Hyundai’s home office in Korea has dropped the first frontal image of a new concept that will be shown next week at the Geneva Motor Show along with some technical details. The i-Flow is a D-segment sedan meant to go up against cars like the Ford Mondeo in Europe. Under the hood, the i-Flow has Hyundai’s first diesel hybrid powertrain including a new 1.7-liter inline-four. The diesel has dual stage turbocharging and is paired up with Hyundai’s Blue-drive system using a new six-speed dual clutch gearbox. Like the upcoming Sonata hybrid, the i-Flow uses a lithium polymer battery pack. With its drag coefficient of 0.25, the i-Flow is claimed to achieve 78.4 miles per gallon (U.S.) and CO2 emissions of just 85 grams/kilometer.

Joining the i-Flow onstage will be a refreshed version of the i30 (badged as the Elantra Touring in North America) and low emissions “blue” versions of the i10, i20, i30 and ix35 (Tucson). These models receive automatic start-stop, low rolling resistance tires and aero tweaks. The four cars all achieve CO2 ratings under 100 g/km while the crossover ix35 gets 135 g/km. Finally, Hyundai will also show a fuel cell version of the new ix35/Tucson for the first time. Hyundai still plans to produce fuel cell vehicles in the thousands annually by 2012.
PRESS RELEASE

HYUNDAI TO PRESENT EIGHT WORLD DEBUTS AT GENEVA

Hyundai has today revealed the first photo of the all-new concept car i-flow (HED-7), ahead of its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The i-flow, which advances the ‘fluidic sculpture’ form language of Hyundai, will be joined on stage by other newcomers, including the facelifted i30 ? to be launched as i30U ? and a number of new, production-ready derivatives with CO2 emissions below 100g/km.

Previewing a future D-segment contender from Hyundai, i-flow boasts sleek, elegant lines which not only create a bionic, futuristic shape, but also contribute to exceptional aerodynamics. The drag coefficient of 0.25Cd helps to reduce the car’s CO2 output to just 85g/km and fuel consumption to only 3l/100km.

Hyundai’s first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain is a key factor in delivering such an environmentally-conscious return. The exciting new U2 1,7-liter engine is augmented by two-stage turbocharging and Hyundai’s Lithium Ion-Polymer battery, to give a very efficient and advanced combination, partnered with a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

The interior of i-flow redefines the perception of space in a sedan bodystyle, and sees the application of next-generation materials and technologies developed in cooperation with leading chemical company BASF. Fundamental elements, such as the seats and center console, have been crafted in collaboration with BASF for minimal weight and volume. The cockpit’s main interface centers around an expansive, contoured screen, which recognizes not only touch but also gestural inputs along its fascia-wide display.

The glossy ‘Liquid Metal’ finish ? developed by BASF Coatings ? adds to the visual impact of i-flow’s exterior. Special-effect pigments in this eco-friendly waterborne coating give the surface a polished metal appearance, and highlight the sculptural character of the car.

Entering mass production in March this year, the i30U takes over from the well-established i30, and incorporates a wide range of improvements in design, specification and competitiveness, as well as even cleaner powertrains. To complete the upgrade, i30U comes with the Hyundai ‘Triple5′ package, consisting of an enhanced five-year, bumper-to-bumper unlimited warranty, five years’ roadside assistance, and an annual vehicle seasonal health check for five years. The package reflects the quality and reliability of the Europe-built i30 family and gives added peace of mind to consumers.

At the Show Hyundai will also reveal the latest additions to its growing collection of eco-focused Blue DriveTM innovations. Five new production vehicles have resulted from the company’s leading-edge program: the i10 blue, i20 blue, i30 blue, i30cw blue, and ix35 blue. The new arrivals will drive the company towards its goal of global leadership in environmentally-sensitive automotive technologies.

Through innovations such as a stop-start system, low-rolling-resistance tyres and modified aerodynamics, the first four of these cars have CO2 emissions below 100g/km. The ix35 blue, meanwhile, boasts an impressive 135g/km ?a benchmark figure for a C-segment SUV. These improvements are achieved without compromising performance, reliability or driver satisfaction, making all Blue DriveTM models a realistic solution for motorists.

Looking one step beyond the blue-badged models, the ix35 FCEV moves Hyundai closer to the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. Debuting at Geneva, it features several important innovations over the previous-generation Tucson FCEV, and will lead to production volume of Hyundai FCEVs in the thousands by 2012. Among the developments implemented on ix35 FCEV are steps to reduce the cost and complexity of fuel-cell manufacturing and new approaches which simplify final assembly.

More information about Hyundai’s star cars and the latest corporate news will be made available on the stand, where media can request press kits. The company’s press conference will take place in Hall 1 at 14:15 (CET) on Tuesday 2nd March.

[Source:Autoblog]

With the first units of its 2011 Sonata sedan having just begun hitting dealers, Hyundai is in the unfortunate position of having to issue a stop-sale on its most hotly anticipated new model in some time. According to Hyundai, an estimated 5,000 Sonatas may have a defective front door latch that could require replacement:

The [Sonata's] front doors incorporate a convenience feature that allows a locked door to be unlocked and opened by pulling the inside door release handle without first unlocking the door with the inside door lock switch. If a front inside door lock switch is held in the locked position while the inside door handle is pulled to open the door, the door latch may malfunction. If this occurs, the inside door handle will not return to its normal, stowed position and the door latch will remain in the unlatched position when attempting to close the door.

Because the two rear doors do not incorporate the automatic unlock pull-handle-to-open convenience feature, they are not affected by this issue, but both driver and passenger front door mechanisms could be in need of repair. Spokesperson Miles Johnson tells Autoblog that Hyundai will be working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall vehicles that are already in customer hands (roughly 1,300 units have been sold since the first examples hit dealerships over the past couple of weeks), and the company will begin shipping replacement latches to its 790 dealers tomorrow in order to fix both customer and dealer stock Sonatas as soon as possible. Once the new latches are installed (a process that Johnson says takes about an hour per vehicle), the stop-sale will be ended.

Johnson also acknowledged that Hyundai is keenly aware that the eyes of the media, public and Capitol Hill are on Toyota and NHTSA at this time, and the company hopes to effect a swift and complete fix for this door latch issue on a model range that is expected to remain the company’s volume leader.

[Source:Autoblog]

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata has a lot of things going for it. Not only does the sedan wear sleek new sheetmetal, it’s powered by a powerful yet fuel-efficient 2.4-liter four-pot mill with direct injection, capable of achieving up to 35 miles per gallon on the highway and it’s priced below the $20,000 mark. Now, the Sonata can wear another badge of honor, as it has just earned the rating of Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

According to the IIHS, a Top Safety Pick vehicle must earn the highest rating of “good” in all front, side and rear crash tests, and it must be equipped with electronic stability control. This is a relatively big achievement for Hyundai, as the 2011 model is the first Sonata to receive this high honor.

We’re in the process of conducting our first drive on the Sonata as you read this, so stay tuned for full driving impressions in the not-too-distant future.

[Source:Autoblog]

Hyundai won’t be giving the American automotive media its first crack at driving their new 2011 Sonata until next week. However, new Sonatas have apparently already started rolling off the trucks into Hyundai dealers across the country. Unlike the rest of the media horde (Autoblog included), when the folks at Consumer Reports want to test a new vehicle, they actually go out and buy one.

Such was the case last week when they purchased one of the first examples of Hyundai’s stylish new mid-sizer. CR tested a base GLS model Sonata and felt that while it does handle better than the 2009 equivalent, it still isn’t quite up to the standard of the sportiest examples in the segment including the Ford Fusion and Mazda6. There is, however, a more aggressive SE model which CR hasn’t tried out yet, so this might not be a truly apples-to-apples comparison.

CR’s testers did feel the interior was an improvement over the outgoing model with higher quality materials and a particularly roomy rear seat. We’ll have our own first hand impressions by the end of next week.

[Source:Autoblog]

If someone hadn’t reread the Hyundai press release, we might have totally missed seeing the Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec. Compared to the RM460 and other tuned Coupes in the booth, the R-Spec just didn’t sparkle enough for us to pursue it. And perhaps that’s the point.

The 2.0T R-Spec launches a tuner-friendly line of Hyundai automobiles that have all of the best performance bits without some of the frills that add weight and expense. We saw the car previewed at the Chicago Auto Show back in February, but fittingly, this was the official debut here at tuner-friendly SEMA.

With a base price of $23,750 the R-Spec is basically a 2.0T Track model with a few options deleted. It still has the track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance summer tires, Brembo brakes and Torsen limited-slip differential, but it also gets front strut camber adjustment bolts to sharpen initial turn-in and overall responsiveness. The best thing about the R-Spec is the fact that it’s showing up in dealerships across the country as we speak.

[Source:Autoblog]

Over the years, thousands of cars with custom paint jobs have littered the floor at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. But almost all of them arrive already painted and ready to show. At next week’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas, however, Street Concepts will be showing off a special Hyundai Genesis Sedan that will arrive at the show with a clean pearl white finish. Over the course of the show, which lasts practically all week, Detroit artist Courtney Mason will apply a new graphic design to the car using special paint pens to create a unique look.

Aside from the paint, the rest of the theme is black chrome with 22-inch wheels and assorted trim pieces getting said finish. Did we mention the carbon fiber roof panels, a big ol’ set of Brembo brakes, and the Magnaflow exhaust system? Check out the complete press release after the jump.

[Source: Hyundai]

PRESS RELEASE:

GENESIS SEDAN TO RECEIVE CUSTOM PAINT GRAPHIC LIVE AT SEMA
Street Concepts and Designer Courtney Mason Bring an Artistic Display to the Show Floor

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 28, 2009 – Hyundai Motor America and Street Concepts, one of the leading developers of auto show vehicles, bring custom vehicle design live to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show with a paint demonstration on a Genesis sedan. Detroit-based illustrator and graphic designer Courtney Mason will paint a one-of-a-kind graphic on a Pearl White Street Concepts Genesis sedan in Hyundai’s display at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 3–6, 2009 (booth #24387). This marks the eighth consecutive year Hyundai has partnered with Street Concepts.

Using special paint pens, Mason will place her signature stamp on a “blank canvas” Genesis sedan. Mason’s illustrations are typically figurative and inspired by organic forms found throughout nature. As the co-founder of Studio Jellyfish (http://www.studiojellyfish.com), Mason has worked with clients such as Nokia, Motorola, Sony BMG, VH1 and Rockstar Games.

In addition to the graphic, the Street Concepts Genesis exterior will be outfitted with 3M carbon fiber roof panels, black chrome accents by Chrome Tech, and upper and lower spoilers from RKSport. The vehicle will boast upper and lower E&G front mesh grilles also finished in black chrome by Chrome Tech. Interior features include custom suede and piano black detailing as well as carbon fiber dash accents.

“The Genesis sedan serves as the perfect platform for a one-of-a-kind high-performance vehicle at SEMA,” said Shawn Williams, owner, Street Concepts. “We were able to capitalize on what the Genesis already has to offer – smooth lines, luxurious interior features and a world-class Tau V8 engine – to create a customized vehicle sure to inspire the tuner crowd.”
The custom Genesis will showcase Nutek Series 530 22-inch wheels featuring Chrome Tech black chrome wheel centers with black lips and General Exclaim UHP tires. Eibach lowering springs, Brembo brakes and a Magnaflow cat-back exhaust will further enhance the performance of the standard 4.6-liter V8 engine, improving on the impressive 375 horsepower pumped out by the factory engine.

Audio and video enhancements will include a custom Harman International audio system, Nav-TV interface and Vizualogic headrest monitors.

“Matching the sophisticated design of the Genesis sedan with the artistic ability of Courtney Mason and the show-car experience of Shawn Williams created a ‘dream team’ for SEMA,” said Michael Deitz, manager, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Inspired by the creative minds involved in the project, we decided to showcase the final design of the vehicle live on the showroom floor to involve the SEMA crowd in the experience.”

STREET CONCEPTS
Street Concepts was formed in June 1998 to build award-winning show vehicles for the corporate world. Street Concepts has built numerous top quality show vehicles for an array of manufacturers including Kenwood USA, Oakley, Toyo Tires, MHT Wheels, Mazda Design and several local radio stations. Street Concepts vehicles have graced the pages of magazines such as Truckin’, Street Trucks, Today’s SUV, Lowrider, Lowrider Euro, Import Tuner, Car Audio, Hot Rod and Motor Trend.

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 790 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. In addition, Hyundai Assurance is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.

[Source:Autoblog]

Talk (and at least one Photoshopped image) of a possible two-door based on Hyundai’s Sonata had Autoblog HQ abuzz – for a while, anyway. We never actually believed it was real, but that didn’t stop us from dreaming about another choice in the coupe market - a car that would slot neatly between Nissan’s Altima couple and Honda’s Accord. We checked with one of our favorite Hyundai insiders, who replied back that any talk of a Sonata coupe is sending us down the wrong path.

All is not lost in the spice patch of Hyundai’s garden, however. There’s the Genesis Coupe, but if your tastes are for a front-driver, you’ll have a short wait until the Veloster hits stores. While the rear-wheel drive Genesis Coupe is able to mix it up like a pony car, the Veloster has been described as “a little car you can take out and wring its neck and still get good mileage” according to Hyundai of America CEO John Krafcik. If we had to pick between a two-door Sonata or a neo-Honda CRX dubbed Veloster, we’d make the same choice that Hyundai has, especially since the coming four-door sedan is rakish enough.

[Source: AutoBlog]

We’ve been seeing spy shots of the next generation Hyundai Tucson for several weeks, but we now have the first official teaser from the Korean automaker. The new Tucson and a refreshed Santa Fe will both debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, and according to Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore, the shot above was released from the home office in South Korea. Unfortunately, the badging shows two elements we won’t be getting in North America: Hyundai has no current plans to offer a diesel in the Stateside Tucson, but on the upside, the automaker won’t be spreading its alphanumeric nomenclature to U.S. shores with the European ix35 nameplate.

The Tucson was designed at Hyundai’s new Frankfurt studio and will launch first in Korea next month, while the European version launches later this fall and then in the U.S. early next year. The Santa Fe will benefit from some styling updates along with powertrain and suspension upgrades, including a rumored direct injected gas engine. More to follow from Frankfurt next month.

[Source: AutoBlog]

Rhys Millen continued his pursuit of the family business this week as he began his 18th attack on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. As one of the most challenging hill climbs in the world at 12.4 miles and 156 turns, in some ways it’s as close to running the Nürburgring Nordschleife as you’re likely to get in America.

This is the first time Millen is making the run in his new Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and he’s evidently driving the same car he has been using in Formula D drift events all year long – complete with the Hyundai V6 powerplant. In fact, the car was trucked to Colorado directly from last weekend’s drift event in Las Vegas.

Millen took advantage of a practice session on the course three weeks ago to get a time this week that was 1.5 seconds per mile faster than he managed last year in a Pontiac Solstice that had three years of development. Speaking after Thursday’s practice runs, Millen had this to say:

“Yesterday was the first day of practice in the middle section, approx. 3.0 miles. We ran faster than last years section time by 5 seconds ! Today was even better. Today we ran the upper section to the finish line and I’m still shocked to say this but we ran 27 seconds faster than last years section time. The car is working amazing, so predictable, so fast that I am driving like never before.”

Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore sent us a few pics to share, so check them out in our gallery below.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai’s released a handful of images of the redesigned VernAutomobilesnews › Create New Post — WordPressa Transform, or, as it’s known in markets outside of Korea, the Accent. This 2010 model receives a thoroughly redesigned front fascia that’s strikingly similar to the recently released Subaru Legacy, with a deep air dam, oversized front grille, foglights, and sculpted bumper that accentuates the pointed and drawn headlamps. The sides appear largely unchanged, and although there’s only one image of the redesigned rump, expect the taillights to continue the bulbous theme out back.

Inside, the center stack has been modified with new faux aluminum trim and upgraded materials, while the green illumination of the instrumentation has been ditched in favor of a new blue hue. Motivation comes courtesy of a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine and Hyundai Korea will continue to offer an “Eco” indicator on the dash that encourages a light foot. The redesigned Verna is rumored to hit Korean dealers this month, and it’s assumed that the 2010 Accent will show up Stateside later this year.

[Source:Autoblog]