The vehicle will point to a new D-segment family car Hyundai hopes they can launch in 2011. Its “fluid” design, as Hyundai states, is very aerodynamic while at the same time aspiring to the new coupe-saloon trend currently seen in a number of European premium cars.

Hyundai’s i-flow has a powertrain consisting of a 1.7-liter diesel engine with two-stage turbocharging linked to a Lithium Ion-Polymer battery. It is also the auto make’s first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, and is mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The Source: WorldCarFans

But also according to Hyundai’s USA Public Relations department – non-hybrid models like the 2011 Sonata, Accent & Santa Fe will all have an average mile per gallon rating of 40. That’s pretty impressive. Hyundai has also reported an increased work flow in their American based facilities – in order to compensate for the growing number of Tucson orders. Looks like 2010 & 2011 will be a banner year for the make.

Please excuse “The Auto Channel’s” bombardment of advertisements before and throughout the spot:

In Hyundai’s second 30-second ad, Brett Favre accepts the Most Valuable Player award after 2020’s football season…and in true sports icon fashion struggles through ever word in his 15 second speech. The Dude, aka Jeff Bridges, continues into his third year narrating for Hyundai advertising; this is also the third year of Hyundai million-dollar Super Bowl Sunday ads. These spots will promote Hyundai’s updated 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

Source: Auto Channel

In fact, all Hyundai is missing is a sensory controlled auto cleaning kitchen sink. The 100-mile-per charge Hyundai EV is powered by a 1.6L direct-injected 4-cylinder mated to 100kw electric-motor. Pretty snazzy for an electric ride.

After showing us the BLUE-WILL Concept at the Seoul Motor Show last year, Hyundai North America debuted Blue Will in Detroit and added it“explores future design direction of compact cars.”

What really catches out attention is their “3rd Generation” rechargeable batteries – which are constructed to fit into any shape/section of the car, unlike older gens where the car needs to be molded around the battery. Still, Blue Will looks like a Prius/Insight – hopefully its outer shell will transform before production.

For now, the Hyundai Blue Will concept is only making rounds at auto shows. Hyundai says that it “demonstrates to eco-conscious car buyers everywhere that Hyundai has practical hybrid solutions that will appear on the next generation of vehicles.” I guess we’ll see.

The Blue Will also comes with an interior compartment and instrument panel that’s puts the Jetsons hover cars to shame. An “organic” dash can be transformed to have clusters rearranged to your preference, it even has a touch screen shifter! A roof-mounted solar panel, which conforms to the glass panoramic dome, keeps an interior climate control system operational.

Rumors abound as to what Hyundai is looking to produce for a possible Jeep Wrangler fighter. Well, so far, it looks like they want to ripoff the popular Ford Bronco Concept. According to a lovely Jalopnik dinner interview with Hyundai US CEO John Krafcik, it seems like Hyundai wants to take on the small “rock-crawling” offroad segment. Krafcik added; “every time our designers get together and start looking at concepts and the future, the first thing that comes out of those meetings — what everyone gets excited about — is the prospect of a Bronco-like, highly-capable off-roader.”

Is this the perfect time for a new auto maker to take on a variant like 4WD rides? With Hummer down and out, Jeep not adding on any more new utility vehicles and Ford not picking up the Bronco concept, it sure seems to be.

picture via Jalopnik

The vessel in question, Asian Glory (which is also the name of our favorite Chinese Buffet), was transporting “about 2,400 cars, most of them Hyundai and Kia models, and was headed to a port in Saudi Arabia when it was captured by pirates.” Asian Glory was being operated by EUKOR Car Carriers Inc. and is owned by Zodiac Maritime Agencies Ltd. It holds a crew of 25, including 8 Bulgarians and 5 Indians, the South Korean Ministry stated.

Hyundai released a statement to the press via e-mail saying that the cars had been paid for and that the risk now belongs to the distributor. The cars are also insured. The Gulf of Aden is a tight shipping lane that leads into the Suez canal. About 30,000 ships pass through the region each year, amounting to about 1/10th of the world’s traded goods. Merchant ships traveling in the area have been the target of Somali pirates for some time now. The region is currently patroled by about 20 warships from the EU, NATO and other countries.

The Source: World Car Fans

ALL-NEW TUCSON DELIVERS BETTER FUEL ECONOMY AND MORE POWER

* 2010 Tucson 61 Pounds lighter than the outgoing model despite being three inches longer
* The 2010 Tucson is 3.3 inches longer and one inch wider than its predecessor, yet 61 pounds lighter
* 2010 Tucson has a longer wheelbase and overall width than CR-V, Escape and Forester to deliver more packing efficiency

This recent viral video shows a BMW SUV “accidentally” smashing into a parked Elantra up near Toronto. When Hyundai PR saw it, they decided it would be a fantastic marketing move nice idea to give the Hyundai owner a brand new Elantra for their troubles. How Sweet!

This tuned up Genesis Coupe 2.0T includes a turbo kit, a large front-mounted intercooler and a SE Spectrum Elite cat-back exhaust system – which for now brings the Coupe to 350 horse power and maximum torque of 320 lbs-ft, along with 0 – 60mph time under 6 seconds. After SEMA the tuner says “more changes will be made to achieve a power figure close to 500 horse power.” For now those changes will remain a mystery.

Exterior-wise bits like an aero lip spoiler, a carbon fibre bonnet and an aggressive rear spoiler were added. The interior comes with Sparco racing seats, a boost controller, a turbo timer, some modified gauges and a remote switching system.

via WCF

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With a price tag ranging from $17,5 to almost $22k you’d expect a few extras. First off, there’s the 2.4-liter Theta II GDI engine, pumping out 200 horse power, and a tight V6 option also rumored. How about some nice leather interior and heated seats in your Sonata? Hyundai is making this sedan as plush as they can. Read full details in the press release below.

Hyundai Press Release

Hyundai’s sixth-generation Sonata encompasses new `fluidic sculpture’ design philosophy

– Features 2.0 Theta II MPi engine, 6-speed automatic transmission
(Note: All specifications and details in this release are based on the Korean domestic model)

(Seoul, Korea) Hyundai Motor Company’s all-new Sonata, being introduced today, is expected to shake up the world’s mid-size sedan market with its daring design.

The 2010 Sonata adopts Hyundais new “fluidic sculpture” design language, boasts outstanding performance with the segment-leading safety features and fuel efficiency. Incorporating state-of-the-art technologies, the new Sonata will further elevate the Hyundai brand.

“The Sonata will set a new standard for world class mid-size sedans with state-of-the-art technology, superior build quality and emotional design,” Euisun Chung, Hyundai’s Vice Chairman said at the launching ceremony for the car today in Seoul. “The new Sonata will raise Hyundai’s brand values.”

The ceremony, held at a trendy riverside cafe, was attended by more than 200 VIPs, company executives and media members.

Sonata has been the perennial best-seller in Korea since the first generation model was launched in 1985. The sixth-generation Sonata will continue this successful tradition with impeccable quality seen today in other Hyundai premium models, such as the Genesis and EQUUS.

Hyundai began developing the new Sonata in 2005 under the codename YF (Note: The car may be launched under a different name in some regions). The project took 4 years and 450 billion won (US$ 372 million*) to go from concept to customer.

Although it is a completely new vehicle, Hyundai is retaining the Sonata name as the mid-size car has been Korea’s most popular sedan. Applying a new design aesthetic of “fluidic sculpture,” the 2010 Sonata pursues a younger and sensuous image in its interior and exterior profiles. Inspired by nature, the “fluidic sculpture” tries to reflect sophistication and dynamism in the shape of the vehicle and will serve as the core of Hyundai’s future design identity.

The outer design of the new Sonata exudes a voluminous look that creates character through the refined and harmonized lines. The interior has a dynamic look that matches the exterior while not compromising comfort or convenience. The Sonata is available in nine exterior colors, from Remington Red to Blue Black to Espresso, satisfying the diverse tastes of younger customers.

The new Sonata delivers powerful performance through its 2-liter Theta II MPi gasoline engine (Max output 165ps, Max torque of 20.2㎏·m). Delivering the highest fuel economy in its segment at 12.8 kilometers per liter, fuel economy is more than 11% improved compared with today’s Sonata. Furthermore, all engines are offered with a new six-speed automatic transmission for heightened performance.

To meet the most stringent automotive safety and crash requirements, the Sonata is built with hot-stamped ultra high-strength steel while featuring six standard airbags.

In addition, safety has been upgraded with standard Vehicle Dynamic Control including Hill-start Assist Control and Brake Assist System functions?an industry first in this competitive segment.

The new Sonata comes with a three-piece panoramic sunroof, giving a sense of openness and freedom as well as a stylish look. The Parking Guide System (PGS) allows drivers to avoid obstacles during parallel parking or when driving in reverse. The Dimension premium sound system offers high-quality sound in three types of modes to satisfy customers’ wide-ranging musical tastes.

The Mozen system, a telematics service that debuted in 2003 in Korea, has evolved to become more sophisticated, offering more diverse and upgraded multi-media and IT functions. The newly applied Mozen Premium Wide Navigation system provides drivers with a faster communication service through the third-generation WCDMA wireless network. For two years, it also offers free safety services such as an SOS and anti-theft tracking service. The audio-visual functions have been upgraded with the 8-inch wide screen and JBL Premium Sound system.

In the new Sonata, Hyundai offers a wireless vehicle monitoring service?another industry first— through the Mozen Autocare service, linking the vehicle’s electronic control systems to a monitoring center. The center checks various components for errors, informs the driver of the analysis, and provides directions to nearby service centers, saving time for drivers.

Hyundai plans to sell 60,000 units of the new Sonata in Korea this year. Overseas, Hyundai will start production of the new Sonata at its Alabama plant early next year, while production and sales in China will start in early 2011. Hence, Hyundai expects to sell 450,000 units annually in all markets (Korea & overseas combined) beginning from the year 2011.

In addition, Hyundai plans to present the gasoline version in January next year with a 2.4 liter Theta II GDI engine, which will be offered as a standard engine in the U.S. market.

The new Sonata’s price will range from 21.3 million Won to 25.95 million Won (US$17,600 to US$21,450).

Hyundai is confident that the new Sonata, with vastly improved features, will attract and satisfy new as well as current customers. The added specifications are as follows: VDC, Electronic Parking Brake, Amplitude Selective Dampers, High Mounted Stop Lamp, Rear Heated Seats.