2009: 새해 복 많이 받으세요! & Happy New Year Everyone!

Sydney Harbour, Australia @ New Year's Celebration 2009

Puzzled at the post title? Well, Korean wishes for a Happy New Year are inevitable in a Korean car news blog run by a Korean guy, right? It's just past midnight here in Toronto, Canada, and I would like to wish everyone of my readers from all over the globe a Happy New Year! Let's make sure that 2009 will bring more joy into our lives and ensure it will be a memorable one like the one we just bid goodbye. Farewell 2008 and greetings, 2009!

Photo Credit: L Plater - Flickr

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Sounds Official: 2010 Kia Soul to start at $13,995

This one definitely sounds official. A memo from Kia to a dealership concerning the upcoming 2010 Soul's official U.S. price and specifications has recently been leaked, stating that it will have an astonishing base price of $13,995 including destination. What's more surprising is that the base model ain't no bare-bones stripper. Powered by a 122 hp 1.6L inline-four, the base Soul comes standard with six airbags, ABS, ESC, air conditioning, power windows and locks, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with Sirius, and USB/AUX inputs.

One step above is the Soul+ (plus), which is equipped with a more powerful 142 hp 2.0L inline-four. Additional equipments include 16-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, tinted glass, body color door handles, power mirrors, Bluetooth, keyless entry, and cruise control. It starts at $14,950 for the 5-speed manual tranny or $15,900 for the 4-speed automatic.

Next up are the flagship trims: Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport. Both starting at $16,950 with manual or $17,900 with automatic, they feature sharp-looking 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, upgraded stereo, and metal interior trim. The Soul! sports power moonroof and sand/black seats, while the Soul sport is packed with unique front & rear fascias, side sills, rear spoiler, sport-tuned suspension, unique red/black interior trimming, and metal pedals.

The good news doesn't stop as Kia claims that the Soul will be backed by the automaker's "most comprehensive list of accessories ever developed for a Kia vehicle." This includes a unique body kit, roof-mounted storage system, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, interior packages, and performance upgrades.

Continue reading to view the memo in the spotlight.

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Hyundai to debut Genesis Coupe in Super Bowl ads

Hyundai will debut its 2010 Genesis Coupe in the U.S. during Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday, February 1, next year. The carmaker will use a pair of 30 second television commercials designed to highlight the 306 hp Genesis Coupe's performance strength.

In the first spot, scheduled to air in the first half of the game, championship winning driver Rhys Millen, famous for his drifting prowess and his Pike's Peak world record, will use the Genesis Coupe to perform precision driving moves choreographed to the musical stylings of Yo-Yo Mama. The second spot will use re-edited precision driving footage matched to a completely different soundtrack to further highlight Hyundai's theme for the commercials of 'The Epic Lap'.

Both versions of the advertisement will air again during the Academy Awards next year, as well as during other special events. Additionally Hyundai will also host an online contest asking consumers to edit their own version of 'The Epic Lap'. Hyundai is reportedly spending nearly $6 million to air the two commercials.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading to view the official press release.

PRESS RELEASE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe to Debut in Race-Inspired Super Bowl Advertisement

Sports Car Will Dance to Music Performed by Grammy Award-winning Cellist Yo-Yo Ma

Precision Driving Performed by World Champion Racer Rhys Millen

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America will air its first two television commercials for the new 2010 Genesis Coupe during Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday, February 1, 2009. The 30-second commercials will position the 300+ horsepower sports coupe as a performance machine designed to capture the hearts of automotive enthusiasts.

The two spots share the same theme, "The Epic Lap," but each offers a distinct perspective of Hyundai's newest offering to highlight both its fluid design and track-worthy performance. Precision driving performed by Rhys Millen, a Pike's Peak world record holder, Formula-D champion and professional driver, is choreographed to music performed by Yo-Yo Ma in the version airing in the first half of the game. A second musical talent will be introduced in the subsequent 30-second spot, which will feature re-edited precision driving footage matched to a completely distinct soundtrack.

"Genesis Coupe is Hyundai's most dynamic performance car ever and it is the second-consecutive all-new model introduction from Hyundai to debut during the Super Bowl," said Joel Ewanick, vice president of Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. "So many elements come together in these advertisements that showcase the Genesis Coupe's design and performance that we know it will cast a halo over the entire brand."

Just as the Genesis sedan set a new benchmark for the $35,000-$40,000 premium sedan segment, Genesis Coupe will provide sport coupe enthusiasts a fresh new set of performance alternatives. The Genesis Coupe offers a 30-mpg 2.0-liter model with a low-pressure intercooled four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 210 horsepower, and a 3.8-liter V6 Track model with 306 horsepower and massive Brembo brakes.

"The Epic Lap" Captures Genesis Coupe's Performance

For the Super Bowl, Hyundai elected to create two commercials that put the Genesis Coupe in the only element where drivers can safely and legally explore the upper limits of the car's awesome abilities: a race track.

As racecar driver Millen navigates the 2.54-mile, 12-turn world class road course at Road Atlanta in Northeast Georgia, you hear a beautiful solo of Bach's "Cello Suite #3 in C, Gigue" performed by Grammy Award-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The artist will also be editing the film footage with editor Hank Corwin to make sure his interpretation of the "The Epic Lap" is brought to life.

"We have captured the spirit of Genesis Coupe in 'The Epic Lap,'" said Ewanick. "Yo-Yo Ma's interpretation is gracefully paired with Hank Corwin's artistic editing and we have done a fantastic job of showing off the sculpted, modern design of the Genesis Coupe."

Rhys Millen flogged a Genesis Coupe for three days during the filming process and the car never missed a beat. The only item that needed to be replaced on the Genesis Coupe was a set of tires.

"The Epic Lap" was created by Goodby, Silverstein & Partners. Both versions of the advertisement will air again during the Academy Awards(R) on February 22 on ABC and on other special events programming. Hyundai will also host an online contest asking consumers to edit their own version of "The Epic Lap." Details will be announced after the Super Bowl.

HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS

-- Hyundai's first rear-wheel drive sports car
-- 306-horsepower from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 with premium fuel
-- Standard 220-horsepower turbocharged, intercooled inline four cylinder
with premium fuel
-- Genesis Coupe arrives in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model

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 almost 800 dealerships nationwide.

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Hyundai releases i20 in India

Hyundai Motors India Limited has officially launched the Hyundai i20 in India today. The company calls it “Uber Cool” car that is available in three variants and sports a fuel-efficient Kappa engine. The i20 replaces the Getz hatchback.

The i20 is powered by a 80 ps 1.2L Kappa engine that is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. It packs a plethora of standard features, such as air conditioning, tilt/telescope steering wheel, front/rear power windows, cooled glove box, multi-information display, and 2 DIN CD/MP3 audio system. The top-range i20 features automatic climate control, steering mounted audio controls (first in segment), foldable key with keyless entry, 14-inch alloy wheels, and segment-first six airbags.

The i20 is priced from Rs. 4.8 lakhs and tops off at Rs. 5.82 lakhs. The car will be manufactured at company’s Chennai plant and it will use the Chennai port for exporting the model to the countries across the world and meet its international demand. Hyundai is India’s largest car exporter and second largest car manufacturer that plans to occupy a larger market share in India and expand its product portfolio.

[Source: Economic Times India]

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Priced: Hyundai Elantra Touring to start at $18,495

Due to arrive in American showrooms by spring 2009, the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring will be officially priced from $18,495, which includes a $695 destination charge. The Elantra Touring is powered by a 141 horsepower 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that yields 23 MPG city and 31 MPG highway driving fuel economy (EPA figures/Manual model).

The base price tag gets you an abundant batch of standard features like air conditioning, remote keyless entry, steering wheel-mounted cruise control and audio controls, 8-way adjustable driver's seat, cooled glove box, and a 172-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with XM satellite radio and USB/AUX inputs. Also standard are a 5-speed manual transmission with a B&M shifter, six airbags, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The only option available is a Premium Sport Package, which adds power sunroof, heated front seats, and 17-inch alloy wheels. One major downside of this car is that the available automatic transmission is only a 4-speed.

Hyundai pits the Elantra Touring primarily against the Mazda3 5-door. While daily driving dynamics remain to be tested, one clear advantage that the former has against the latter is its impressive interior room and cargo space. The Elantra Touring boasts the largest interior room in its class with 125.5 cubic feet, and a cargo capacity (with rear seats folded down) of 65.3 cubic feet.

[Source: Autoblog]

Continue reading to view the official press release.

PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR FUEL-EFFICIENT ELANTRA TOURING

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., December 23, 2008 – Hyundai Motor America has announced prices for its Elantra Touring five-door compact, starting at $18,495 for a very well-equipped entry-level model and $19,995 for one featuring a Premium-Sport package. The all-new 2009 Elantra Touring is a sportier, more functional variant of Hyundai's popular Elantra sedan, and will be available at dealerships in the first quarter of 2009.

2009 Elantra Touring Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pricing

Touring M/T
Standard Equipment
Five-Speed M/T with B&M Sport shifter
$18,495

Touring A/T
Standard Equipment
Four-Speed A/T
$19,295

Touring M/T
Premium-Sport
Five-Speed M/T with B&M Sport shifter
$19,995

Touring A/T
Premium-Sport
Four-Speed A/T
$20,795

Note: All prices in this release contain a freight charge of $695

"The all-new Elantra Touring is a fun-to-drive, functional five-door," said Mark Dipko, manager, small car product development, Hyundai Motor America. "Elantra Touring provides buyers a unique offering in the compact segment, raising the bar as Hyundai likes to do in value, safety and quality. It is remarkable how many features a customer can get for under $20,000 in such a versatile five-door."

The Elantra Touring is the first five-door compact to offer standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in addition to a host of other class-leading safety technologies. As with all Hyundai vehicles, the Elantra Touring was designed and manufactured to meet the most stringent quality standards in the industry, exemplifying Hyundai's quality leadership position worldwide.

The Elantra Touring, with its modern, sleek styling and fun-to-drive qualities, was developed by Hyundai in response to the growing demand for stylish and functional five-door vehicles, sales of which doubled from 2001 to 2006. Five-door vehicle sales are projected to be strong into the next decade as well.

THE GOOD STUFF COMES STANDARD

Elantra Touring builds on Hyundai's reputation for offering loads of standard equipment, including air conditioning, power windows, heated mirrors, door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm, steering wheel-mounted cruise control and audio controls, eight-way adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, a cooled glove box and plenty of storage compartments. For audiophiles, an integrated 172-Watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers, USB input and auxiliary input jack are standard. The Premium-Sport package adds a power sunroof with tilt and slide functions, heated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45VR17 tires.

STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES

Like every Hyundai, top-tier safety was a key development goal for the Elantra Touring, which is fully equipped to protect driver and passengers. Passive safety features include dual front, side and curtain airbags -- a total of six protective airbags in the vehicle. Other safety features include active front headrests, seatbelt pretensioners and seatbelt reminders. The combination of side and curtain airbags, which help protect the head and body during side impacts, can reduce fatalities by more than 50 percent, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS also notes that active front head restraints improve rear crash protection.
The Elantra Touring comes standard with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), one of the industry's most effective life-saving technologies. NHTSA studies show that passenger cars equipped with ESC experience 30 percent fewer fatalities in single-vehicle crashes than cars without ESC. Santa Fe, Veracruz, Tucson, Sonata, Azera, Elantra SE, Entourage and Genesis are all equipped with standard ESC. Elantra Touring has earned five-star frontal and four-star side crash ratings in the compact passenger car segment from NHTSA.

ROOMY AND REFINED INTERIOR

The long wheelbase and generous width of the Elantra Touring, combined with Hyundai's expertise in interior packaging, have produced an interior that delivers class-leading comfort, functionality and practicality. Elantra Touring has the most interior volume (passenger volume plus cargo space) of any five-door in its class at 125.5 cubic feet. In fact, Elantra Touring's cargo capacity is 65.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, which is more cargo space than many larger wagons and crossovers.

The Elantra Touring is the first compact five-door to offer XM Satellite Radio® and USB/iPod® auxiliary inputs as standard equipment. When an iPod or flash drive is connected through the USB port, located in the center storage compartment, not only does it play music through the vehicle's six-speaker audio system, but it also charges the iPod and allows the driver to access tracks with the steering wheel audio controls. This system also allows both driver and passengers to easily view song/artist/title information and control the music from the audio head unit rather than only the iPod itself. The center storage compartment location of the USB assures that iPods can be safely stowed out of sight.

The roomy and functional interior is also a quiet place to be. Based on internal tests, Elantra Touring has four decibels lower road noise levels than the Mazda3 five-door.

IMPRESSIVE PACKAGE EFFICIENCY

The Elantra Touring's exterior dimensions (176.2 inches long, 69.5 inches wide and 59.8 inches high) make it a great fit in the compact five-door segment, while its long wheelbase (106.3 inches) offers class-leading interior volume. Elantra Touring features outstanding front legroom and both front and rear shoulder room. In addition, every Elantra Touring has 60/40 split folding rear seats that fold when needed for added storage, functionality and practicality.

The Elantra Touring matches best-in-class passenger volume with best-in-class cargo capacity. There is a useful 24.3 cubic feet of luggage space with rear seats upright and a cavernous 65.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. As in any Hyundai, the utility and convenience in the Elantra Touring has not been overlooked, with a stow-and-go removable luggage cover that stores conveniently out-of-site under the trunk area compartment. An optional restraining net is also offered.

The Elantra Touring includes a number of convenient, standard stowage and storage features, including a sunglass holder, two front and two rear cupholders, door bottle holders, dash storage, central console storage, front storage tray, front seatback pockets and a cargo area under-floor storage. For tailgaters, the cargo area also has a power-retained, 12-volt outlet that does not require the vehicle to be turned on in order to work.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE

Elantra Touring is powered by the same fuel-efficient, 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder found in the Elantra sedan. This sophisticated, 16-valve powerplant employs Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) for a power band, coupled with high fuel efficiency and low emissions. Elantra Touring is certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV). With a manual transmission, the Elantra Touring's mileage is 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway according to the EPA. With the optional four-speed, automatic transmission, the Elantra Touring's EPA rating is 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

AMERICA'S BEST WARRANTY

The 2009 Elantra Touring is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Elantra Touring buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit), including emergency service.

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From the TV: Next-gen Hyundai Sonata (YF) spied, i30 F/L?

A few days ago, KBS - a renowned South Korean TV channel giant - aired a program that showed what goes behind the walls of Hyundai's R&D facility in Namyang, Korea. Similar to Bob Lutz's TV-only sneak peeks of the Pontiac G8 and Cadillac CTS in the past, the Korean program gave the audience a glimpse of the next-generation Hyundai Sonata (YF) in testing.

If you look closely in one of the shots, you will gain a very minute look at the interior of the upcoming mid-size sedan. From what we can tell, the info screen housing will be characterized by a bold contour on the top that reminds vaguely of the Infiniti FX and Honda Accord. The overall design remains fairly conservative like the current Sonata, albeit the YF brings a sleeker coupe-like theme.

One shot shows the next-generation Hyundai Tucson (LM) in testing. It does not reveal more than what we already have determined. The most interesting part about this masquerade of images, however, is an image that shows a designer's sketch of a Hyundai i30. The one depicted is highlighted by a new front fascia, which implies a facelift in the runnings. Continue after the jump to view the images in their full glory.

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