- Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Hyundai
2011 Hyundai Sonata - Click above for high-res image gallery
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata has only been on sale for a few months, but it's already winning over many American mid-size sedan buyers, and we've been every impressed by what we've found in our first drive and review. However, the rakish new Sonata could face a recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into about 16,300 Sonatas due to potential steering issues.
NHTSA has received reports that cite problems with either a separation of the upper universal joint in the intermediate steering shaft assembly. The result is a complete loss of steering capability, though the universal joint was not completely separated.
Hyundai says that it is unaware of any accidents or injuries connected to this issue and that it is fully cooperating with NHTSA on the investigation. The automaker also says that it had received reports of two vehicles with a steering problem linked to the upper universal joint, but that both were repaired without issue. Expect the results of NHTSA's investigation to be released in the coming weeks.
Photos Copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL
[Source: The Detroit News]Report: NHTSA investigating steering issues on 2011 Hyundai Sonata originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hyundai, Kia
Officially confirming what we've all but known for some time now, Kia announced this morning that its West Point, Georgia plant will add a second vehicle to its production line, the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The move will also be paired with the addition of a second shift beginning October 1, although limited production of the Santa Fe is earmarked to ramp-up on September 27.
The move hasn't been driven by a need to consolidate as much as it is Hyundai-Kia's need to find capacity to keep up with demand. The Sorento crossover, which is also produced at the plant, is currently Kia's hottest-selling model, and Hyundai needs additional room to build more Sonata sedans at its Alabama facility, so it makes good sense to dual the two, especially as they share a sizable amount of components.
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, which opened just last November, has an annual capacity of some 300,000 units, so there's room to grow.
[Source: Kia]Kia confirms Hyundai Santa Fe to be produced alongside Sorento originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hyundai, Nissan
Nissan has long been the number three Asian automaker in the U.S., lagging behind both Honda and Toyota on the sales charts. But the Japanese automaker has been on a bit of a roll of late, with 10 straight months of sales gains and an aggressive product onslaught planned for the next 24 months. Nissan would love to unseat Honda to finally sneak up to the number two slot in the States, but a funny thing's happening: Hyundai is doing its best to push Nissan down to number four.
Nissan and Hyundai are currently in a dead heat in U.S. auto sales. Through July, Nissan has sold 522,669 cars and trucks, while Hyundai, when combined with Kia sales, has moved 515,316 vehicles. Hyundai has a treasure-trove of new product on dealer lots lead by the outstanding Sonata sedan. New products like the Kia Sportage and the Elantra are poised to battle hard for increased market share in their perspective segments. Nissan is countering with a new Juke in October, followed by the Leaf EV and the Quest minivan, and wrapping up with another six significantly upgraded vehicles by 2012.
So who do we think will win the battle for number two? Hyundai appears to have most of the momentum at the moment, but Nissan has a larger customer base - at the moment. In fact, we'd be surprised if either automaker surpasses Honda in the next couple years.
[Source: USA Today]Nissan, Hyundai reportedly duking it out for No. 2 Asian automaker in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Hyundai
2012 Hyundai Sonata (i40) wagon spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's no secret that we Autobloggers are big fans of wagons. Unfortunately, the market here in the United States isn't as wagon-friendly as those in other corners of the world, and because of this, there are very few examples to choose from - most automakers would rather introduce crossovers, as it's a significantly bigger (and growing) market.
With that in mind, it's unlikely that we'll get a version of this five-door Hyundai Sonata (which will be dubbed "i40" in other markets), though the automaker hasn't officially given America the red light just yet. Aside from the cargolicious rear end, the Sonata wagon caught by the spy shooters at CarPix employs a different chrome treatment at the base of the A-pillar, and we can see that a slightly different front fascia has been adapted. In keeping with the Sonata's sleek design, Hyundai has opted for a more rakish hatch assembly.
While you wait for Hyundai to take the wraps off this load lugger, scroll through the gallery below to see the prototype out on the street.
[Source: CarPix]Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Sonata (i40) wagon caught testing again originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Wagon, Crossover, Hyundai, Design/Style
Hyundai HED-5 prototype captured by Rich Truesdell of Automotive Traveler
Our buddy Rich Truesdell over at Automotive Traveler was out at one of his favorite spy shot locales and came across some Hyundai prototypes under wraps. Among them was a hatchback that Rich initially figured was the new Accent. It turns out it's more likely the production version of the Hyundai HED-5 undergoing testing.
The Elantra-based competitor for the Mazda5 and the forthcoming Ford Grand C-Max - was first shown as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show back in 2008, and then again in Los Angeles where Hyundai quickly confirmed it for production. Things got a bit quiet after that until February of this year when an alert reader sent us pics of a cloaked version of the production microvan undergoing testing in Scandinavia.
The three-row space wagon shows signs that it will be blessed with Hyundai's new Fluidic Sculpture styling, a design language that we are finding very appealing, despite the kooky name. We're not sure what's under the hood, but Hyundai did mention its new 286-hp, 2.0-liter Theta Turbo GDI engine as a possibility when the concept was on the stand in Los Angeles back in '08. That would certainly shake things up in this increasingly popular class, but such a powerful motor doesn't seem likely. However, were it to recceive the force-fed motor, who knows? It could singlehandedly force a business case for a Mazdaspeed5 as well. Hmmm.
Click on over to Automotive Traveler for more pics of the cloaked Hyundai HED-5.
[Source: Automotive Traveler]Spy Shots: Hyundai HED-5 making the rounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Sedan, Hyundai, Russia, Design/Style
Hyundai RB Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Hyundai has dropped its new RB concept on the crowd at this year's Moscow Motor Show, and according to our Spanish-speaking sister site, the car you see above is likely to evolve into a genuine Russian-market production model with one of two engines.
On the base side of things, buyers can opt for a 1.4-liter four-cylinder with around 109 horsepower, while those looking for a bit more grunt will be able to snap up a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with around 124 ponies. Both engines should be available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic.
The mechanicals aren't the kind of hardware we typically get excited about, but we do like the compact sedan's lines. The design borrows plenty of cues from the similarly sultry Sonata, and the look wears well on a smaller craft. So far, it looks like the RB will stick to its Russian borders, but that doesn't mean we won't see a similarly handsome mug on our shores. From what we can gather, the next-generation Accent will be very similar to what you see above. Small things like fascias and tail lights may change, but the overall car is the successor to the Hyundai compact throne. Hit the jump for a look at a video of the concept as well as the full press release.
[Source: Autoblog Spanish]Continue reading Hyundai RB concept for Moscow revealed [w/video]
Hyundai RB concept for Moscow revealed [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Etc., Ford, GM, Hyundai, Jaguar, Toyota, Electric
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Chris, Sam and Dan return for Episode #192 of the Autoblog Podcast. We cover the reinstatement of GM's high performance division and its new focus on small cars, the Ford Edge Sport being out-dragged by its lesser SEL sibling, and the BMW Megacity electric car. It's an hour and eleven minutes, bookended by what's in our respective garages and your questions/comments. See you next week!
Autoblog Podcast #192 - Slow Edge Sports, GM High Performance, BMW Megacity
In the Autoblog Garage:
Toyota Sienna LE
Jaguar XFR
Hyundai Azera
Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk
Runtime: 71:11
Get the podcast:
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Autoblog Podcast #192 - Slow Edge Sports, GM High Performance, BMW Megacity originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Hyundai, Luxury
2011 Hyundai Equus - Click above for high-res image gallery
In case you hadn't noticed, Hyundai is quickly moving up the ranks of automakers by pushing the boundaries of the classes in which its vehicles compete. Exhibit A was the Genesis sedan, which was quickly followed by the Genesis Coupe and now the Equus luxury sedan. But the Korean automaker isn't content to rest on its rear-wheel-drive laurels.
John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor America, has confirmed to us that the next generation of the Genesis (in both Coupe and sedan forms) and Equus will get optional all-wheel drive. All three machines share a similar platform, and when the architecture gets updated within the next couple of years, space for the all-wheel-drive components will be baked in.
At this point, we don't have any word on powertrains for the next-gen rear- and all-wheel-drive Hyundais, but the automaker's latest 5.0-liter V8 seems like a safe bet for both the Genesis and the Equus. Naturally, we'd love to see the big V8 in the Genesis Coupe as well, especially since Hyundai says the sport coupe will go upmarket (from Mustang to M3 fighter, perhaps?) for its next trip 'round the block.
Damon Lavrinc contributed to this report.
Next Hyundai Equus, Genesis and Genesis Coupe to get AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Hyundai
Straight from HQ at The Department of the Obvious, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is selling as quickly as Miley Cyrus tickets before Cyrus lost the plot. That's got Hyundai Motor America shuffling production plans around in order to build enough Sonatas in the U.S., instead of getting them from South Korea.
Hyundai's Alabama plant produces the Sonata sedan and the Santa Fe, but Santa Fe assembly is being moved to a Kia plant in Georgia where the Sorento is built - easy stuff as they share a platform. With a production capacity of 300,000 cars at the Alabama plant running full tilt, the way things are going, it's no wonder Hyundai might be looking use all of it.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Friends with Benefits: Hyundai shifts Santa Fe production to Kia plant to build more Sonatas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hyundai, Earnings/Financials
Hyundai is joining Ford and Ally Bank in this year's crop of auto industry bond issuances. In four tranches Hyundai will sell $1.17 billion in securities backed by car loans, with Barclays Capital, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Societe Generale handling the issue. Although now is usually a quiet time for such transactions, the ability to get investors' attention, lower risk and better rates for debts backed by consumer loans have been cited as reasons for such forays into the market. We really hope they'll use a little of it to make a sequel the Hyundai Steel video.
[Source: Bloomberg]Report: Hyundai set to offer $1.17b in bonds backed by car loans originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Safety, Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Hyundai, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has put a new crop of large luxury vehicles through its crash test gauntlet, and the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M joined some impressive company in scoring a Top Safety Pick designation. The CTS and M clinched the highly regarded award by receiving the top score of "Good" in roof strength testing. To achieve the top score in rollover safety, a vehicle's roof has to be able to support four times the weight of the entire vehicle.
The Top Safety Pick designation is handed out only to vehicles that received a "Good" score for all four IIHS crash tests while also featuring standard stability control to help avoid accidents altogether. The Cadillac and Infiniti join the BMW 5 Series, Lincoln MKS, Volvo S80, Hyundai Genesis and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class as Top Safety Pick winners.
Since large luxury vehicles cost so much and contain so many safety features, it's not all that surprising that so many models aced IIHS testing. But not all vehicles passed the test with flying colors. The Lexus GS and Audi A6 managed only an "Acceptable" score in roof testing, while the aging Acura RL lagged behind the competition with a "Marginal" rating. Hit the jump to read over the IIHS presser.
[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]Continue reading Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS
Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Nissan
Hyundai was one of just a few companies to come through the automotive meltdown of 2009 relatively unscathed. The Korean automaker managed to keep sales up while others faltered thanks to a quality, inexpensive product lineup backed with a stout warranty. Now it looks like those very factors are beginning impact the number of car shoppers who would consider hopping into a Hyundai. According to the Kelly Blue Book Market Intelligence Brand Watch study, the company has risen to the fifth most non-luxury brand considered by car shoppers. The move effectively kicked Nissan out of the top five for the first time in years.
Hyundai's rise was precipitated by the fact that the company is scoring well in the non-luxury coupe/sedan/hatchback segment. In that area, the carmaker is bested only by Ford, Honda and Toyota.
Interestingly enough, Ford is the most considered car brand at the moment, thanks in part to Toyota's newly tarnished image. The Japanese automaker fell eight percentage points in the study compared to this time last year thanks largely to its recall problems. Hit the jump for a look at the KBB press release.
Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2009 AOL
[Source: Kelly Blue Book]Continue reading KBB: Ford most considered car brand, Hyundai makes big jump
KBB: Ford most considered car brand, Hyundai makes big jump originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Reviews
The Best Mid-Size Base Model Money Can Buy
2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you've been keeping up with Autoblog lately, we've had a lot to say about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. We've tested the top-rung SE and Limited trims out in California. We've even had the chance to sample the upcoming Sonata Hybrid and Turbo versions in the automaker's homeland. But when you get down to brass tacks, the majority of dealership transactions will be made up of the volume GLS model. Sure, a loaded-up $28,000 Sonata Limited is one heck of a nice car, but since 50 percent of all 2011 models sold to date have been fitted to GLS spec, it's important for us to see if Hyundai's swoopy new sedan is worthy of such high praise even without the extra gee-whiz goodies.
With that in mind, we recently invited an Iridescent Silver Blue Pearl (what a mouthful) Sonata GLS into the Autoblog Garage to find out what sort of goodness lies within the bargain bin. Hyundai has always prided itself on being able to offer outstanding overall value in all of its models, but when it comes to the new Sonata, its success extends far beyond the price tag. Follow the jump to learn why.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOLContinue reading Review: 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS
Review: 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai
2012 Hyundai Azera - Click above for high-res image gallery
The current Hyundai Azera is not a bad looking car, but compared to the glut of new models that already are or will soon be populating Hyundai showrooms in the next year, it's starting to look long in the tooth. Hyundai appears to be on the case, as an all-new Azera has just been spotted testing in Europe. Like the current sedan, the new model will slot in between the front-wheel-drive Sonata and rear-wheel-drive Genesis. It will also feature Hyundai's new "fluid sculpture" design language, as evidenced by the characteristic rising crease along the doors that's visible through the camouflage.
The grille and mirrors of this camo'd Azera, which is called the Grandeur in its home market of South Korea, look similar to the new Sonata, but the lower edge of the side glass rises at the back giving the car a more pronounced shoulder. Power is expected to come solely from a V6 like the current model, but we'd be surprised if its displacement doesn't drop to the 3.0-3.3-liter range with direct injection and possibly a turbocharged version. Given CEO John Krafcik's commitment to 50 mpg by 2025, a version of the new hybrid system seen in the Sonata Hybrid seems like a smart bet as well.
[Source: Carpix]Spy Shots: Next-gen Hyundai Azera caught in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Hyundai
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
Hyundai is nothing if not ambitious. The Korean automaker announced today that it will continue its efforts to be the most fuel-efficient automaker in America through the next two decades, with plans to achieve a Corporate Average Fuel Economy rating of 50 miles per gallon by 2025 for its entire vehicle lineup.
The cornerstone of Hyundai's approach is its Blue Drive strategy, which incorporates a range of engine technologies - from turbocharging and direct-injection to lightweight materials and both traditional and plug-in hybrids - to reduce consumption and improve overall efficiency.
Hyundai points to the 2011 Sonata as the first in a wave of new products to utilize its new and improved drivetrains, available with either hybrid, turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines. And Hyundai appears to be in a better position than other full-line automakers to reach its lofty mpg goal, as it doesn't offer any pickup or body-on-frame SUV models. Hit the jump for the full blast and read our First Drive of the Sonata Hybrid for details on its gas-electric system.
Continue reading Hyundai pledges to average minimum 50 MPG CAFE standards by 2025
Hyundai pledges to average minimum 50 MPG CAFE standards by 2025 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'HYNDAI' Category
Wednesday, January 7th, 2009
Frankfurt Auto Show, Coupes, Euro, Hyundai
Hyundai's replacement for the Tiburon (aka the "Coupe" outside the U.S.) will make its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next September. As expected, the new Coupe will be inspired by the Velostar concept that debuted in Seoul last year and will be built atop the Hyundai i30/Kia Forte's front-wheel-drive platform. Hyundai insiders suggest that the Coupe will be approximately the size of the last generation Toyota Celica, smaller than the upcoming Genesis Coupe, and will feature a shooting-brake body style.
The new Coupe will go on sale abroad shortly after its unveiled in Frankfurt, and there's no word yet on when Hyundai will import the new two-door to the U.S. to replacing the aging Tiburon.
Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Concept
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, HYNDAI | No Comments »
Monday, February 4th, 2008
Hyundai i-Blue Fuel Cell Car To Have North American Debut At Chicago Auto Show
We have confirmation from Hyundai that they'll be premiering the Hyundai i-Blue fuel cell concept at the Chicago Auto Show. This is the North American debut as the company already showed this particular concept in Frankfurt last year. What's interesting is that the company has promised to have a production ready version by 2012, but we just assumed that was for the Korean domestic market. Does mean that the company is planning on bringing it here? Or was it just a matter of not wanting to waste a perfectly good concept car? Only time will tell.
[Source: Hyundai]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, HYNDAI, Concept Cars, Sedans,Saloons | No Comments »
Saturday, January 8th, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Hyundai New Elantra (Hyundai - Taiwan)
Hyundai Elantra (Beijing Hyundai - People\'s Republic of China)
Hyundai Elantra (Hyundai - Malaysia)
Hyundai Elantra (Hyundai - India)
Elantra (Facelift) (Hyundai Europe - Germany)
Sales Company:
Hyundai Europe (Germany)
Available version:
1.6 16v aut.
1.6 16v
2.0 16v aut.
2.0 16v
2.0 CDRi
Previous version:
Variation:
Limousine 4d
Liftback 5d
Assembly Plants:
Beijing Hyundai (People\'s Republic of China)
Hyundai (India)
Hyundai (Malaysia)
Hyundai (Taiwan)
Donors:
Posted in HYNDAI | No Comments »
Friday, January 7th, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Hyundai Getz (Hyundai - India)
Hyundai Getz (Hyundai - Taiwan)
Hyundai TB (HB 5d) (Japan)
Hyundai Get (Hungary)
Getz (Hyundai Europe - Germany)
Sales Company:
Hyundai Europe (Germany)
Available version:
1.1 12v
1.3 12v
1.3 12v aut.
1.5 CRDi
1.5 16v
1.5 16v aut.
1.6 16v
1.6 16v aut.
Previous version:
Variation:
Hatchback 3d
Hatchback 5d
(2002 - )
Assembly Plants:
Hyundai (India)
Hyundai (Taiwan)
Donors:
Posted in HYNDAI | No Comments »
Friday, January 7th, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Hyundai Dynasty Limousine 4d
Sales Company:
Available version:
2.5 V6 24v aut.
3.0 V6 24v aut.
Previous version:
2.5 V6 24v
3.5 V6 24v aut.
Variation:
Limousine 4d
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in HYNDAI | No Comments »
