Forced Induction Makes For More Family Fun Here in the U.S., the mid-size sedan market is thought to be all but impregnable to newcomers. Ruled for decades by models that have become icons of the industry, the segment has enjoyed a long and peaceful reign by the likes of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. But the funny thing about success is that if you're not very, very careful, it breeds complacency. While the titans of the four-door kingdom have been sleeping on beds of cash made on the innovations of two decades ago, Hyundai has been busily polishing its reputation and pouring over ... Read More

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Report: Hyundai mulling four-door coupe model, V8 or V6 turbo for next Genesis Coupe 1358887500

Hyundai is showing no signs of slowing down, with plenty of new product in the pipeline. This, according to a recent Automobile magazine interview with John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America. Krafcik admits the Korean automaker is considering adding a four-door coupe to its lineup, possibly sharing some design elements of the HCD-14 Concept (shown ...
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Podcast: Autoblog Podcast #309 1353452940

Lots of Audi diesels on the way, GM says 500,000 electric cars per year soon, Ford fiesta EcoBoost 1.0, NTSB wants more safety tech Episode #309 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Steven Ewing and George Kennedy talk about the coming horde of new Audi diesels, the Ford Fiesta 1.0-liter EcoBoost, GM's 500,000 electric car projection ...
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Study: Redesigns that worked and flopped determined by new Cars.com index 1353011460

The 2013 Ford Fusion is probably the latest, greatest example of a completely redesigned car that has evoked widespread calls of "Look at that!" Above its buzzworthy looks, though, Ford will be concerned about how the 2013 Fusion sells and by how much – if at all – it beats sales of the previous version. Cars.com has run the sales numbers on ...
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Report: Hyundai readying "Sonata-lite" for China 1343773740

Smaller Sonata or larger Elantra? Either way, Hyundai is indeed working on some sort of vehicle to slot between its two sedans in China. The intent, according to Reuters, is to create a vehicle that is smaller and more affordable than the current Sonata but still roomy and upscale enough for middle-class buyers looking to trade up from compact cars. Two ...
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Recalls: Hyundai recalls over 220,000 Sonata and Santa Fe models over airbag concern 1343657700

Hyundai is recalling certain Sonata and Santa Fe models due to issues with the vehicles' airbags. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, certain 2012-2013 Sonata models may have been built with side-curtain airbags that may deploy inadvertently, potentially injuring occupants and greatly reducing driver visibility. Hyundai will ...

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Report: Hyundai working on "Fluidic Precision" design for next Sonata 1342814460

Hyundai North America CEO John Krafcik recently told Automobile magazine that it's popular "fluidic sculpture" design language won't stand still as it evolves with Hyundai's lineup in the coming years. "You'll see even more maturity with the new Santa Fe, and future cars will feature something we're internally calling Fluidic Precision, where the forms ...
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Official: 2013 Hyundai Sonata gets $1,100 price increase, drops manual option 1336582860

Bid farewell to the Hyundai Sonata equipped with a manual transmission. The Korean manufacturer has discontinued the third-pedal in its midsize sedan for 2013, though buyers can look forward to more standard equipment on next year's model. With such a small take rate, Hyundai saw no reason to continue offering the six-speed manual in the base GLS model. ...
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Official: Hyundai announces standard brake-override for all models 1336244580

Always looking for ways to one-up its Japanese competitors, Hyundai has announced that a brake override system will be standard equipment on its full line of vehicles, starting this month. Truth be told, every 2012 Hyundai model save for the Elantra Touring already had a brake override system fitted. So why the announcement, and why now? Well, other than ...
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Official: Hyundai adding third shift, nearly 900 jobs in Alabama [UPDATED] 1335965460

Hyundai sales are up 10 percent already this year, after ending 2011 on a 20-percent uptick. With its Alabama assembly plant already running over capacity, something had to change. In response, the Korean automaker will be adding 877 jobs at its Montgomery assembly plant to begin a third shift, starting in September 2012. Hyundai said the plant is now ...
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Report: Hyundai Sonata caused Nissan to reassess 2013 Altima development 1335552240

When Hyundai rolled out their outrageously styled Sonata three years ago, car buyers took notice. It's eye-catching exterior styling, well-appointed interior and affordable price was just what a lot of family sedan buyers wanted. Few will admit it, but carmakers sat up and paid attention, too. However, Andy Palmer, Nissan executive vice president for ...