Autoblog

2011 Hyundai Equus starts at $58,000

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:26:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury

2011 Hyundai Equus - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai has released pricing information for the all-new 2011 Equus, and the full-size luxury sedan we drove earlier this year, will start at $58,000 in Signature form. Option up for the top-tier Equus Ultimate and the sticker swells to $64,500. So what does the extra $6,500 nets you?

50/50 split rear seats (four-passenger seating) with reclining function
First-Class passenger-side rear seat with leg support and a massage system
Cooled rear seats, a rear-seat entertainment system with an eight-inch monitor
Thermoelectric rear center console refrigerator
Rear-seat power up/down head rests
Rear-seat illuminated vanity mirrors
Forward-view cornering camera
Power trunk lid

All 2011 Hyundai Equus' features Hyundai's new "At Your Service" ownership experience, which includes a plethora of service options ranging from valet pick up and drop off to the use of a Hyundai Genesis while the Equus is in for service, not to mention no-cost maintenance for five years or 60,000 miles. Every authorized Hyundai dealership will play host to an Equus Champion; a product expert who is available to answer any questions about the car. New Equus owners also get to enjoy an Apple iPad in place of the traditional owner's manual.

The 2011 Hyundai Equus will begin arriving at select dealerships this December and you can get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Equus: First Drive

Continue reading 2011 Hyundai Equus starts at $58,000

2011 Hyundai Equus starts at $58,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: MT compares the Bentley Mulsanne to... the Hyundai Equus?!

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Bentley, Hyundai, Luxury

Bentley Mulsane versus... Hyundai Equus? - Click above to watch video after the jump

With the launch of the all-new Equus, Hyundai has taken another step towards the deep end of the luxury car segment. However, Bentley has a touch more experience in this arena and its new Mulsanne is decadence on wheels. The two companies sit on opposite ends of the automotive spectrum, but Motor Trend seems to think they warrant a comparison. We suspect Bentley will not be pleased...

Two of MT's scribes hop into the back of both the Equus and the Mulsanne for a chat about the two luxury sedans, and one of them is none other than Autoblog alum Jonny Lieberman, decked out in his fancy new buff-book duds (the other is MT stalwart Ed Loh). Both vehicles pack a fair amount of amenities, but the difference between $70,000 and $330,000 (with $42k in options) is patently obvious. Just check out the cupholders. So, grab some pâté and a jar of Grey Poupon and check out the video after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Equus: First Drive

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne

Gallery photos by Damon Lavrinc and Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Video: MT compares the Bentley Mulsanne to... the Hyundai Equus?!

Video: MT compares the Bentley Mulsanne to... the Hyundai Equus?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai moving Elantra production to Alabama

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Avante/Elantra - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai is getting ready to launch its redesigned Elantra here in the United States. Not only will it sell that car here, it will also be built here as well. Slated to join its Sonata and Sante Fe siblings, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra will be built at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama facility in Montgomery, Alabama.

Already on sale in South Korea, the redesigned Elantra will join a strong Hyundai lineup that aims to take a larger slice of the U.S. automotive vehicle sales pie. The design is attractive, the fuel-economy rating should be good, the interior will be feature packed and we expect the price to be just right.

According to CEO and President of Hyundai Motor America John Krafcik,

"Hyundai's philosophy is to build our vehicles where we sell them, and with the addition of the Elantra to our U.S. production mix we now manufacture our three most popular models right here in the U.S."

The North American-spec 2011 Hyundai Elantra is expected to make its North American debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show, and sales of the re-designed model are earmarked to begin early in 2011.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Avante / Elantra

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai moving Elantra production to Alabama

Hyundai moving Elantra production to Alabama originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Friends with Benefits: Hyundai shifts Santa Fe production to Kia plant to build more Sonatas

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:33:00 EST

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.

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Hyundai Avante captured on the roads of South Korea [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hyundai

Hyundai Avante - Click above for high-res image gallery or follow the jump to watch the video

The trickle becomes a stream as more materials on the Hyundai Avante sedan are released. We can now confirm that what is likely to become the 2011 Hyundai Elantra on our shores will have the presence to set itself apart in an ever-improving small-car crowd.

If the specs carry over as well, the next Elantra will be about three inches longer than the Ford Focus sedan and nearly as powerful, down by two horsepower and 15 pound-feet. On the other hand, it will get Fiesta-like gas mileage, returning 40 mpg with the manual and 39 mpg with the automatic. You can check out the pics and the specs in the high-res gallery below, and check out B-roll footage of the car after the jump. Top tip, Joseph and APJ!

Gallery: Hyundai Avante on the road

[Source: Paul Tan]

Continue reading Hyundai Avante captured on the roads of South Korea [w/video]

Hyundai Avante captured on the roads of South Korea [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai reveals 2011 Equus details, range topper to come in two U.S. flavors

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury

2011 Hyundai Equus - Click either image for high-res image gallery

The 385-horsepower Hyundai Equus cometh, and Hyundai has let loose a torrent of information on the two kinds of horses you'll be able to buy: Equus Signature and Equus Ultimate. The Signature version comes with almost everything: leather and Alcantara interior, heated steering wheel, climate controlled seating with a massaging driver's seat, Smart Cruise Control, parking assistance, air suspension and a 17-speaker, 608-watt Lexicon stereo are at the beginning of a terrifically long list.

Pay a little more for the Equus Ultimate and you add the around-the-corner-view cameras to the parking assist, power trunk, and in back, reclining, cooled rear seats with their own massage function and leg support - like in Korean Air business class - and a rear seat refrigerator. Among many, many other things. And there's always that Apple iPad manual, because you can never get enough of something special. You can find the press release listing all the goodies after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Equus

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai reveals 2011 Equus details, range topper to come in two U.S. flavors

Hyundai reveals 2011 Equus details, range topper to come in two U.S. flavors originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid looks to split the uprights

Chris Paukert — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Hyundai, First Drives

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid hails from a nation where Buddhism is one of the dominant religions. After all, this slippery sedan's design is the gas-electric's equivalent of The Middle Path - a road that the company hopes is truly the way to automotive enlightenment.

Say what?

In the still-young history of the modern hybrid automobile, there have been two prevailing schools of thought on design: As the less costly path, The Low Road to hybridization is already a crowded one - it's a design route that basically calls for the electrification hardware to be buried beneath a familiar bodyshell that's shared with a conventional internal combustion-only model (see: Lexus LS 600h, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Chevrolet Silverado, etc.). The driving philosophy here is to keep production costs in check while also appealing to audiences that might be otherwise reluctant to embrace "new" technology.

Despite being on the checklist of every politician, environmentalist and Hollywood glitterati, hybrids don't sell in America

By contrast, The High Road calls for swoopier model-specific bodywork - if not an entire dedicated platform - enabling a "greener than thou" halo for its owners and parent company. Unfortunately, this high-visibility strategy also costs a boatload of cash, and the only such model that has managed to make a solid business case for itself is the Toyota Prius, a vehicle that's become the de-facto postercar for the green movement.

But here's the conundrum that Hyundai has keenly recognized: Despite being on the checklist of every politician, environmentalist and Hollywood glitterati, hybrids don't sell in America - they account for less than two percent of new vehicles purchased in the U.S. every year, and their high technology bandwidth means that they require a disproportionate amount of money to develop. Basically, Hyundai knows that the Sonata Hybrid is a necessity for improving its technological capabilities, as well as for burnishing its industry-leading CAFE scores, but it also seems to understand that it is almost certain to lose money on each one it builds. Which is why they've taken The Middle Path.

In this case, the Sonata Hybrid tries to integrate the best of the other two hybrid strategies - create a distinctive new model with a unique look that says "I care more about the earth than you do" without incurring the cost of a whole new platform and all-new sheetmetal. Have they been successful? We flew all the way to South Korea to find out...

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid looks to split the uprights

First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid looks to split the uprights originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Next generation Hyundai Elantra caught practicing its parking?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 17:04:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Videos, Hyundai

Next generation Hyundai Elantra parking - Click above to watch video after the jump

The next Hyundai Elantra was revealed a few months ago at South Korea's Busan Motor Show. It's been revealed again, this time outdoors, in a parking lot where it appears to be practicing parallel parking maneuvers. Hyundai's small four-door has grown in size, which helps it wear those stretched 'fluidic' design cues rather nicely. Once a portrait of anonymity, the Elantra's now as good-looking as its big brother, the Sonata.

When the restyled Hyundai Elantra arrives next year, we expect it to be motivated by a 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injection engine with 138 horsepower. And we have a feeling those new looks are going to make people take a good, long look at the Elantra in liew of say, a Civic or Corolla.

As for parking jobs like this? We have a feeling they'll be a lot easier than these drivers are making it look. If they had to find street parking in, say, New York, they'd run out of gas before they successfully stashed the car. Follow the jump to see the video, which does nothing to make parking seem any less mundane than it is. Hat tip to Avery

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Elantra / Avante

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Next generation Hyundai Elantra caught practicing its parking?

Video: Next generation Hyundai Elantra caught practicing its parking? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Hyundai Genesis getting BMW-cued refresh?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury

A Hyundai Genesis sedan spotted in South Korea appears to have given up the model's 2011 secrets, with a mix of minor as well as substantive elements applied to the new car.

In the former category are items like newly sculpted skirting, LED headlamps and more chrome trim. In the substantive column we have that 5.0-liter, direct-injection V8 with 429 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic. They're good tweaks for a dark-horse sedan that's already an IIHS Top Pick at the best price-to-reward ratio around.

Nevertheless, we have to chide Hyundai for holding back on the originality. When the car was first introduced, we were told that its somewhat collated-from-other-cars styling was to give it a firmer basis for acceptance. To refresh the car with a BMW-like shifter and 7 Series exhaust tips (or Lexus, take your pick) comes off as a kind of design torpor that we know Hyundai is above - at least when it wants to be.

[Source: The Car Blogger]

2011 Hyundai Genesis getting BMW-cued refresh? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Equus Apple iPad Manual: Full Details

Chris Paukert — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Hyundai, Luxury

Upon unveiling its most ambitious offering at April's New York Auto Show, Hyundai also made a splash by announcing that its 2011 Equus luxury sedan would come with a multimedia tablet PC in lieu of an owner's manual. Better still, not only would the device replace the weighty glovebox staple and save a few trees, but it would also serve as a digital liason between the owner and his or her dealership, helping to schedule maintenance through its Service Valet program, remind of routine maintenance, schedule vehicle (and loaner) pick-up and delivery, and so on. Speculation was that the unnamed tablet would take the form of the iPad, but up until now, Hyundai hasn't confirmed that it is, in fact, an Apple product.

Not only can Autoblog confirm that the Equus device is an iPad, we've learned what the specific model will be. According to company sources, Hyundai will provide owners with a 16-gig, wifi-enabled (non-3G) iPad with a custom case. As is fitting for a premium automobile, the latter will be a landscape-style high-end leather case that is custom-made for Hyundai, with an embossed logo, suede-like interior and a built-in kickstand.

Most interestingly, the owner's manual program will include all of the usual text and images, but also take advantage of the iPad's display capabilities by showing videos to explain the vehicle's functions.

The Equus-specific programs will arrive pre-installed alongside all other normal iPad software, and future updates will be available through iTunes, just like any other iPad program.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Equus

Hyundai Equus Apple iPad Manual: Full Details originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai CEO reveals reason for Equus, explains why it's no VW Phaeton

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Luxury

2011 Hyundai Equus - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai America CEO John Krafcik is rarely one to hold back his opinions, and today's topic of discussion is marque's upcoming Equus luxury flagship. Hyundai has moved up in the automotive ranks so quickly over the past 15 years that many people have wondered if the brand is overreaching with the Equus.

Krafcik addresses the obvious comparison to the U.S. market failure of the Volkswagen Phaeton. The way Krafcik sees it, VW skipped a few pricing steps going straight from the Passat to its ill-fated Phaeton range-topper, noting that there was a much larger gap between the Passat and the Phaeton than there will be with Hyundai because they've taken the trouble of bringing the Genesis sedan and coupe to market - the former of which verified that consumers are willing to pay $40,000+ for a Hyundai.

Of course, that's no guarantee that consumers will pay $55,000-60,000 for an Equus but it seems more plausible than $80,000+ for a Phaeton. Krafcik also addresses the fact that each Equus buyer will get an Apple iPad with the owner's manual. As he explains it, the tablet PC is meant to provide a more useful resource for people to figure out how to use all the technology in this flagship, hopefully avoiding the pitfalls of some other luxury machines.

The iPad will also have an application that allows owners to schedule service appointments. When the appointed time arrives, Hyundai will send a driver to the Equus owner's home or office with a loaner, and then return the Equus when the work is done. As Krafcik sees it, other luxury automakers have spent millions of dollars to gussy up their dealerships - building things like coffee bars, fancy seating areas and water features. Problem is, nobody really wants to visit their dealer even with those added niceties, so Hyundai plans to remove it from the equation with its pick-up and delivery service. In other words, the ultimate luxury is never having to take your car to the dealer at all. Fair enough.

The Equus goes on sale this Fall.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Equus

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Hyundai CEO reveals reason for Equus, explains why it's no VW Phaeton

Hyundai CEO reveals reason for Equus, explains why it's no VW Phaeton originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Hyundai Veloster to debut at Paris Motor Show

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Paris Motor Show, Hyundai

2012 Hyundai Veloster - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Hyundai launched the Genesis coupe in 2009, we were told that it would not be a direct replacement for the outgoing Tiburon. That would be the role of the Veloster concept from 2007. We've been seeing spy shots of Veloster prototypes for several months now and if the latest reports are to be believed, it could appear in production form at the Paris Motor Show in September.

The compact front-wheel drive coupe is expected to be powered by a 1.6-liter direct injected inline-four with at least 140 horsepower. However, if the rumors are accurate, the Veloster could be available in an optional 200-hp turbocharged version. The turbo may even get a dual clutch gearbox, a first for Hyundai. Europeans are expected to get first crack at the Veloster early in 2011 while Americans will have to wait until next summer.

Gallery: Hyundai Veloster - Spy Shots

[Source: Hyundai-Blog]

Report: Hyundai Veloster to debut at Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Hyundai Sonata wagon captured for the first time

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 31 May 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Europe, Hyundai

2011/2012 Hyundai Sonata wagon - Click above for high-res image gallery

We recently published some renderings of what a station wagon variant of the new Hyundai Sonata might look like, and we now have our first actual photos of the real thing undergoing testing. While it (predictably) doesn't feature the two-door shooting brake layout we might have hoped for, it actually does look quite close to the four-door image. Hyundai designers appear to have opted for more of a sporty slant-back look like the Audi Avant wagons than the more utilitarian box we typically get from Volvo.

When the Sonata launches in Europe, it is expected to adopt the current iXX naming convention used there to become the i40 Kombi. Europeans will apparently get the wagon first, followed by the sedan. At present, it remains unclear if the wagon will ever arrive in the States. From what we can see through the camo, the i40 will get a different grille from the North American model, as well as a different treatment around the base of the A-pillar. At least on this prototype, the Euro-version has chrome trim that wraps around the mirror, while the chrome on the American variant extends straight down to the trailing edge of the headlamp cluster.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Hyundai i40 Kombi / Sonata wagon

[Source: CarPIx]

Spy Shots: Hyundai Sonata wagon captured for the first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 May 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Busy Hyundai reveals next Elantra at Busan show in Korea [w/video]

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hyundai, Misc. Auto Shows

2011 Hyundai Elantra / Avante - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai has been very busy lately as it progresses through round two of its 24/7 product renewal program. Just days after unveiling the new Accent/Verna in Beijing, Hyundai has revealed its next generation Elantra/Avante at the Busan Motor Show in South Korea. Like the smaller Accent, the Elantra has picked up the "fluidic sculpture" styling cues of its big brother the Sonata. By virtue of its larger size, the Elantra retains more of the sleeker profile of the Sonata and doesn't look as stubby as the Accent.

Like the Sonata, the new Elantra gets a direct injected inline-four, in this case a 1.6-liter based on the Gamma engine family. For the Elantra the GDI 1.6 generates 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. In combination with a new six-speed automatic transmission, the Elantra should get about 10 percent better fuel economy.

The Avante will go on sale in South Korea in the second half of this year and we'd expect to see it state-side with Elantra badges early in 2011. No word yet on whether we will get a hybrid version of the new Elantra. High-res images below, official press release and video available after the jump. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Elantra / Avante

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Busy Hyundai reveals next Elantra at Busan show in Korea [w/video]

Busy Hyundai reveals next Elantra at Busan show in Korea [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Already rakish Hyundai Sonata slims down to two doors

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hyundai, Design/Style

Take a good look at the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The Korean competitor is obviously designed to go up against cars such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. But, unlike those generally staid sedans, the Sonata features a rather rakish, swept-back design that has earned it plaudits among the motoring press and consumers alike.

In order to properly compete with the aforementioned Accord and Altima (though not the Camry - Toyota cut its losses on the slow-selling Solara coupe), the Hyundai Sonata needs to be offered in a sportier two-door configuration. Will it happen? Though the Korean automaker isn't willing to confirm anything at present, it's certainly a distinct possibility that development of such a machine is well under way.

According to Inside Line, a Hyundai Sonata Coupe could arrive late in 2011 or early 2012. If that's the case, Theophilus Chin's excellent rendering of such a machine seems likely to be spot on. As pointed out by IL, the presence of the Genesis Coupe would probably mean that a two-door Sonata wouldn't be overtly sporty, but the availability of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four with 274 horsepower could go a long way towards spicing things up a tad.

So... what do you think?

[Source: Inside Line]

Rendered Speculation: Already rakish Hyundai Sonata slims down to two doors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Hyundai Equus arrives to take on the big guns

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury

2011 Hyundai Equus - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the first Hyundai Excels rolled onto American roads in the late-1980s, it was hard to image the Korean automaker getting taken seriously as a builder of budget cars. Taking on the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW would have been an absurd thought. And yet later this year that is exactly what Hyundai is doing as the new Equus begins to arrive at American dealers.

Visually, the the Equus hasn't changed much in its trip across the Pacific. For the U.S. market, the winged hood ornament had been discarded in favor of a flush mounted badge with the same logo that adorned the trunk lid of the Korean market model. The bars of the grille have been replaced with horizontal slats that make it look more like the Genesis sedan.

The Equus is equipped with all the techno-gimmickry one expects in a big luxury sedan today, including adaptive cruise control and navigation. The 4,376-pound is suspended on electronically controlled air springs and power comes from a 385 horsepower version of the 4.6-liter Tau V8 already seeing duty in the Genesis. The only thing the Equus lacks compared to a Lexus or Benz is an oversized sticker price. Hyundai says the Equus will be priced in the mid $50,000 range when it goes on sale later this year. You can check out the full press release (including a by-the-numbers comparison of how the Equus stacks up against its main rivals) after the jump, or check out the high-res gallery below (we'll have live shots from Javitz shortly).

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Equus

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading 2011 Hyundai Equus arrives to take on the big guns

2011 Hyundai Equus arrives to take on the big guns originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets unique look and 37/39 MPG rating [w/video] [UPDATE]

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:37:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Videos, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

It wasn't that many years ago that no one really took the engineering capabilities of Hyundai all that seriously. Thanks to recent introductions like the Genesis coupe and sedan, the Tucson and the Sonata, as well as consistently improving quality, the Korean automaker is rapidly gaining respect. Today at the 2010 New York Auto Show, Hyundai debuted its first production hybrid model for the U.S. market based on the recently launched 2011 Sonata.

As we saw in the teaser photo released last Friday, Hyundai has set its hybrid apart from conventional models with an all-new front fascia. However, the changes go well beyond the new grille and headlights. The new wheels combine with extended rocker panels to improve airflow across the flanks. At the back end, the bumper cover has been reshaped with sharp creases at the corners to control the air coming off and minimize drag, and there are set of really interesting taillamps with a sort of neutron molecule-like quality to them. The body alterations drops the hybrid's projected drag coefficient from the standard Sonata's already slippery 0.28 to just 0.25. As you might suspect, the really important stuff, however, is under the skin.

Follow the jump to learn more and check out a video.

*UPDATE: Live photos added from New York

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid live from NY

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Live photos by Frank Filipponio / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading New York 2010: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets unique look and 37/39 MPG rating [w/video] [UPDATE]

New York 2010: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets unique look and 37/39 MPG rating [w/video] [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010: 2011 Hyundai Sonata turbo with 274 HP and 34 MPG! [*UPDATE]

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:36:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever since Hyundai announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show that it would add a turbocharged variant to its all-four-cylinder lineup in the new Sonata, there has been considerable speculation about how much power the engine would produce. The first time we saw a turbocharged direct injection engine in a car from the Hyundai corporate family was the 2008 Kia Koup concept that produced 290 horsepower. This same engine now powers the Sonata to the tune of 274 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque.

Like GTDI engines from Ford and the Volkswagen Group this new turbo Theta II engine has a broad, flat torque curve with the peak being sustained between 1,800 and 4,500 rpm. Hyundai is using a twin-scroll turbocharger like the one used by BMW in its latest engines (see: 2011 535i). The exhaust flow from the pairs of cylinders is fed into the turbine by separate paths to insure optimum response. The turbo housing is an integral casting with the exhaust manifold to provide short exhaust flows to the turbine.

Hyundai's engine uses a comparatively low 9.5:1 compression ratio compared to some other GTDI engines, but the maximum boost is 17.4 psi. The turbo engine is only offered with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Particularly impressive is the fuel efficiency of this combination. Hyundai is estimating 22 mpg city and 34 mpg highway - just a tick less than the non-turbo models on the highway and significantly better than any of the V6 powered competitors. The turbo engine will be available on both the SE and Limited trim levels.

*UPDATE: Live photos added from New York
**UPDATE 2: CEO Krafcik says Turbo will come in at "less than $25,000 nicely equipped."

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo live in NY

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo

Live photos by Frank Filipponio/ Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading New York 2010: 2011 Hyundai Sonata turbo with 274 HP and 34 MPG! [*UPDATE]

New York 2010: 2011 Hyundai Sonata turbo with 274 HP and 34 MPG! [*UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai releases first teaser shot of the Sonata hybrid ahead of NY debut

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue Drive- Click above to enlarge

Next Wednesday at the New York Auto Show, Hyundai will unveil its first U.S. market hybrid model based on the just released Sonata sedan, which thoroughly impressed us during our recent review. Unlike the Fusion and Camry hybrids which are barely distinguishable from their conventional counterparts, the Sonata Hybrid gets a completely new front fascia. The new look adds a massive lower grille inspired by the Blue-Will Concept that shown at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

We believe the Sonata hybrid will retain the same 2.4-liter direct injected inline-four found in the sedans that are on sale now. However, it may be re-tuned to operate on the more efficient Atkinson cycle like other hybrids. Unlike the gas-electrics from Ford and Toyota, Hyundai's system is expected to use a conventional six-speed automatic gearbox in conjunction with a 30 kilowatt electric motor.

The Sonata hybrid and a range-topping gasoline 2.0-liter turbo model will both be revealed during a live video webcast on HyundaiMediaLive.com at 1:35pm on Wednesday, March 31. Following the presentation, CEO John Krafcik and sales VP Dave Zuchowski will be online to answer questions from the audience. You can submit your questions now at the site and tune in Wednesday for answers.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai releases first teaser shot of the Sonata hybrid ahead of NY debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Hyundai Sonata door latch recall gets official

Chris Shunk — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata SE - Click above for high-res image gallery

A couple weeks back, Hyundai put a stop-sale on its freshly minted 2011 Sonata sedan because a front door latch could malfunction after a rather labored series of steps. The stop-sale was lifted almost immediately, though, as the Korean automaker was able to quickly ship replacement parts to U.S. dealers, at which point the vehicles in stock were repaired. At that time, though, Hyundai promised to work with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to put out a recall notice for the 1,300 vehicles that had already been sold; a promise that came to fruition this morning as NHTSA put out an official bulletin.

The NHTSA recall notice claims that the front inside door lock switches can remain in the unlatched position under certain conditions, making it possible for the front driver or passenger doors to open while the vehicle is in motion. Hyundai tells us that the latch may malfunction when a front inside door lock switch is held in the locked position while the inside door handle is pulled to open the door.

Sonata owners affected by the recall can bring their vehicle to the nearest Hyundai dealer for the no-cost repairs, which should take about an hour. Hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading 2011 Hyundai Sonata door latch recall gets official

2011 Hyundai Sonata door latch recall gets official originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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