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Mess With Success: Hyundai already seen tweaking Genesis sedan for 2010

Chris Paukert — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:03:00 EST

2010 Hyundai Genesis sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite claiming great success with its 2009 Genesis sedan, Hyundai doesn't appear to be resting on its laurels. For 2010, there are no cosmetic changes in store, but the entry-level luxury sedan is getting a gentle fettling in the suspension and steering departments along with some additional kit.

Unfortunately, Hyundai's press release wasn't terribly forthcoming about what changes had been effected upon steering and suspension systems, so we checked in with company spokesman Dan Bedore to learn a few more:

"We're Hyundai, and we'll always seeking continuous improvement. We've made a series of small chassis changes, with a particular focus on improving steering and handling. We've made small adjustments to the steering, increasing efforts and tweaking feel around center; reduced friction in some suspension components; increased V6 rear spring rates; and added more jounce and rebound control to our shocks."

On the creature comforts front (this is a luxury sedan after all), the 2010 Genesis gains available intelligent cruise control and an electronic parking brake on Technology Package equipped models - the latter including an automatic hill holder feature. Additionally, "Ultra-premium leather seating surfaces" will come as standard fit on 3.8 Genesis models with Premium, Premium Navigation, and Technology Package equipped models. Finally, in response to consumer demand, Hyundai says it has made an updated touch-screen navigation (with three-month trial subscriptions to XM radio and XM NavTraffic) standard equipment on 4.6-liter models as well as Genesis 3.8 models fitted with the premium navi pack. You can check out the complete press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis sedan

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Mess With Success: Hyundai already seen tweaking Genesis sedan for 2010

Mess With Success: Hyundai already seen tweaking Genesis sedan for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verna Transform is not America's next top model Hyundai Accent

Chris Paukert — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Green, Hatchback, Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Verna Transform/Accent - Click above for an image gallery

On Wednesday, we brought you the first pictures of Hyundai's new Transform, a Korean market derivative of the Verna hatchback that is a close relative of our stateside Accent, the automaker's lowest-cost offering. For 2010, the KDM Verna Transform model incorporates a unique front fascia and a controversial looking grille among other changes. The big question we had on our mind after seeing it was: Is this model bound for the U.S. - or was it simply another foreign Accent?

Well, we put exactly that question to Hyundai P.R. manager Dan Bedore, and he indicates that the Verna Transform is not representative of what we will see in the U.S. - on the contrary, our Accent successor "...will have a distinct, exciting new look of its own when it is introduced. The Verna Transform pictured here is a sport package for the KDM model Verna only."

Bedore went on to confirm that the next U.S. Accent is part of the company's 24/7 plan (which will see seven new model introductions over a 24 month period that began with the rollout of the Genesis Coupe). While we're not privy to the salacious specifics of Hyundai's product calendar, we expect to see the new Tucson crossover join the family next, followed either by the aforementioned Accent replacement or the Veloster-based 2+2 sporty coupe.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Verna Transform/Accent

Verna Transform is not America's next ~~top model~~ Hyundai Accent originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EXCLUSIVE: Sneak peek at Hyundai Genesis Coupe's next-gen nav system

Chris Paukert — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, I.C.E., Technology, Hyundai

Hyundai Genesis Coupe navigation system prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Hyundai's sparkling Genesis Coupe debuted earlier this year, we heard from many of you who were excited about the rear-drive model's performance prospects. More than a few we spoke with, however, expressed disappointment that it did not arrive in showrooms with an optional in-dash navigation unit, particularly since Hyundai was plainly targeting premium competitors like the Infiniti G37. Well, we've just returned from the company's HATCI facility (Hyundai-Kia American Technical Center, Inc.) in Ann Arbor, and we're happy to report that we've been given an in-depth look at a prototype of the company's next-generation system that will find its way into the Genesis Coupe beginning later this summer.

Fair Warning: The accompanying photographs are of a rough engineering prototype unit, but we thought our readers would appreciate the early look. As is typical of such mules, the instrument panel is more than a bit tired looking from having its "head unit swapped out more often than you change your underwear" (so says Dan Bedore, Hyundai's quick-witted P.R. manager).

Click on the jump to get the full skinny.

Gallery: Hyundai Genesis Coupe navi sneak peek

Continue reading EXCLUSIVE: Sneak peek at Hyundai Genesis Coupe's next-gen nav system

EXCLUSIVE: Sneak peek at Hyundai Genesis Coupe's next-gen nav system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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