motivated, serious shoppers, while providing both dealers and manufacturers with precision-targeted brand and product marketing opportunities. The company’s advanced web-based advertising and marketing programs also help dealers and manufacturers build relationships with customers, as well as help them to efficiently manage and convert online business

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Hyundai Azera and Santa Fe awarded Best-in-Class 2007 Total Value Awards

Hyundai's Azera and the Santa Fe recently received Strategic Vision's Best-in-Class Total Value Awards for 2007. This award is based on the level of owner satisfaction and the Azera and Santa Fe beat out its competitors by a large margin. The Azera was the top of the large-car segment for the second year in a row, beating out the Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger and the Ford Five Hundred. The Santa Fe placed first in the small-SUV category, beating the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4.

This research is based on calculations of the owner's satisfaction ratings and owner comments of the vehicle. “The Strategic Vision TVI awards for the Azera and Santa Fe clearly signify the quality and excellence consumers feel when they purchase Hyundai vehicles,” said John Krafcik, vice president of Product Development and Strategic Planning. “Outstanding value equals great design, quality, safety and performance – all of which are elements of a Hyundai.”

[Source: Hyundai Motor of America/Strategic Vision]

Continue reading to view the official press release.

PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI AZERA AND SANTA FE RECEIVE STRATEGIC VISION'S BEST-IN-CLASS 2007 TOTAL VALUE AWARDS

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 11/06/2007 Strategic Vision has awarded the Hyundai Azera and Santa Fe “Best-In-Class” in the 2007 Total Value Index™ (TVI) Report that evaluates vehicle owner satisfaction. The results placed the Hyundai Santa Fe a top the small SUV segment with a score of 781, beating competitors such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The Azera topped the large car segment for the second year in a row with a score of 778, beating American rivals such as Dodge Charger, Mercury Montego and Ford 500.

According to Strategic Vision president, Alexander Edwards, “The Azera and Santa Fe both led their segments by providing products high in perceived quality, providing exceptional features, and being exceptionally priced – all supported with Hyundai’s warranty.”

The TVI research is based on the ratings of new vehicle owners. Calculations incorporate variables that make up ownership experience and owner comments in relation to expected reliability, expected fuel economy, price paid and expected resale value.

“The Strategic Vision TVI awards for the Azera and Santa Fe clearly signify the quality and excellence consumers feel when they purchase Hyundai vehicles,” said John Krafcik, vice president of Product Development and Strategic Planning. “Outstanding value equals great design, quality, safety and performance – all of which are elements of a Hyundai.”

About 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 750 dealerships nationwide.

About Strategic Vision

Since its incorporation in 1989, the research-based consultancy that was founded in 1972 has studied consumer and constituent decision-making. Its unique expertise is identifying consumers’ motivational hierarchies, including the values and emotions that drive perceptions and behavior.

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2008 Kia Sedona awarded "Top Safety Pick" by IIHS

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced their "Top Safety Picks" for 2008 recently. Only 34 cars received the prestigious title and once again, the Kia Sedona was one of the bunch. The Sedona, which already earned the same award for 2007 and a 5-star rating by NHTSA, excelled the frontal, side, and rear impact tests. The Sedona is also equipped with a standard electronic stability control, a requirement for the award.

The Sedona offers an impressive array of safety features such as six standard airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with electronic brake force distribution, traction control system with brake assist,and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Sedona, along with its mechanical twin Hyundai Entourage, are the only minivans on the market that have received the award. The above image is of the new-for-2008 Kia Sedona SWB (short-wheelbase).

[Source: Kia Motor of America/IIHS]

Continue reading to view the official press release.


PRESS RELEASE: 2008 KIA SEDONA AWARDED "TOP SAFETY PICK" BY INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY

Kia Minivan Wins Top Honors for Third Year in a Row

IRVINE, Calif., November 15, 2007 – Already having earned a five-star crash safety rating from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2008 Sedona was selected by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as one of only 34 vehicles to earn the "Top Safety Pick" award for its impressive performance with top ratings in frontal, side and rear impact crash tests and for having electronic stability control.

"We are extremely proud that Sedona was the first minivan ever to earn the IIHS 'Top Safety Pick,'" said Len Hunt, president and CEO of Kia Motors America. "To continue to earn this honor - now its third year in a row – is yet another example of our dedication to providing quality vehicles equipped with the highest level of standard safety features available."

The Sedona builds upon a commitment to safety that was established with the first generation minivan, which earned the company’s first five-star crash rating when it debuted in 2002. Since then Kia has earned an impressive list of safety accolades, including NHTSA five-star crash ratings all around for Optima and Sedona and five-star side impact crash ratings for Sorento, as well as the highest possible safety ratings from IIHS for Sedona and top ratings for front and rear impact crash tests for Optima and front and side impact crash tests for Amanti.

The 2008 Sedona continues to offer a high level of standard safety equipment, including six standard airbags, front active headrests, electronic stability control (ESC), ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), a traction control system (TCS) with brake assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Models tested with standard air bags (SABs)

Kia Motors America – the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation in Seoul, South Korea – offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

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Spied: More Undisguised Shots of the Hyundai Genesis Pt.II

Since there are so many images of undisguised prototypes of the Hyundai Genesis, we decided to make a series out of each batch of images we find or receive. We expect more to pop up in the next few weeks as it seems Hyundai decided to unravel all the camo off of the prototypes. The latest images give us a better impression of the Genesis. The wheels, which are new to our eyes, resemble greatly to the ones on the Concept. At least we know Hyundai decided to keep one design element of the Genesis on. We don't know if it is the angle, colour or those attractive 18-inch alloys. But, it looks loads better than before and frankly, it is starting to grow on us.

There is one more image after the jump which gives us a closer look at those intricate wheels. We suspect that after the missing center cap is tacked on, it will result even better. Stay tuned for more spy shots in the coming days by checking with us often.

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Spied: More Undisguised Shots of the Hyundai Genesis

The past week was worth remembering with the first spy shots of an undisguised prototype of the Hyundai Genesis (BH). The press did not halt there though. Over the weekend, clearer shots of an undisguised grey Hyundai Genesis were posted on the web. These latest images give us a better look at the controversial rear-end of the anticipated car. It also leaves us with a better impression. Now, you might have been stumped over the never-before-seen grille in the front shot (posted after the jump). Apparently, some trims of the domestic-market Genesis will receive a Mercedes-esque grille alongside the plain-Jane Lexus grille.

With all these undisguised prototypes of the Genesis roaming around 24/7 (a marketing stunt, perhaps?), we'll be here everytime new shots of these sneaky prototypes are posted on the web. We direct you to the RSS-feed scroller that is available for your convenience if time is something comparable to a gold mine of full of treasure and undisguised photos of the 2009 Chevy Camaro.

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