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

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!

Katherine Michon of Arlington, Virginia, traded a 1995 Ford Explorer for a 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring – that’s an upgrade from 15 mpg to average 26 mpg. Not a bad CARS upgrade. According to the program, consumers are eligible for up to $4500 in rebates through the CARS program. According to Hyundai, 13 of its models qualify for the CARS program, which mandates new cars achieve at least 22 mpg combined, while light trucks need to carry an average of 18 mpg.

She certainly seems to like the idea.

Why do people think this will be the next Accent front end? Because the Verna is a base for the Accent globally. This supposed new Accent grill is a lot beefier then previous model, with curved headlights and a fat Hyundai smirk. Internally, a new USB and Auxiliary inputs for music, standard PowerBass subwoofer, Bluetooth and new blue instrumentation lighting will add to your driving experience.

Currently, the Accent Base ranges from $11,200 – $14K so expect something similar to those figures once the new Accent drops in North American somewhere during 2010. We personally can’t wait to see them in the lots of Hertz & Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

The Nuvis is the eleventh signature concept car to be designed at the company’s California Design Center in Irvine, Calif. In addition to showcasing the brand’s cutting-edge capabilities, Nuvis also hints at a possible design direction for a future-generation crossover, blending attributes of a tall urban car and a premium utility vehicle.

Consistent with Hyundai’s pledge to lead all brands in U.S. fuel economy by 2015, Nuvis is powered by Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue Drive architecture, which uses breakthrough lithium polymer battery technology.

EVOLUTION OF THE DESIGN

In developing the initial sketches, Hyundai designers considered the interplay of natural, fluid elements with more rigid surfaces and structures to create the illusion of constant motion. Specifically, designers studied the way water splits across and flows around the hull and sides of a boat, creating a wake, or the way wind shapes a snowdrift or flurries through trees. The living power of these elements is reflected in the Nuvis’ design.

“Our goal was to create a living machine, constantly moving, that the driver and passengers could be part of,” said John Krsteski, Hyundai Design manager. “There are no lines on or in this car that are standing still.”

In addition to invoking the impression of irrepressible motion, the Hyundai design team took more practical matters into account as well. Nuvis is designed to accommodate the diverse interests of a modern, active couple. The Nuvis is meant to be comfortable starting its day at a desert retreat, arriving at the ski slopes in the afternoon and then cruising to a formal dinner that evening.
The design team sought to create a vehicle that would complement its environment, without making a negative impact. The versatility of the vehicle’s design, combined with Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue Drive technology, accomplishes exactly this.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The Nuvis has an assertive face demonstrated by the strong, hour-glass shape that frames the blue acrylic shield grille and aggressive headlamps, whose two glowing white rings are offset by a pair of red rings on the tail lights.

Perched on top of 22-inch wheels, Nuvis’ proportions are tall, strong and protective. The two body-side lines set up a flowing water effect, giving the appearance of motion.

In addition to the dynamic angles and firm stance, the Nuvis boasts a host of unique exterior elements.

“One of the coolest attributes of Nuvis is that the protective roof appears to float on top of the body through the use of hidden pillars and high-contrast glass,” said Andre Hudson, Hyundai senior designer. “This effect starts at the headlamps and is carried all the way through to the taillights producing a tall, strong body-side and rear.”
Large, gull-wing doors, either opened or closed, create unique front, rear and profile views. Blue ambient lighting cast across the body adds to the overall upscale feel of the vehicle.

An additional design element featured on the Nuvis is a brushed aluminum accent that spans the entire length of the vehicle. Normally, this type of trim is only found around the windows. On the Nuvis, this trim extends out from the headlamps, juts up along the hood and through the beltline, across the top and into the rear spoiler.

INTERIOR DESIGN

In keeping with the exterior design scheme, the Nuvis’ spacious and luxurious interior is dominated by a cool, blue acrylic center stack that ebbs and surges in the manner of a river. The cascading floor, with its blue ambient lighting, further enhances an environment in which seamless technology flows, enveloping both the driver and passengers.

A current of information coming from the instrument panel streams throughout the cockpit, as passengers are able to access each other via Methode Electronics TouchSense® technology that links all four business-class seats. The car’s infotainment system is fed by channels from the outside – the occupants, for instance, can learn of a restaurant’s specials that evening as they drive past it.

The sculptured, comfortable seats are custom woven with a graduated fabric that is finished in a silver-to-black sunburst. The ecologically friendly seating fabric is provided by True Textiles, the industry’s leading provider of environmentally responsible textile solutions. The Nuvis fabric is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester – reclaimed soda bottles – and increasingly sustainable manufacturing processes. Hyundai collaborated with True Creative to produce this unique fabric with an 80-inch repeat, providing a fabric that is as attractive to the environment as it is to the viewer. The matching seatbelts are provided by Harveys Original Seatbeltbags, a well- known manufacturer of handbags made out of seatbelt. Harveys also developed two matching handbags for the Nuvis concept.

In the rear, a high trunk floor houses the Nuvis’ lithium polymer battery pack.

HYUNDAI’S HYBRID BLUE DRIVE ARCHITECTURE

Hyundai’s all-new, homegrown Hybrid Blue Drive architecture helps define the Nuvis concept. Hyundai’s proprietary parallel hybrid drive system mates the already-fuel efficient 2.4-liter Theta II engine to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 30kW (205 N-m) electric motor for maximum fuel economy.

Hybrid Blue Drive has an all-electric mode and a parallel drive mode, meaning that the wheels are turned by power coming directly from the gasoline engine, or the electric motor, or both together, as conditions demand. This parallel hybrid drive architecture will serve as the foundation for future Hyundai hybrid drive vehicles, starting with the next-generation Sonata in the United States.

To maximize fuel economy, all of the Theta II’s major driveline and cooling system components have been optimized to reduce friction, while the crankcase has been filled with low friction oil.

Engine management software automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt, cutting emissions to zero. The engine automatically restarts when pressure is reapplied to the accelerator pedal due to the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG).
To further reduce fuel consumption, the Theta II’s engine management software, which governs injection pressure, engine cycle timing and exhaust retreatment rates, has been revised. This control strategy assures that maximum efficiency is achieved during gentle acceleration, while greater power is immediately available during full acceleration. During deceleration, regenerative braking also comes into play to help conserve energy.

To ensure that the engine runs at lower RPMs, the top three gear ratios in the transmission have been extended. Fuel economy is further optimized through the latest electric motor-assisted steering system which reduces power drain and low resistance tires.
The nine major components of Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue Drive include:
1.An efficient 30kW electric motor, delivering 205 N-m of torque
2.A regenerative braking system
3.An integrated starter generator that enables the engine to turn off at stops and restart automatically under acceleration
4.A breakthrough lithium polymer battery package, with 5.3 Ah of capacity at 270 volts
5.Optimized Theta II 2.4-liter engine
6.6-speed automatic transmission with an improved-efficiency electric oil pump
7.Weight-efficient architecture coupled with a low drag coefficient
8.Electric air conditioning compressor
9.Hybrid power control unit

LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERY TECHNOLOGY

Hyundai’s hybrid system stores its electrical charge in a 270V lithium polymer rechargeable battery (5.3Ah/270V) that surpasses both existing nickel-metal hydride and pending lithium-ion applications. Lithium polymer batteries are more durable and
space-efficient than other, bulkier hybrid batteries.

HYUNDAI ASSURANCE

Hyundai Assurance allows consumers to walk away from a financing obligation when certain adverse life events occur, providing protection from financial shortfalls that arise from vehicle depreciation (negative equity) up to $7,500. For a limited time, Hyundai is also offering Hyundai Assurance Plus, adding 90 days of payment relief to the existing protection plan. Hyundai Assurance Plus is part of Hyundai’s Spring Sales Event, which runs until April 30, 2009. Hyundai Assurance and Hyundai Assurance Plus are complimentary for the first 12 months of the financing or lease date for vehicles financed through any lender or financing source. The programs supplement all existing consumer incentives, and are available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment history or financed amount of the vehicle. Visit www.HyundaiUSA.com for details.

Nuvis appears to be a wagon-shaped vehicle with two long gullwing doors. Is this Hyundai’s idea of an April Fool’s Joke? Guess we will have to wait until the New York Auto Show for answers.

Blue-WILL’s front end is ferocious – reminding many of the Hyundai Tiburon coupe. Does it look like the car is smirking at us?  Check out more info in the Hyundai Press Release below, and during our upcoming Seoul Auto Show live photos!

Hyundai BLUE-WILL

Hyundai charges in with advanced hybrid concept:
- All-new concept car to be unveiled at Seoul Show
- Lithium-Ion batteries and a 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine
- Solar panels boost battery range

Hyundai has revealed the first pictures of an innovative plug-in hybrid concept car. Due to be revealed at the Seoul Motor Show which opens on April 2nd, the “BLUE-WILL”, has exceptionally advanced technology crammed inside its striking body shell.

Recycled PET soft drink bottles were used to make the material for the headlamp bezels while use has also been made of bio-plastics: PLA for the interior while PA11 was specified for the engine cover. These materials are made from plants extract rather than fossil fuels and are bio-degradable.

The BLUE-WILL concept is powered by an all-aluminum Gasoline Direct Injected 1.6-litre engine which is coupled to a Continuously Variable Transmission and a 100kw electric motor which is at the heart of Hyundai’s parallel hybrid drive architecture. Electric power, stored by a Lithium Ion Polymer battery pack, is neatly bundled with the fuel tank under the rear seat to maximize luggage space.

Hyundai will be the first automaker in the world to apply Lithium Ion Polymer in a mass production vehicle when the Elantra LPI Hybrid goes on sale in Korea in July this year.

A further expression of the concept’s design flexibility is found on the panoramic roof. The glass area integrates dye-sensitized solar cells which can generate power for the batteries from the sun without impeding visibility. Further details of the concept will be revealed at a press conference on Hyundai’s stand at the Seoul show.

Honestly, there will probably be a million and one strings attached to you returning a vehicle, but apparently this program will cover depreciation up to $7,500. This led us to wonder what other consumer products should be returnable if you get canned within the next year.

Food

We like large portions in ‘Merica, but not everyone enjoys reheating day old left overs. If we pay $12.99 for a big-ass meal at Chilis and can’t finish all our beer battered fried chicken why can’t we return the rest?!

Homes

Real Estate’s a tough racket in this economy, so agents should be bending over backwards to make a sale. Instill some trust in a hopeful home owner by telling them if their home falls over they can stop paying. Certainly this will not lead to people trashing their homes on purpose!

Pets

Old Kittah is not amused by the prospect of selling your beaten down pets to a pawn shop.

17″ MacBook Pro

Ok, we love MacBooks, Apple products and Steve Jobs. But a $2799 starting price for the new 17-inch MacBook Pro?? Now you’re just getting way too full of yourselves fellas. This write paid less for the first AND second car they owned! Of course, they are both in a junk yard somewhere – too bad neither was a Hyundai!

Used Porn

Eww…