Autoblog Hyundai http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Hyundai http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Hyundai's Canadian Super Bowl ads are full of yeti]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/hyundais-canadian-super-bowl-ads-are-full-of-yeti/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/hyundais-canadian-super-bowl-ads-are-full-of-yeti/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/11/hyundais-canadian-super-bowl-ads-are-full-of-yeti/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Hyundai Sasquatch

Hyundai Canada had its own ad for the Super Bowl, and instead of a cheetah they went for a more elusive beast: Sasquatch. Created to push the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the "Country Drive" spot highlights a couple who are amazed at what they find on a drive through the woods. From the Sasquatch's perspective, the feeling's mutual.

The Canadians didn't stop there: they made nine "Sasquatch on Set" clips to show what it's like working with yeti. Strangely, he never takes an interest in the Genesis Coupe when he's not working, but you can check out all the spots after the jump.

Continue reading Hyundai's Canadian Super Bowl ads are full of yeti

Hyundai's Canadian Super Bowl ads are full of yeti originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advertisinggenesis coupehyundai canadahyundai genesis coupesasquatchsuper bowlsuper bowl adsyoutube Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165978/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/11/hyundais-canadian-super-bowl-ads-are-full-of-yeti/20165978/article-detail.xml 20165978 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hyundaicanadasasquatch_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hyundaicanadasasquatch.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai still considering Genesis sub-brand]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/hyundai-still-considering-genesis-sub-brand/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/hyundai-still-considering-genesis-sub-brand/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/hyundai-still-considering-genesis-sub-brand/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Hyundai Equus

Automotive News reports Hyundai is still mulling the possibility of a luxury sub-brand. Vehicles like the Equus, Genesis Sedan and Genesis Coupe would all sail under a new Genesis brand sold through Hyundai dealerships. The models would also receive a new alphanumeric naming system to avoid redundancy. Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president of sales for Hyundai Motor America, told Automotive News the automaker is currently discussing whether or not selling premium vehicles with a Hyundai badge on the hood is restricting the company from moving more units.

The report says many Genesis buyers are opting for dealer-installed Genesis emblems in place of their Hyundai badges already. Even so, no final decision has been made about the possible rebranding nor has any time table been placed on the move. Zuchowski says if the Hyundai does decide to segregate its luxury models from the rest of the fleet, it would likely coincide with a significant redesign. That means if it happens, the shift will land in 2013 at the earliest.

Hyundai still considering Genesis sub-brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> genesis subbrandhyundai equushyundai genesishyundai genesis coupehyundai subbrand Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167009/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/10/hyundai-still-considering-genesis-sub-brand/20167009/article-detail.xml 20167009 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hyundai-equus-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hyundai-equus-628.jpg <![CDATA[Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Chicago Auto Show Debuts]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/editors-choice-top-five-2012-chicago-auto-show-debuts/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/editors-choice-top-five-2012-chicago-auto-show-debuts/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/editors-choice-top-five-2012-chicago-auto-show-debuts/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , ,



The Chicago Auto Show may be the smallest of the North American auto shows we cover (yet largest by square footage, ironically), but year after year, more and more automakers choose to show off some new metal under the lights of McCormick Place. This year saw a total of 18 major reveals (click here to see our full rundown), and while that pales in comparison to last month's Detroit show, there's still a lot of new metal to talk about here in Chicago.

So, of the 18 cars that took the stage in the Windy City, which ones were our favorite? More importantly, which one was the favorite? Follow the jump to see our top five picks for the best 2012 Chicago Auto Show debuts.

Continue reading Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Chicago Auto Show Debuts

Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Chicago Auto Show Debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1993 ford mustang svt cobra r2013 acura ilx2013 hyundai elantra gt2013 volkswagen beetle tdiacurabeetlebest in showchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showcobracobra reditors choiceelantraelantra gtfeaturedfordhyundaiilxkiamustangtditrackstervolkswagen Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20168134/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/editors-choice-top-five-2012-chicago-auto-show-debuts/20168134/article-detail.xml 20168134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chicago-auto-show_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chicago-auto-show.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai adds more spunk to Veloster Turbo with graphics package]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/hyundai-add-more-spunk-to-the-veloster-turbo-with-graphics-packa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/hyundai-add-more-spunk-to-the-veloster-turbo-with-graphics-packa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/hyundai-add-more-spunk-to-the-veloster-turbo-with-graphics-packa/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Hyundai debuted the 2013 Veloster Turbo at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, adding some more oomph and a more aggressive look to the funky three-door hatch. We felt that an additional 63 horsepower and 71 pound-feet of torque was just what the little Hyundai needed, and we were especially digging the available matte gray paint once the Veloster hits showrooms this summer.

Here at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show Hyundai is offering a completely different take on the Veloster Turbo with a special graphics package. The decals feature a gray and yellow stripe running the length of the car, yellow trim on the front spoiler, side skirts and rear fascia, as well as a checkered flag theme on the side and roof spoiler. It's definitely over the top, but still tastefully done.

So will this graphics package make it to production? Hyundai says 'no' for this particular look, although they are working other (likely more subtle) graphics that will be available to customers.

You can see the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo with the graphics package in detail in the gallery above.

Hyundai adds more spunk to Veloster Turbo with graphics package originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 chicago auto show2013 hyundai veloster turbochicago 2012chicago auto showhyundaihyundai veloster turbohyundai veloster turbo graphics packageveloster turbo Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20168257/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/09/hyundai-add-more-spunk-to-the-veloster-turbo-with-graphics-packa/20168257/article-detail.xml 20168257 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hyundai-veloster-turbo-graphics_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hyundai-veloster-turbo-graphics.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe serves up space and style in equal measure]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-hyundai-elantra-coupe-chicago-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-hyundai-elantra-coupe-chicago-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-hyundai-elantra-coupe-chicago-2012/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe

In addition to the GT hatchback, Hyundai also rolled out a new Coupe version of the C-segment Elantra here at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The new two-door is clearly meant to take on the likes of the Honda Civic Coupe, and it's got a spec sheet that compares rather favorably with its competitor from Japan.

For starters, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe rides on a wheelbase that's three inches longer than the Civic. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine puts out 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet and up to 29 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on the highway highway with the six-speed manual gearbox. Automatic models score one mpg less in both city and highway testing.

So... the Elantra Coupe has more room, more horsepower and better fuel economy than the Honda Civic Coupe. As far as styling goes, that's obviously subjective... but we'll cast our lot in the direction of the Hyundai for its sweeping good looks over the more subdued sheetmetal of its biggest competitor. Check out our high-res images of live photos above.

2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe serves up space and style in equal measure originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 hyundai elantra coupechicagochicago 2012chicago auto showelantraelantra coupehyundai Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167301/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/2013-hyundai-elantra-coupe-chicago-2012/20167301/article-detail.xml 20167301 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hyundai-elantra-coupe-chicago_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hyundai-elantra-coupe-chicago.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Hyundai Elantra GT delivers lightness, functionality]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-hyundai-elantra-gt-chicago-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-hyundai-elantra-gt-chicago-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-hyundai-elantra-gt-chicago-2012/#comments Filed under: , ,



After driving the 2013 Elantra GT out on stage here in Chicago, Hyundai executives immediately focused on one of its new five-door's core values: lightness. You see, the GT is the lightest C-segment hatchback in the United States, weighing 151 pounds less than a Mazda3, 175 pounds less than a Ford Focus and 222 pounds less than the fatty-fat-fat Volkswagen Golf. Even so, the Elantra GT has the most capacious interior in its class.

Power comes from the Elantra sedan's 1.8-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, meaning 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque are on tap, and can be paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Fuel economy is only slightly worse than the 40-mile-per-gallon Elantra sedan, with the GT expected to get as high as 39 mpg on the highway. The full details are available in Hyundai's release below the fold.

Continue reading 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT delivers lightness, functionality

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT delivers lightness, functionality originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 hyundai elantra gtchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showelantraelantra gthyundai Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167198/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/2013-hyundai-elantra-gt-chicago-2012/20167198/article-detail.xml 20167198 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hyundai-elantra-gt-chicago_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hyundai-elantra-gt-chicago.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe has the Civic in its Fluidic sights]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-hyundai-elantra-coupe-has-the-civic-in-its-fluidic-sights/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-hyundai-elantra-coupe-has-the-civic-in-its-fluidic-sights/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-hyundai-elantra-coupe-has-the-civic-in-its-fluidic-sights/#comments Filed under: , ,



Hyundai wants its Elantra to dominate the C segment, and that means in all body styles. The just-introduced five-door GT is set to battle the Ford Focus and Subaru Impreza hatchbacks, and this new Elantra Coupe clearly has the two-door Honda Civic in its sights.

The four-door Elantra already wears pretty rakish sheetmetal that carries over nicely to the Coupe, which is actually half an inch longer than the sedan (173.8 inches versus 173.3 inches). The other dimensions are identical to the sedan, and Hyundai cites greater interior room as one of the Coupe's advantages over its competition. By contrast, the Honda Civic Coupe is 0.3 inches shorter than the Elantra Coupe, and the Honda rides on a three-inch shorter wheelbase.

The Elantra Coupe has more power than the Honda Civic Coupe and the manual should get 1 mpg more in the city and 4 more mpg on the highway

Hyundai's new two-door gets the same 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder being liberally spread across the line, with the same 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet as the Elantra GT and the same pair of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Mileage is estimated to be 29 city/40 highway for the manual and 28 city/39 highway for auto. This means the Elantra Coupe has more power than the Honda Civic Coupe and, if the fuel economy numbers hold true, the manual would get 1 mpg more in the city and 4 more mpg on the highway, but both slushbox cars would be dead even.

There will be two Elantra Coupe trims: base GS or top-spec SE. Both have been tuned for extra sportiness versus the sedan and, as we've come to expect, while Hyundai throws plenty at the GS, the SE gets the truly sporty goods. The SE swaps the 16-inch standard rims for 17-inchers, gets a rear "lip spoiler design element," even more suspension tuning for its lower-profile tires, and only it offers the option of touchscreen navigation and a rear-view camera. Both models, however, will get seven exterior colors, three of them Coupe-only, but inside it's nothing but black or grey.

Pricing should come soon, but for now, enjoy the press release after the jump and the high-res gallery of images. Stay tuned for more impressions live from the Chicago Auto Show floor.

Continue reading 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe has the Civic in its Fluidic sights

2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe has the Civic in its Fluidic sights originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 hyundai elantra2013 hyundai elantra coupechicagochicago 2012chicago auto showelantraelantra coupefeaturedhyundai Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20162667/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/2013-hyundai-elantra-coupe-has-the-civic-in-its-fluidic-sights/20162667/article-detail.xml 20162667 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/elantracoupe628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/elantracoupe628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is one handsome hatch]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-hyundai-elantra-gt-is-one-handsome-hatch/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-hyundai-elantra-gt-is-one-handsome-hatch/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2013-hyundai-elantra-gt-is-one-handsome-hatch/#comments Filed under: , , ,



When you intend to go up against cars like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Mazda3, it doesn't matter how softly or loudly you speak, your stick had better be impressive. Hyundai believes it has just the thing in the 2013 Elantra GT, which is the updated moniker for the Elantra Touring (and a throwback to five-door Elantras of yore).

The GT is the U.S. version of the European i30, and it's quite a looker if you're a fan of Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design language. Under the hood, you'll find the same 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder as the sedan, sending 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque to the ground via either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. That puts it in the thick of a competitive set that, for Hyundai, also includes the Subaru Impreza and Toyota Matrix, but gives it the best power-to-weight ratio of them all. That's because the Elantra GT is 57 percent ultra high- and high-tensile steel, which helps keep its weight down to a lightest-in-segment 2,784 pounds when equipped with the automatic transmission.

Fuel economy is the beneficiary, with the automaker estimating an EPA rating of 28 miles per gallon in the city and 39 mpg on the highway (32 combined). Hyundai says this is good for a cruising range up to 448 miles.

Driving pleasure will be attended to with a sport-tuned suspension that uses MacPherson struts up front aided by a stabilizer bar, and a torsion bar setup out back. The real pleasures, though, are claimed on the inside, where the Elantra GT is said to provide more cargo room than the aforementioned competition and even the Nissan Juke. The mod-cons are prodigious and include, as standard, a cooled glovebox, heated front seats, 10-way power driver's seat, leather seating surfaces, automatic headlights, Bluetooth and seven airbags.

The 2013 Elantra GT goes on sale this summer. Have a read of the press release after the jump and stay tuned for live pics from our team at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

Continue reading 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is one handsome hatch

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is one handsome hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 hyundai elantra gtchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showelantraelantra gtgthyundai Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20162000/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/2013-hyundai-elantra-gt-is-one-handsome-hatch/20162000/article-detail.xml 20162000 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/elantragt628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/elantragt628.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: January 2012]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-january-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-january-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-january-2012/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Long-term 2011 Hyundai Equus

January was not a busy month for our long-term 2011 Hyundai Equus. It did ferry one of our editors between auto company cocktail hours and dinners during the week of the Detroit Auto Show, but for the latter half of the month it wasn't driven all that much. But that's good news, because our Equus spent quite a bit of time at LaFontaine Hyundai, in Dearborn, Michigan, receiving a long-awaited repair to the driver's seat.

As we wind down its year in the Autoblog fleet, we also saw fit to address some cosmetic damage to the front fascia and have our 22,500-mile service completed. While the service was free, the "minor" scrape on the lower corner of the bumper skirt set us back some $669.25. Our time with the Equus ends in just a few weeks, which means we'll only have limited time to enjoy the now-comfortable seat. This has been one of our biggest issues with the car, and to have it finally fixed after all this time is so wonderful that some editors are grumbling that they won't have the chance to get back in the car again.

We do wish, however, that the seat bottom wasn't made to look even more worn by the contrast of the brand new seat back. At least we don't have to look at it while we drive around enjoying the comfort of the now-working back massager.

2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: January 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 hyundai equus2011 hyundai equus ultimateablongtermablongterm-equusequusequus ultimatehyundailong term equuslong term garage Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165393/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-january-2012/20165393/article-detail.xml 20165393 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/equus-seat-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/equus-seat-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Did Hyundai pull MPG claims from Super Bowl ad due to watchdog group pressure? [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/did-hyundai-pull-mpg-claims-in-super-bowl-ad-due-to-consumer-wat/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/did-hyundai-pull-mpg-claims-in-super-bowl-ad-due-to-consumer-wat/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/did-hyundai-pull-mpg-claims-in-super-bowl-ad-due-to-consumer-wat/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2011 Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai has been targeted by Consumer Watchdog, a non-profit advocacy organization, over the automaker's 40 mpg fuel efficiency claim on the Hyundai Elantra. The group says Elantra owners have seen fuel economy averages of 18 and 19 mpg instead of the the 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway reported by Hyundai and the Environmental Protection Agency. As such, the group has sent letters to both Hyundai CEO John Krafcik and President Eok Jo Kim warning that if the automaker advertised the 40 mpg claim in the company's Super Bowl spots, Consumer Watchdog would release a retaliatory video of its own. The group has since followed through with that threat.

The Elantra spot scheduled to run during tonight's game, "Victory Lap," makes no mention of fuel economy whatsoever, focusing instead on the sedan's winning the 2012 North American Car of the Year award. When Hyundai previewed its first three Super Bowl spots on January 30, the automaker's official announcement indicated that this was the intent all along:

Finally, to round out the game-day lineup, Hyundai will celebrate its 2012 North American Car of the Year victory for Elantra with a new 30-second spot called "Victory Lap." The Elantra earned the prestigious award from a jury of 50 independent automotive media in early January.

Earlier today, we erroneously stated in this post that the ad running this evening was changed to not reflect the fuel economy numbers. Hyundai emphatically denies that any changes were made along the way.

In an email to Autoblog, Jim Trainor, Hyundai's senior group manager for product public relations, writes:

We never removed a fuel economy claim from our Elantra Super Bowl spot. It is, and always was, a focus on the North American Car of the Year award bestowed on Elantra. No group "made us" change our commercial and no outside group is going to dictate to us what the content of our commercials will be. The commercial you will see today is exactly how we meant it and exactly what it has been from the start.

Click past the jump for a look at the Elantra Super Bowl spot, the Consumer Watchdog clip about the vehicle's mileage claims and a press release from the non-profit.

In a related note, Popular Mechanics just-published real-world fuel economy test of two cars boasting 40 mpg EPA highway ratings is a very timely and interesting read. PM's test subjects?The Ford Focus SFE and the Hyundai Elantra.

Ultimately, when you get past all the noise, it's important to remember that "your mileage may vary" is a mantra for a reason.

Continue reading Did Hyundai pull MPG claims from Super Bowl ad due to watchdog group pressure? [w/video]

Did Hyundai pull MPG claims from Super Bowl ad due to watchdog group pressure? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> consumer watchdogelantraelantra mpg claimshyundaihyundai elantrahyundai elantra fuel economy claimsjohn krafciksuper bowl Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20164716/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/05/did-hyundai-pull-mpg-claims-in-super-bowl-ad-due-to-consumer-wat/20164716/article-detail.xml 20164716 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2011-hyundai-elantra-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2011-hyundai-elantra-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai i30 commercial previews upcoming Elantra five-door]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/04/hyundai-i30-commercial-gives-good-look-at-coming-elantra-five-do/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/04/hyundai-i30-commercial-gives-good-look-at-coming-elantra-five-do/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/04/hyundai-i30-commercial-gives-good-look-at-coming-elantra-five-do/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Hyundai i30

Based on the can't-make-enough status of the Hyundai Elantra, the public hasn't gotten tired of Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" design theme. Based on this commercial for the Hyundai i30, we admit that we haven't either. The five-door sold in Europe and based on the Kia Cee'd platform shows us what we can generally expect from the upcoming Elantra Touring replacement.

The last Elantra wagon didn't get big play here three years ago, but neither the Elantra nor Hyundai were in the position they're in now. In Europe, the i30 five-door will get a choice of four engines and three transmissions, but we shouldn't expect to be so spoiled for choice. Follow the jump to see the video.

Continue reading Hyundai i30 commercial previews upcoming Elantra five-door

Hyundai i30 commercial previews upcoming Elantra five-door originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 hyundai i30elantraelantra five-doorelantra touringelantra wagonhyundaihyundai i30youtube Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161889/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/04/hyundai-i30-commercial-gives-good-look-at-coming-elantra-five-do/20161889/article-detail.xml 20161889 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hyundaii305-door_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hyundaii305-door.jpg <![CDATA[These are North America's top producing auto plants]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/these-are-north-americas-top-producing-auto-plants/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/these-are-north-americas-top-producing-auto-plants/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/these-are-north-americas-top-producing-auto-plants/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Volkswagen Puebla, Mexico facility

Volkswagen has the honor of being this year's top producing North American automotive manufacturer by a wide margin with its Puebla, Mexico facility. The factory managed to produce 510,041 units last year, beating out second-place Nissan and its Aguascalientes, Mexico plant by a staggering 149,245 units, according to Ward's Auto. Nissan jumped from third to second place after Toyota and its Georgetown plant dropped from the top five. Toyota and Honda both saw themselves ousted from the leader board after a year pockmarked by disruptions from earthquake and tsunami activity in Japan and flooding in Thailand.

The Japanese automakers' vacancies made room for Hyundai and its facility in Montgomery, Alabama with 338,127 units to take fourth place. Ford, meanwhile, moved from fifth in 2010 to third in 2011 with 344,446 units from its Dearborn Truck plant. Nissan rounded out the top five last year with the company's plant in Smyrna, Tennessee taking the automaker's second spot on the list.

Ward's Auto reports Volkswagen enjoyed a boost from the popularity of the Jetta. That model alone helped push the company's Puebla facility to a 75,356 unit gain over last year's figures. Head over to Ward's to see the full report.

These are North America's top producing auto plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aguascalientesauto manufacturingauto plantsdearbornfordhyundaimanufacturingmontgomerynissanplantspueblasmyrnavolkswagen Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161802/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/01/these-are-north-americas-top-producing-auto-plants/20161802/article-detail.xml 20161802 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/puebla-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/puebla-628.jpg <![CDATA[Analysts: U.S. automakers will lose marketshare in 2012]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/analysts-u-s-automakers-will-lose-marketshare-in-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/analysts-u-s-automakers-will-lose-marketshare-in-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/analysts-u-s-automakers-will-lose-marketshare-in-2012/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Alan Mulally, Dan Akerson and Mark Reuss

Domestic automakers have much to be happy about, with Chrysler, Ford and General Motors all gaining market share last year for the first time since 1988. Yet according to Bloomberg, 2012 won't be as good to Detroit. Total sales are projected to grow from 12.8 million vehicles last year to 13.6 million, according to the report, but increasing competition from Korea and a Japanese recovery from the natural disasters of 2011 mean those extra sales aren't likely headed to the Big Three.

The news agency spoke to five analysts, and predictions have the U.S. automakers losing 1.3 percentage points this year. The analysts estimate that GM will drop 0.6 of a percent, Ford will lose 0.5 percent, and Chrysler will be down 0.2 percent. Toyota is seen gaining 0.9 percent, with Honda grabbing an extra 0.5 percent, while Hyundai and Kia are only projected to see their combined market share improve by 0.01.

If all this comes true, GM would have the top market share in the U.S. at 19 percent, with Ford in second at 16.3 percent, followed by Toyota at 13.8 percent, Chrysler at 10.5 percent, and Honda at 9.5 percent.

Analysts: U.S. automakers will lose marketshare in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto salesbig threecar saleschryslerdomestic automakersfordgeneral motorsgmhondahyundaikiamarket sharetoyotau.s. automakers Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20160811/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/31/analysts-u-s-automakers-will-lose-marketshare-in-2012/20160811/article-detail.xml 20160811 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012naiascharitypreview-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012naiascharitypreview-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai premieres trio of Super Bowl commercials]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/hyundai-premieres-trio-of-super-bowl-commercials/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/hyundai-premieres-trio-of-super-bowl-commercials/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/hyundai-premieres-trio-of-super-bowl-commercials/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



A few months ago, Steve Shannon, vice president of marketing at Hyundai said the brand would tailor its Super Bowl commercials to the game, instead of focusing just on features, and with this peppy quip: "We're making Super Bowl spots. We need to get that headset on. The bar is high."

The first three ads are, and in one of them, "All for One," a designer needs a little extra support getting a job done. He gets it from his coworkers. And plant workers at Hyundai's Montgomery, Alabama facility. And Rocky. Follow the jump to check that one out along with "Cheetah" (pictured) that features the 2012 Veloster Turbo and "Think Fast," which introduces the revamped Genesis Coupe R-Spec You'll also find the press release describing Hyundai's Super Bowl gameplan and find link links to watch the behind-the-scenes videos for each, as well.

Continue reading Hyundai premieres trio of Super Bowl commercials

Hyundai premieres trio of Super Bowl commercials originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> commercialgenesis coupehyundaihyundai super bowlsuper bowlsuper bowl adsuper bowl commercialsuper bowl commercialsvelosterveloster turbo Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159578/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/30/hyundai-premieres-trio-of-super-bowl-commercials/20159578/article-detail.xml 20159578 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/imagecheetahalt-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/imagecheetahalt-opt.jpg <![CDATA[NADA: Dealers most happy with Hyundai, Subaru and Lexus]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/nada-dealers-most-happy-with-hyundai-subaru-and-lexus/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/nada-dealers-most-happy-with-hyundai-subaru-and-lexus/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/nada-dealers-most-happy-with-hyundai-subaru-and-lexus/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

NADA logoCar dealers have a strange and oftentimes contentious relationship with the carmakers. Stories of automakers shoveling unsaleable models down the pipeline with unreasonable expectations are legion in the car sales world. With the number of family-owned, single-brand dealerships dwindling, dealers often field competing franchises. The concept of loyalty is as quaint as a Lincoln Town Car. So it's worth noting the automotive brands that are actually liked by the guys selling them.

The National Automobile Dealers Association conducts its Dealer Attitude Survey twice each year, and results from the summer survey are in. Hyundai stayed on top for the third time in a row, followed by Subaru, Lexus, Kia, and Mercedes-Benz. The survey measures three factors: "franchise value, automaker policy decisions that affect the dealership and the automaker's field staff who visit dealerships."

Sixth place went to Toyota, while Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi followed. Cadillac and Honda tied for tenth. NADA received responses from over 14,700 dealerships, representing almost 54 percent of all dealers nationwide.

Click past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading NADA: Dealers most happy with Hyundai, Subaru and Lexus

NADA: Dealers most happy with Hyundai, Subaru and Lexus originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car dealersdealerdealer attitude surveydealersnadanada dealer attitude surveynational automobile dealers association Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20158831/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/28/nada-dealers-most-happy-with-hyundai-subaru-and-lexus/20158831/article-detail.xml 20158831 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nada-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/nada-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai says Elantra sales to slow because factory can't keep up with demand]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/hyundai-says-elantra-sales-to-slow-because-factory-cant-keep-up/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/hyundai-says-elantra-sales-to-slow-because-factory-cant-keep-up/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/hyundai-says-elantra-sales-to-slow-because-factory-cant-keep-up/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2011 Hyundai Elantra front three-quarter view

Hyundai's Elantra has been on fire, with sales up 41 percent last year. The compact sedan won North American Car of the Year in January, and the icing on the cake will be a new coupe bodystyle that will soon be landing at dealers. But all is not completely well, according to a report from Bloomberg.

Hyundai expects Elantra sales to run into a brick wall of limited production capacity, as the company's Montgomery, Alabama plant is already operating at 110 percent. The plant, which builds the Elantra and its big brother, the midsize Sonata, churned out 338,000 units in 2011. Hyundai sold over 186,000 Elantra models in the U.S. last year.

With Hyundai posting 20 percent overall sales growth in the U.S. in 2011, it clearly needs to address its capacity bottleneck. Speculation is building that the company will soon announce plans to build another North American assembly plant.

Hyundai says Elantra sales to slow because factory can't keep up with demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 hyundai elantraassembly plantelantraelantra saleshyundaihyundai productionmontgomery alabamaproduction capacity Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20158371/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/27/hyundai-says-elantra-sales-to-slow-because-factory-cant-keep-up/20158371/article-detail.xml 20158371 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-2011-hyundai-elantra-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-2011-hyundai-elantra-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Are you the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/are-you-the-2013-hyundai-santa-fe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/are-you-the-2013-hyundai-santa-fe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/are-you-the-2013-hyundai-santa-fe/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe/ix45 spy shot

It won't be long before we see the official reveal of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, but predictably, the Internet won't be kept waiting. Consider us unsurprised that a set of grainy photos showing what is claimed to be a badgeless redesigned Santa Fe crossover has appeared ahead of schedule.

That said, we're thinking the chrome-heavy maw depicted in these shots suggests that this is probably an overseas version (ix45) - not exactly what we'll see in the States. At least, that's what we're hoping, as the wall of frontal brightwork seems out of step not just with the market, but also Hyundai and its styling position here in North America. That said, our moles confirm that this is "some version of Santa Fe" and suggest that the image above was likely part of an illicit photo shoot taken inside the plant in Korea.

We should know more in April, when the North American Santa Fe is expected to launch at the New York Auto Show. For now, however, check out AutoEvolution for a second look.

Are you the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 hyundai santa fehyundaiix 45ix45santa fespy shots Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157524/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/26/are-you-the-2013-hyundai-santa-fe/20157524/article-detail.xml 20157524 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-hyundai-santa-fe-ix45_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-hyundai-santa-fe-ix45.jpg <![CDATA[Rhys Millen's Hyundai Veloster rally car is about par for the course]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/rhys-millens-hyundai-veloster-rally-car-is-about-par-for-the-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/rhys-millens-hyundai-veloster-rally-car-is-about-par-for-the-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/rhys-millens-hyundai-veloster-rally-car-is-about-par-for-the-co/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Rhys Millen's Hyundai Veloster at the tee

We can think of a handful of automobiles that appear to be closer to golf carts than what we'd otherwise think of as "cars". Like the Smart ForTwo, for example. Or the Tata Nano. Rhys Millen's Hyundai Veloster rally car, on the other hand, is not the first vehicle that would come to mind for schlepping clubs around the fairway, but Rhys himself appears to think otherwise with this latest video just released by Hyundai.

In the clip after the jump, you'll see what happens when Millen gives new meaning to the notion of picking the right driver for the course. The added bonus of using competition machinery in place of the usual putter put-putters is that you just might get to the green before your ball does. And that could come in handy on the PGA Tour. Watch all the way through to the end for the blooper reel.

Continue reading Rhys Millen's Hyundai Veloster rally car is about par for the course

Rhys Millen's Hyundai Veloster rally car is about par for the course originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> golfhyundaihyundai velostermillenrallyrhys millenvelostervideo Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20156871/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/25/rhys-millens-hyundai-veloster-rally-car-is-about-par-for-the-co/20156871/article-detail.xml 20156871 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/rhys-golf_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/rhys-golf.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe caught undisguised ahead of Chicago debut]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/2013-hyundai-elantra-coupe-caught-undisguised-ahead-of-chicago-d/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/2013-hyundai-elantra-coupe-caught-undisguised-ahead-of-chicago-d/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/2013-hyundai-elantra-coupe-caught-undisguised-ahead-of-chicago-d/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe spy shot

Here it is, ladies and gents - the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe. The svelte new two-door will make its official debut at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show in just a few weeks, but our intrepid spy photographers managed to catch this completely uncovered prototype on the back of a flatbed truck.

Not surprisingly, the new coupe relies heavily on the same Fluidic Sculpture design language of the award-winning sedan, though subtle tweaks have been made to give the two-door a bit more sporting flare. The foglight housings appear larger and more angular, giving the front end a slightly more aggressive appearance. Out back, a small lip spoiler has been added to the rear deck that both enhances the swoopy profile shape of the Elantra and adds another element of style to the rear end.

As we reported earlier, the Elantra Coupe will get a sport-minded SE trim level, and all in, Hyundai hopes that the coupe will account for 20 percent of all Elantra sales. We'll have the full details in just a few weeks, but scroll through our gallery of spy shots to see naked coupe from all angles.

2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe caught undisguised ahead of Chicago debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 hyundai elantra coupebreakingchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showelantraelantra coupehyundaispy picsspy shots Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153510/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/20/2013-hyundai-elantra-coupe-caught-undisguised-ahead-of-chicago-d/20153510/article-detail.xml 20153510 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-2013-hyundai-elantra-coupe-spy-shots628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-2013-hyundai-elantra-coupe-spy-shots628.jpg <![CDATA[Dodge Dart to use transmission from Hyundai]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/dodge-dart-to-use-transmission-from-hyundai/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/dodge-dart-to-use-transmission-from-hyundai/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/dodge-dart-to-use-transmission-from-hyundai/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2013 Dodge Dart

Hyundai CEO John Krafcik has confirmed that the Korean automaker will supply Chrysler with transmissions for its new Dodge Dart, according to Car and Driver. While the two automakers may seem like odd dance partners, the tie-up makes plenty of sense. Both companies use engines born out of the now-defunct Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance with Mitsubishi. As a result, 2.0- and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines found in the Dart share more than a few strands of DNA with the same displacement engines found under the hood of vehicles like the Hyundai Sonata. Needless to say, it shouldn't take too much effort to get the Hyundai gearbox and Chrysler engines to play nice.

We say "shouldn't" because according to Car and Driver, the American manufacturer is reportedly having issues getting the transmission properly calibrated to obtain the lofty fuel economy numbers necessary to satiate the powers that be in Washington. Chrysler hasn't confirmed the move as of yet, and Hyundai is keeping its lips sealed on which transmissions are headed to the Dart line. Even so, if Chrysler's engineers are struggling over calibration, chances are it's a six-speed automatic.

So... what about those lofty 40 miles per gallon claims claims Chrysler was bandying about at the Detroit Auto Show? C/D hypothesizes that figure may be reliant on a specific engine and transmission combination, be it turbocharged 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder and a dual-clutch gearbox or a 2.0 and a six-speed manual. Curiouser and curiouser.

Dodge Dart to use transmission from Hyundai originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 dodge dartchryslerdartdart transmissiondodgedodge dartdodge dart transmissiongemaglobal engine manufacturing alliancehyundaihyundai transmissionmitsubishi Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20152456/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/dodge-dart-to-use-transmission-from-hyundai/20152456/article-detail.xml 20152456 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-dodge-dart-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-dodge-dart-628.jpg -1 2