It should hardly come as news to anyone reading Autoblog that Hyundai is in the midst of a hot streak. New models are coming out left and right, the automaker’s quality is reaching new heights and there are no signs of slowing down. So while the automaker’s momentum isn’t news, its sales numbers are: For the first time in its history, the Korean manufacturer has broken the 500,000 unit sales barrier in the States.

The hottest item for Hyundai this year? The aforementioned Sonata, of which 183,102 have been sold. The Sonata is followed by the Elantra and Sante Fe with sales of 120,924 and 70,082 respectively.

This is Hyundai’s 25th year in the United States and its sales are way up for the year. Sonata sales are up 64 percent over last year while the Tuscon has exploded – up 145 percent – and the Genesis has gained 37 percent over its prior year sales. Read More »

European car buyers have a favorite Asian automaker, and its name is no longer Toyota. Hyundai and Kia have tag-teamed to best the longtime Japanese automaker, with a four percent overall rise in total units through the first ten months of 2010. During that same period, Toyota-Lexus sales have fallen 17 percent, with Hyundai at 521,369 vehicles sold compared to 511,754 for Toyota.

Toyota’s recent tough road, along with the expanding number of quality offerings from Hyundai-Kia, have allowed the Seoul train to slide past the Japanese brand. Unless Toyota picks up the pace, that gap could widen because the Korean company is understood to have a greater number of new models planned for its European portfolio.

Of course, Hyundai has a long road ahead if it wishes to make the same claim here in the States, but it’s certainly moving in the right direction. Overall sales in the U.S. have risen 21 percent and demand for the redesigned Sonata has jumped 64 percent.

[Source:Autoblog]

The U.S. government is investigating the possibility of raising fuel economy standards to 62 miles per gallon by 2025. The Detroit Free Press reports that Hyundai isn’t yet endorsing that number, but CEO John Krafcik feels 50 miles per gallon is well within reach. The Korean automaker already features two vehicles capable of 40 miles per gallon in the Sonata Hybrid and the new Elantra, and the next 15 years promises to show further gains in efficiency.

And that’s not the only reason Krafcik is optimistic. CAFE fuel economy is actually figured out differently than the formula used by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Freep points out that while the monroney on an Elantra will show 29 miles per gallon in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, the compact’s CAFE number will be 44 mpg. What a difference a formula makes. The outspoken chief executive says that taking a hard look at the CAFE numbers makes 50 mpg seem “a heck of a lot more doable.”

Doable, yes, but 50 mpg still isn’t an easy task. Hyundai’s two best vehicles are still under that number, and the rest of the company’s fleet is far below the magic total. But 15 years is a long time in research and development years, and we’re thinking most automakers will have at least a fighting chance to reach the big five-oh by 2025.

[Source: AutoBlog]

Our gadget-filled world means we almost always have a camera at the ready. Reader James W. was out and about on the highways of Southern California when he spied a camo-clad Hyundai on the move. With his iPhone 3GS at hand, he was able to snap a few photos of what appears to be the upcoming 2012 Hyundai Veloster.

The wheels and most of the lines match a set of spy photos we posted earlier in the year, with the exception of the large bulge on the roof, which could very possibly be just the wind yanking on all that black camo. In any case, Hyundai is clearly working hard to hide the design of the rear half of the car, which makes us wonder about that much-speculated rear-access door even more.

[Source:Autoblog]

Green Car Journal has chosen its five candidates for the 2011 Green Car of the Year Award. Competition is fierce this time around with both the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt nabbing nods. While those two have been busy snapping up headlines over the past year, the rest of the vehicles on the list are no less impressive. The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid made the cut thanks to its incredibly efficient drivetrain borrowed from the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is bound to make an impressive showing thanks to its competent highway mileage and high-tech lithium-polymer battery pack.

Of all of the eligible vehicles, the only one without a battery pack is the lovable 2011 Ford Fiesta. While the subcompact is likely to be eclipsed by the rest of the electron-powered pack, the vehicle’s 40 mpg highway is no less impressive than all of the high-tech wizardry on board the hybrids and EVs. The winner of this year’s award will be announced at the 2010 LA Auto Show on November 18. Check out our gallery of the nominees below and then hit the jump for the press release.

2011 Green Car of the Year Finalists Revealed

Winner to be Announced at the LA Auto Show Nov. 18

LOS ANGELES, October 21, 2010 /PRNewswire/ – Green Car Journal announced today its five finalists for the 2011 Green Car of the Year®, including the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, 2011 Ford Fiesta, 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and the 2011 Nissan LEAF. For the sixth consecutive year, this increasingly important award will be announced during a press conference at the LA Auto Show Press Days on Nov. 18.

The Green Car of the Year® award is a program that honors environmental leadership in the automobile field and recognizes vehicles that become available to consumers during the award year. For the first time, the Green Car of the Year® finalists include two primarily electric-drive vehicles in addition to two hybrids and a high mile-per-gallon, gasoline internal combustion engine.

“These five 2011 Green Car of the Year® finalists reflect an auto industry in transition,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. “It wasn’t long ago when electric drive was a novelty. Now, it’s expected that auto manufacturers will include electric drive in some form among their model offerings.”

While four of the five Green Car of the Year® nominees do incorporate electric drive, the Ford Fiesta nominee underscores that internal combustion continues to evolve in important ways. This hatchback achieves up to 40 EPA estimated highway fuel economy, running on conventional gasoline. Along with vehicles incorporating electric drive, a new generation of internal combustion gasoline and clean diesel models are expected to push efficiencies ever higher in the coming years.

Dozens of potential nominees weighed in during the selection process. Green Car Journal editors considered vehicles employing all fuels and technologies in the effort to raise the bar in environmental performance, including high efficiency gasoline internal combustion, advanced diesel, hybrids, electrics and vehicles capable of running on alternative fuels. In the Green Car of the Year® program, nominees must stand out as exemplary models that forward environmental performance in meaningful and quantifiable ways. Market significance and “newness” are also factors. All nominees must be on sale by January 1 of the award year.

Jurors include leaders of the nation’s top environmental organizations, including Carl Pope, chairman of the Sierra Club; Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council; Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society and Matt Petersen, president of Global Green USA. Also, Jay Leno, noted auto enthusiast and host of the “Tonight Show,” as well as automotive icon Carroll Shelby join Green Car Journal editors in rounding out the 2011 jury.

[Source:Autoblog]

SEMA vehicles come in two main flavors: dropped and Dubbed, or race-prepped and rimmed. This Hyundai Genesis Coupe from GogoGear.com Racing obviously falls into the latter, and it “emphasizes racing reliability and high-end performance capabilities.” Not only that, but it apparently took some help from Hyundai’s California Design Center to create the yellow and silver paintwork.

GogoGear.com says “the aim” is to get the engine to produce 330 horsepower and 280 pound-feet, which shouldn’t be a problem. A Ground Control suspension keeps it appropriately snug to the bitumen, and StopTech brakes keep speed under control when corners approach. After we get a close look at this one at SEMA, it’ll be competing in next year’s U.S. Touring Car Championship, and there’s a chance it’ll show up at Time Attack events. More information can be found in the press release after the jump.

HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE RACE CAR FROM GOGOGEAR RACING READY FOR COMPETITION AND SEMA SHOW 2010

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 19, 2010 – To showcase the power, speed and tunability of the Genesis Coupe, Hyundai has teamed up with Gogogear Racing to develop a high performance racing competitor that will be unveiled at the 2010 SEMA Show. The Gogogear Racing Genesis Coupe emphasizes racing reliability and high-end performance capabilities. Additionally, the bright yellow paint scheme was designed in conjunction with Hyundai’s California Design Center.

“The Genesis Coupe is designed to convey that Hyundai can not only match the best from Asia, Europe and America, but beat them,” said Ali Arsham, owner, Gogogear Racing. “With its potent V6 engine and rear drive chassis, the Genesis Coupe has the ability to beat the current top guns that feature turbocharged four-cylinder engines and front wheel drive. It has ample power, terrific handling, and great reliability that become even more potent with the modifications we’ve planned.”

Gogogear Racing plans to show off the performance capabilities of its modified Genesis Coupe car in the U.S. Touring Car Championships in 2011 which is sanctioned by the premiere auto racing sanctioning body in the U.S., the National Auto Sport Association. The car also has the potential to run at selected events including Time Attack and endurance races.

Modifications to the Genesis Coupe will prepare the performance vehicle for the track. Mechanical adjustments to the engine aim to produce 330 horsepower and 280 lb. ft. of torque by adding an AEM air intake, Magnaflow exhaust system and ARK Performance headers. A Moroso accumulator will ensure proper lubrication of the engine under the expected 1.4 Gs of cornering loads. Earl’s fittings, lines and oil cooler ensure a steady flow of oil to the 3.8 liter V6 under all conditions. The Gogogear Racing Genesis Coupe will also feature Ground Control suspension tuning with ARK Performance shocks, springs, coilovers and QA1 bearings. A light weight Spec racing clutch will increase reliability and help with quick and direct shifts of the stock close ratio six-speed manual transmission. At each corner, StopTech brakes, Hawk racing pads, Konig lightweight wheels and BF Goodrich R1 street legal race tires with aluminum light weight Gorilla lugs and H&R spacers will ensure proper grip with the road. “The BF Goodrich R1 tires are a key ingredient towards achieving the 1.4 Gs of cornering force that we are aiming for,” said Arsham. Additionally, an Optima Battery was installed to ensure reliable starting and electrical power and was relocated to the rear with the help of a Taylor Vertex kit for improved weight balance.

On the exterior, Gogogear Racing will increase the aerodynamics of the vehicle by adding an APR rear wing and an ARK Performance body kit. To lighten the car and to lower the center of gravity, a carbon fiber roof replaces the original steel roof. The exterior will be treated to a set of eye-catching, custom Gogogear.com graphics using Oracal products.

Inside, the Genesis Coupe will be gutted and include Sparco race seats and seat belts, a full custom Metric Motorsports roll cage, a SPA Techniques fire suppression system and a two-way radio to further ready the car for its racing debut. A RacePak IQ3 data logger dash supplies critical information and lap times to the driver. A Linear Logic Scan Gauge II further notifies the driver of secondary engine parameters. The interior will be treated to Dupli Color’s Daytona Yellow paint job to match the exterior. All work on the car by the Gogogear Racing members will be carried out using Ironclad Performance wear and gloves.

Fans can follow the progress of the U.S. Touring Car Championship Hyundai by visiting www.facebook.com/gogogear.

GOGOGEAR RACING
GOGOGEAR.COM has been serving the race community for over 15 years. Gogogear.com offers the best in custom graphics and apparel to the general public at wholesale prices, specializing in motorsports related equipment. GOGOGEAR Racing Team is a motorsport entity formed from GOGOGEAR.com custom graphics and apparel company. The GOGOGEAR Racing Team has enjoyed tremendous success competing and racing in various classes in the National Auto Sport Association.

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 about 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

[Source:Autoblog]

Hyundai has released pricing information for the all-new 2011 Equus, and the full-size luxury sedan we drove earlier this year, will start at $58,000 in Signature form. Option up for the top-tier Equus Ultimate and the sticker swells to $64,500. So what does the extra $6,500 nets you?

* 50/50 split rear seats (four-passenger seating) with reclining function
* First-Class passenger-side rear seat with leg support and a massage system
* Cooled rear seats, a rear-seat entertainment system with an eight-inch monitor
* Thermoelectric rear center console refrigerator
* Rear-seat power up/down head rests
* Rear-seat illuminated vanity mirrors
* Forward-view cornering camera
* Power trunk lid

All 2011 Hyundai Equus’ features Hyundai’s new “At Your Service” ownership experience, which includes a plethora of service options ranging from valet pick up and drop off to the use of a Hyundai Genesis while the Equus is in for service, not to mention no-cost maintenance for five years or 60,000 miles. Every authorized Hyundai dealership will play host to an Equus Champion; a product expert who is available to answer any questions about the car. New Equus owners also get to enjoy an Apple iPad in place of the traditional owner’s manual.

The 2011 Hyundai Equus will begin arriving at select dealerships this December and you can get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Hyundai Announces Pricing for the All-New Equus

Includes Complimentary Valet Service and Maintenance for 5 Years, 60,000 Miles

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor America has announced pricing for the all-new Equus luxury sedan. The lavishly contented Equus Signature will be priced at $58,000 and the top-of-the-line Equus Ultimate at $64,500. Hyundai Equus brings a fresh approach to product innovation and the ownership experience in this price segment.

Every Equus comes standard with “At Your Service,” Hyundai’s revolutionary approach to the luxury ownership experience that provides complimentary valet service and covers all maintenance needs for 5 years or 60,000 miles. With “At Your Service,” Hyundai Equus owners enjoy no-charge maintenance, including complimentary oil and filter changes, brake pads and rotors, wiper blades, and battery. Valet pickup and drop-off is provided for all warranty, maintenance and service repairs, and a Genesis or Equus replacement vehicle is provided while the owner’s car is at the dealership.

The Equus retail and ownership experience includes other innovative and time-saving premium services such as:

“Your Time, Your Place,” the industry’s first at-home vehicle demonstration program
Equus Champion (product expert) at each authorized Equus dealer
Apple iPad with interactive owner’s manual capability
Equus Customer Connect Center hotline (phone and e-mail) for VIP customer service

“We’re confident that smart luxury buyers will discover that Equus competes well with similar flagship products from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Lexus,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “But the traditional luxury brands simply can’t compete with the unique retail and ownership experience we’ll be providing for the Equus owner, including “Your Time, Your Place,” the industry’s first at-home vehicle demonstration program; the “At Your Service” program, which provides complimentary valet at-home pickup and no-charge maintenance for five years or 60,000 miles; and the industry’s first iPad-based interactive owner’s manual.”

Equus arrives at select Hyundai dealerships in December. Hyundai expects the premium luxury market to total close to 45,000 units this year.

2011 EQUUS Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing
Model Equus Signature
MSRP $58,000

Model Equus Ultimate
MSRP $64,500

$900 freight charge not included

“At Your Service” Summary

Valet service – The dealership will pickup and deliver the owner’s Equus for maintenance, replacement of wear items or warranty work
Replacement vehicle – If alternative transportation is needed while service is being performed, the dealer will provide a Genesis or Equus at no cost
Maintenance – Covers all factory maintenance for the first five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first
Wear items – Covers brake pads, brakes discs, wiper blades and battery

EQUUS SIGNATURE KEY STANDARD FEATURES

4.6L DOHC Tau V8 engine
Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®
Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS)
Electronically controlled air suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC)
19-inch chrome alloy wheels with P245/45R19 (front) / P275/40R19 (rear) tires
Four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and EBD
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with TCS and Brake Assist
Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system with pre-collision warning
Nine airbags: advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags
Electronic active front head restraints with power controls
Electronic seatbelt pretensioners
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
Smart Cruise Control
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with LED turn signal indicators
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) with auto-leveling
Fog lights and automatic headlights
Front and rear parking assistance system with rearview camera
Dual power-folding heated auto-dimming side mirrors with turn signal indicators and approach lamps
Dual asymmetrical exhaust tips integrated with rear bumper
Proximity key entry with push-button start
Illuminated scuff plates, inside door handles and door armrest
Premium leather seating surfaces and Alcantara® suede headliner
12-way power driver seat plus lumbar adjustment and 10-way power front passenger seat
Driver seat massage system
Heated and cooled front seats
Heated, wood-trimmed and leather-wrapped steering wheel
Power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
Integrated Memory System (IMS) for driver-side seat, mirror and steering wheel
Leather-wrapped dash and real wood interior trim
Electroluminescent cluster (Supervision) with 3.5-inch TFT LCD screen
Electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold
Power windows with auto-down/up
Navigation system with DIS and multimedia controller
Apple iPad interactive owner’s manual
608-watt Lexicon 7.1 Discrete surround-sound audio system with 17 speakers
iPod/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks and iPod connection cable
XM® Satellite Radio & NavTraffic® with trial subscription
Bluetooth® hands-free phone system
Dual automatic temperature control with air quality system
Windshield-wiper deicer, rain-sensing wipers and auto-defogging windshield with humidity sensor
Electrochromic auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass
Acoustic laminated windshield, front and rear side windows
Power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof
60/40 power reclining and heated rear seats
Power rear sunshade and rear side-window sunshades
Luggage net
Premium-grade floor mats
Premium-grade trunk cargo mat
First-aid kit (PIO)

EQUUS ULTIMATE ADDS ULTRA-LUXURY FEATURES

Equus Ultimate adds or replaces:

50/50 split rear seats (four-passenger seating) with reclining function
First-class passenger-side rear seat: leg support and massage system
Cooled rear seats
Rear-seat entertainment system with eight-inch monitor
Thermoelectric rear center console refrigerator
Rear-seat power up/down head restraints with manual tilt
Rear-seat illuminated vanity mirrors
Forward-view cornering camera
Power trunk lid

[Source:Autoblog]