Autoblog

VIDEO: More on the Korean supercar named Spirra

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, South Korea

Spirra on CNN - Click above to watch video after the jump

A little while back we saw some glammy B-roll of Oullim Motor's Spirra - Korea's first supercar - running around Seoul with some of Italy's big dogs. While the Spirra might have lacked the visual punch of the F430 and Gallardo, it sure seemed able to keep up with both of 'em. However, one YouTube video does not a supercar make and we haven't paid the Spirra much mind since then.

But perhaps we should. CNN just did a ride along with the man behind the Spirra, Han-Chul Kim. First of all, just to refresh, the Spirra (also known as the Tiger) is powered by a modified Hyundai V8 to the tune of 500 hp and can hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds - totally on par with other supercars. But again, what makes the Spirra compelling (or at least noteworthy) is that it is Korea's first supercar. CNN interprets this as proof that the Korean automarket has come of age, causing one analyst to comment that the Spirra is a way of saying, "Hey - we can make a supercar, too."

As for Kim, he spent ten years researching Italian exotics before he set to work on the handmade, 100% Korean Spirra. He calls the car his "dream" and his "baby." Judging from the video, you also get a sense that a lot is riding on both Han-Chul's and the Spirra's shoulders, namely the pride of a nation's auto industry. Looks like his hard work might be paying off, as a Dutch car dealer reportedly just ordered 145 Spirras. No word on whether or not the Spirra will be making its way over to the States, but here's hoping! Make the jump to watch the video. Hat tip to John!

[Source: CNN]

Continue reading VIDEO: More on the Korean supercar named Spirra

VIDEO: More on the Korean supercar named Spirra originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Role Reversal: Toyota launches in South Korea to battle Hyundai

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Toyota, South Korea

2010 Toyota Camry - Click above for high-res image gallery

In this topsy-turvy economy, Hyundai is making serious headway against its Japanese rivals. While the Korean automaker has surpassed Honda and Nissan, to name just two, Toyota remains in the lead by a wide margin. But that doesn't mean ToMoCo is about to sit around and wait for Hyundai to continue gaining market share. In fact Toyota is taking the fight right to Hyundai's doorstep by launching a range of vehicles in the South Korean market.

Against the whopping 72% share which Hyundai and its Kia subsidiary enjoy in their domestic market, Toyota is bringing over the Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius and RAV4, joining the luxury offerings from Lexus that have been in South Korea for the past eight years.

At 34.9 million won (the equivalent of $29,900 in American greenbacks), the Camry enters the Korean market at a significantly higher price point than the 21.3-million-won Hyundai Sonata, but with 1500 orders reportedly already placed, Toyota figures it can sell 500 vehicles every month this year before ramping up to 700 per month next year. That's still a far cry from the 12,000+ units Honda sold in South Korea last year, but even an automaker as large as Toyota knows you have to start somewhere.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Camry

[Source: The Korean Times]

Role Reversal: Toyota launches in South Korea to battle Hyundai originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trio of bulletproof presidential Hyundai Equus limos are first-ever armored stretches built in Korea

Noah Joseph — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Hyundai, Police/Emergency, Specialty, Luxury

Hyundai Equus LV500 Limousine - Cick above for high-res image gallery

By now, vehicles like the Genesis and Equus have convinced most of how far Hyundai's come from bring the purveyors of punchline hatchbacks. But in case that wasn't enough, Hyundai has dropped the bigger-than-the-average-bear Equus VL500 limousine on the home market. Still not enough? How about presidential-grade armored versions, then?

That's precisely what Hyundai has built for Cheong Wa Dae, the seat of the South Korean president. Three of them were built and handed over to the Korean Presidential Security Service, and they'll be used at the upcoming G20 summit scheduled to be held in South Korea next year. Few details have been released, but the trio of armored Hyundais are said to be capable of withstanding the blast of 15 kilograms of TNT, putting it around the sixth or seventh level of the police certification which Mercedes-Benz and BMW use for their armored vehicles. The armored Equus stretches may not measure up to President Obama's Cadillac, but they are certainly a long way from the Getz, and they are apparently the nation's first-ever homebuilt armored limos.

Gallery: Hyundai Equus Limo

[Source: The Chosun Ilbo]

Trio of bulletproof presidential Hyundai Equus limos are first-ever armored stretches built in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aim Higher: GM Daewoo reportedly suing TagAZ over fears they are planning to copy the Lacetti

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Government/Legal, GM, Russia, South Korea, Daewoo

In what looks like a serious-but-probably-the-norm case of industrial espionage, General Motors' South Korean Daewoo division is reportedly alleging that the Russian automaker TagAZ has tried to copy its Lacetti sedan. Backing up those allegations are the arrests of two TagAZ engineers - former Daewoo employees who are said to have taken computer files from one company to the other. A third former Daewoo employee, an executive, left notes proclaiming his innocence and then committed suicide.

The two engineers reportedly copied at least 6,000 documents outlining designs and key technologies used in the Lacetti. That information, according to Daewoo, was used by TagAZ in the creation of a car it launched this past summer in Russia. South Korean prosecutors are still investigating the case, after which Daewoo will decide if it wants to pursue the matter for criminal damages. TagAZ hasn't said anything in response to the allegations. If nothing else, this could be good practice for GM - it will now know what to do if it happens at Opel...

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Aim Higher: GM Daewoo reportedly suing TagAZ over fears they are planning to copy the Lacetti originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: KDM Hyundai Tucson iX is a Sexy Utility Vehicle... just ask Britney Spears?!

Noah Joseph — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Hyundai, South Korea

Hyundai Tucson iX commercial from Korea - Click above to watch the video after the jump

It doesn't seem that long ago that Beck was singing about picking up his date in a Hyundai. (Check out "Debra" - best song ever). Only he was kidding. And it was funny. Damn funny, actually. But guess who's laughing now? The Korean automaker has gone from punchline to the fourth largest automaker in the world in just a few years, backed by some seriously improved products. And they're keen to point out their newfound appeal with the new iX35/Tucson, the crossover which the capital of Seoul has dubbed the "Sexy Utility Vehicle."

Not convinced? Just check out the music video/television commercial after the jump featuring the latest Britney Spears hit, "If U Seek Amy" (it's not quite as good as Beck, but at least it's got a beat) - who apparently thinks all of the boys and all of the girls want to do naughty things to the latest Hyundai - and a voiceover at the end that we could swear sounds just like Tom Cruise. Oh, and if you're up on your Korean and care to tell us what the text is on about, feel free in the comments section below.

Gallery: KDM 2010 Hyundai Tucson

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: KDM Hyundai Tucson iX is a Sexy Utility Vehicle... just ask Britney Spears?!

VIDEO: KDM Hyundai Tucson iX is a Sexy Utility Vehicle... just ask Britney Spears?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai-Kia overtakes Ford to become world's 4th largest automaker

Noah Joseph — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Hyundai, Kia, South Korea

2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you were shocked by the news from around this time last year that the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group had jumped up to 5th in the global standings of the world's largest car manufacturers, you'll be just as surprised by the latest sales figures that place the Korean automaker this year in the fourth slot, leapfrogging past Ford to slot in (significantly) underneath Volkswagen.

The figures come from the Automotive News Data Center, which places Hyundai-Kia's global sales for the first half of 2009 at 2,153,000 units, just edging out Ford's 2,145,000 units so far this year. Of course, these numbers count the Nissan-Renault Alliance as two separate units, with 1.5 million and 1.1 million units respectively, but if combined they'd knock Hyundai (as well as Ford) out of position with over 2.6 million units. After Toyota, General Motors, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Ford, French automaker PSA Peugeot-Citroen comes in sixth, just barely ahead of Honda, with Nissan in 8th, Suzuki in 9th and Renault rounding out the top ten. Check out Kia's official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - First Drive

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Hyundai-Kia overtakes Ford to become world's 4th largest automaker

Hyundai-Kia overtakes Ford to become world's 4th largest automaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Americans warming to idea of Chinese, Indian autos?

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, China, Etc., India, South Korea

Geely GE - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've known for a while now that Mexicans are getting some Chinese cars with their ten gallon jars of pickles, but what about Americans? Would we go for vehicles from another country from across the Pacific? There's a wonderful moment at the end of Tucker: A Man and his Dreams where Jeff Bridge's Preston Tucker character pleads with the jury at his corruption trial that if American industry doesn't change change course, we'll soon be buying our cameras from the Japanese.

According to a new study, 15% of American new car shoppers are ready to buy cars from China, while 11% are ready to buy their wheels from India. Ready for the kicker? Just 16% said they would consider a car from Korea. Ouch. Said George Peterson, head of the study, "As Hyundai and Kia have been on the American scene for decades now, it's surprising that consideration for Chinese and Indian brands, sight unseen, would be about as strong as it is for the Korean brands." Surprising, sure. And if you live near Seoul, depressing. Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geely GE

[Source: Auto Pacific]

Continue reading Americans warming to idea of Chinese, Indian autos?

Americans warming to idea of Chinese, Indian autos? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Rakish 2011 Hyundai Sonata draws closer

Chris Shunk — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata spy photos: Click above to view a gallery

Hyundai has really upped its game with new entries like the Genesis Coupe and Sedan, but right now its high volume products like the midsize Sonata are simply "good enough." The Korean automaker has already committed to big plans for Sonata, as it has promised direct injection and turbocharging for improved efficiency. A quick look at some well camo'd photos of a 2011 Sonata mule shows that improvements could come in design as well.

The most eye-catching dimension of the spy photo pictured above is a sleek, Volkswagen CC-like greenhouse. Hyundai even seems smitten with the ten-spoke wheel design of the VW, as the two alloys look like fraternal twins. Beyond the four-door coupe look, the 2011 Sonata mule is very well camouflaged, although you can see what appears to be some interesting surfacing above the front wheel well that could give it a beefier-looking stance.

Up front, the front grille and headlamps are exposed. The grille doesn't appear to be dramatically different than what we we see on today's Sonata, but there is no hiding the dynamic new shape of the mule's headlamps. The high-tech lights sweep around the corners, giving the impression that the 2011 model will sport a more rounded front end than the 2009 model.

We likely have a bit longer to go before the 2011 Sonata begins its strip-tease act, but photos in the gallery below at least look promising. Whether the next-gen Sonata will be good enough to take on the well established midsized monsters from Toyota, Honda, and Nissan will clearly be a question for another day. Hat tip to James J.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Spy Pics

[Source: BOBAEDREAM]

Spy Shots: Rakish 2011 Hyundai Sonata draws closer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ssangyong preparing to lay off nearly 40% of workforce by end of June?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Earnings/Financials

Ssangyong Motor Company is still struggling to gain traction after it ceased production late last year and slipped into receivership earlier this year. It restarted its production lines in February, but even the company director, Lee Yu-Il, says volume is still far too slow. To deal with matters, Gasgoo reports that Ssangyong is letting go of 2,700 workers, representing 37% of its workforce.

Yu-Il said the struggling Korean firm will run out of money at the end of June, and will need 100 billion won ($75 million US) if the company is broken up -- which makes us wonder how much the company needs to stay in business and question who would supply such funds in the face of a 50% drop in sales. With majority stakeholder SAIC refusing to get involved, Ssangyong's future is looking decidedly bleak.

[Source: Gasgoo]

Ssangyong preparing to lay off nearly 40% of workforce by end of June? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM already has nearly two year supply of Pontiac G3

Chris Paukert — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, GM, Pontiac, Earnings/Financials

2009 Pontiac G3 - Click above for a high-res gallery

In news that will doubtlessly result in a chorus of "We told you so" forehead-slaps from critics who noted the arrival of the Pontiac G3 with disdain, word is that General Motors has a bumper crop of the Korean-built subcompacts sitting on its lots.

How many? According to The Wall Street Journal, nearly a two-year supply at current sales rates. In the course of doing some research, writer Neal Boudette discovered that GM has 3,479 unsold G3 units clogging up its dealers and vacant lots. Combined with the knowledge that dealers sold just 141 units of the car in March (or one unit for every 19 of GM's 2,700 Pontiac stores), that means that GM has a supply of these Chevrolet Aveo5 twins that will last them 617 days, meaning that if the automaker stopped building new units, they would still have a supply that would last them until December 16, 2010.

In all fairness, the G3 just came to market in February, and it often takes some time for a new model to take hold. It could well be that GM is planning a big marketing push for the car, but we've seen no evidence of this thus far, and in these cash-strapped days, it would appear that the General probably has bigger-margin fish to fry.

Gallery: 2009 Pontiac G3

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

REPORT: GM already has nearly two year supply of Pontiac G3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the modded Genesis Coupes

Alex Nunez — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 14:49:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai

Click above for a gallery of modified Hyundai Genesis Coupes

As Nissan cancels its Silvia replacement, and the Toyobaru saga stumbles along, Hyundai actually has a hot product on the pavement ready to scoop up import tuners jonesing for a rear-drive plaything. The Genesis Coupe is just arriving in U.S. dealerships, but in Korea, the car's been on the streets a while already. As such, drivers there have been hard at work modding and personalizing their rides, giving us an idea of what to expect when they start hitting the streets in earnest on this side of the Pacific. Our good friend (and O.G. Jalop) Mike Spinelli pretty much nails it when he says, "Oh Civic with stove-pipe exhaust, the bell tolls for thee."

Gallery: Modded Hyundai Genesis Coupes

[Source: GenMay via Mike Spinelli]

Enter the modded Genesis Coupes originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to start at $22,000

Chris Paukert — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai

***UPDATE - Live photo gallery of the production Genesis Coupe added***

Click to view a high-resolution gallery of the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

We've known rough performance numbers on the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe for some time now: 0-60 in under six seconds, up to 30 mpg with the 2.0T, and so on. But one set of key numbers has eluded us until now: price. Hyundai's rear-drive performance hopeful will weigh in at $22,000 for the base 210-hp 2.0L turbo model, and the 306-hp 3.8L V6 will start at $25,000.

Despite being the price leader, the 2.0T still piles on a lot of kit including a six-speed manual transmission, a full compliment of brake-related electronics (ABS, traction control, brake force distribution, and brake assist) and 18-inch alloys wrapped in Bridgestone Potenzas. Standard creature comforts include keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning, leather wrapped wheel and shifter, a six-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 player with USB port and steering wheel audio controls, and Bluetooth.

Tuner types and gearheads will probably be most interested in the newly announced mid-priced 2.0T R-Spec model ($23,750). Hyundai has chosen not to make the R-Spec a stripped-out lightweight performance model. As such, the model still includes things like the aforementioned six-speaker stereo, air-conditioning and remote keyless entry, but the 137-mph coupe also gets Hyundai's full compliment of performance hardware, including uprated Brembo brakes, stiffened suspension, a Torsen limited-slip differential, and 19-inch gunmetal alloys wrapped with summer tires.

Follow the jump for more including details on the 3.8L V6 model, Hyundai's official press release and a full model-by-model pricing matrix.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Production Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Continue reading 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to start at $22,000

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to start at $22,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coupe Scoop (Scoupe?) - Hyundai's Veloster concept headed for production... and America!

Chris Paukert — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai, Misc. Auto Shows, South Korea

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2007 Hyundai Veloster concept

Back at the 2007 Seoul Motor Show, Hyundai somewhat quietly unveiled a slick little coupe concept dubbed Veloster. The chunky, funky two-door then proceeded to make the rounds that show season, including stateside debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Thanks in part to good feedback, there was considerable speculation in 2007 that the front-drive showcar was being considered for production as a possible Scion tC fighter. In the intervening years since those rumors surfaced, however, Hyundai has gone on to roll out both concept and production versions of the Genesis Coupe, a development that seemingly extinguishing the Veloster's star. But all is not so - we have just learned from well-placed sources within Hyundai that the coupe (also known as the HND-3) has been given the green light. Furthermore, the car will not only reach production, it will find its way into U.S. dealerships, likely as a 2011 or 2012 model.

We expect the Veloster to keep its front-drive, two-plus-two layout, and it would make sense for the car to generate less power than the more performance-oriented 2.0T Genesis Coupe - a car that has 210 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque. The Veloster showcar was powered by Hyundai's 2.0-liter inline-four, and the production car figures to do the same. For reference, the corporate powerplant makes 141 hp in the new Elantra Touring, although a few more ponies would likely find its way into the barn for the sportier Veloster. If the Korean automaker can keep the concept's tidy packaging (it's nearly 21 inches shorter than the Genesis Coupe), performance should still be quite sprightly while returning attractive fuel-economy figures.

Interestingly, this news may also help explain why Hyundai chose to pass over branding the Genesis Coupe as a Tiburon. The Veloster's production name has reportedly not yet been decided upon, and as the shark moniker still has some brand equity - and the model itself has always been configured as a front-drive and four-cylinder - it's possible that the name could live on with this new model.

With the Genesis Coupe, Hyundai appears to have given disenfranchised import performance enthusiasts something of a successor to now-legendary rear-drive performance cars like the Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and the Toyota Corolla GT-S (AE86). Could the Velostar be Korea's answer to a latter-day Honda CRX? Cross your fingers...

Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Concept

Coupe Scoop (Scoupe?) - Hyundai's Veloster concept headed for production... and America! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: A more revealing look at the reportedly U.S.-bound Hyundai Equus

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai

Take a Hyundai Genesis, put it in a giant taffy machine and give it a serious stretch out, add some details like a reshaped rear three-quarter and some Lexus LS exhaust tips, then call it the Hyundai Equus. Oh, and give it a price of 130,000,000 South Korean won (about $93,471 USD). That's about thirty million won more than the current generation - but have no fear, it looks like you'll be getting your money's worth.

Compared to the Genesis, the Equus is about 7 inches longer, 1.5 inches wider, and it sports a wheelbase about 4.5 inches greater. Motivational choices will begin with the 3.8-liter V6 and 4.6-liter V8 currently found in the Genesis. By mid-year, a 5.0-liter V8 with 420+ horsepower - which would be at least 45 hp up on the Genesis - will be added to the menu, hauling the horse to 60 miles-per-hour in under six seconds.

While we didn't originally think that the Equus was bound for America, the folks at Ward's Auto are now suggesting the car will come to the U.S., albeit hopefully with a much lower price tag. With solid signs from early Genesis sales, who knows? Perhaps it will. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: Hyundai Blog; Ward's Auto, subs req.]

Spy Shots: A more revealing look at the reportedly U.S.-bound Hyundai Equus originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ssangyong says it's out of money, can't pay workers

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, Paris Motor Show

Ssangyong, which recently attended the Paris Motor Show and showed off the C200 4-wheel-drive, is officially out of money. The company is more than $77 million (US) in debt, and no longer has the funds to pay its employees' salaries. Ssangyong is owned by Shanghai Automotive Industries China, otherwise known as SAIC. In what could provide a cautionary tale to Volvo workers assuming Ford actually does a deal with SAIC for the Swedish brand, when Ssangyong asked SAIC for the money to pay employees, SAIC refused because Ssangyong's internal employee's union had earlier called for Chinese executives to resign. In the meantime, Ssangyong has merged operations and shut down all of its plants and the employees have planned a protest to make their feelings known.

[Source: Chosun]

Ssangyong says it's out of money, can't pay workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai develops high-performance diesel R-Engine

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, I.C.E., Technology, Hyundai

Not too long ago, Hyundai didn't compete directly with anything coming out of Germany (or perhaps that's the other way around). Now Hyundai is determined not to let up on its recently-made foes. Today it unveiled the R-Engine, a new diesel in two capacities that the company says "can comfortably beat the power outputs of all German and French competitors." So there.

The Euro-V compliant, common-rail lumps come in 2.0-liter and 2.2-liter flavors, each with piezo-electric fuel injectors and electronic variable geometry turbos. Refinement comes via an internal, silent steel timing chain and a lower balance shaft housed in a stiffened ladder-frame housing. Weight has also been reduced thanks to a head cover, intake manifold and oil filter housing all made from plastic.

The 2.0-liter R-Engine puts out 181 hp and 289 lb-ft. That compares to 170 hp and 258 lb-ft for Audi's 2.0-liter TDI. The 2.2 liter Hyundai diesel pushes 197 hp and 321 lb-ft. , which compares with 215 hp and 398 lb.-ft. for Mecedes' 3.2-liter BLUETEC CDI.

Hyundai says the first vehicles to get the new diesel R engine will be SUVs and large sedans sold in Europe. Unfortunately, there appear to be no plans to bring it to the U.S. where our diesel emissions standards are higher than the Old Country's, at least for now.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai develops high-performance diesel R-Engine

Hyundai develops high-performance diesel R-Engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: In love with Kia's funky Soul

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Kia

Click above for high-res gallery of the Kia Soul

The Scion xB may have written the book on small-and-boxy, but it appears that Kia may add another volume to the work with the Soul. We have no idea how the new Soul will go on the road, or how it will hold up - either materially or financially - but taking a seat in the giant shoe on wheels was a revelation. For a car that isn't expected to cost too much, the details alone would almost have to be worth the price: the chunky moldings around the grille and bumper, the contrasting surrounds for the headlights and contrasting panels for the doors, the gearshift knob housing a ball within a plexiglass ball, the court jester seats. And when we put the driver's seat all the way back, we could sit in the back seat without our legs touching anything else. And we're not short. If the Soul can mind its manners on the road, there's no reason it shouldn't go straight to sales heaven. Get the scoop on the Soul after the jump, and the check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Kia Soul

Continue reading Paris 2008: In love with Kia's funky Soul

Paris 2008: In love with Kia's funky Soul originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai boss receives pardon from South Korean president

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:34:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hyundai

In South Korea, economics trumps justice. Chung Mong-koo, the head of Hyundai who recently received a suspended sentence for embezzling and bribes has -- along with 341,000 other businessmen, bureaucrats, and politicians -- been given a full pardon.

President Lee Myung-bak, who said he was "personally against" the decision, decided to issue the pardons anyway. Mong-koo wasn't even in jail, but apparently the convicted and jailed businessmen were "having problems doing business overseas." Go figure.

So on Liberation Day, in hopes that "businessmen would take the lead in reviving the economy by creating jobs through active investment and exploring markets abroad," the bad guys got gifts even better than walking papers. In South Korea, crime does pay... if you have good business sense.

[Source: Reuters]

Hyundai boss receives pardon from South Korean president originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JATY DR7200: Breathalyzer and nav...all in one!

Alex Nunez — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets

This is the JATY DR7200 GPS, and it does a lot more than just tell you where you are and how to get where you're going on that 7-inch screen. You see, it's got an integrated breathalyzer, too, so it'll also tell you whether you should even be trying to get where you're going. Blow "over" and you get a standard BAC readout, a red "OVER" warning, and if that's not enough, a yellow skull and crossbones to drive home the point that, well, you really shouldn't be driving at all. In addition to all that, it supports just about every techno-acronym you can imagine (USB, MP3, DiVX, JPEG, MPEG, etc.), so if you're in no shape to drive, you can at least watch a movie on the thing while you wait it out. Want one? Just run on down to the local electronics store...in Korea.

[Source: Engadget]

JATY DR7200: Breathalyzer and nav...all in one! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai launches site for Genesis Coupe

Chris Shunk — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Videos, Hyundai

We dug the hot new Genesis Coupe at the New York Auto Show, but not everybody can head out to Gotham to see Hyundai's future tuner de force. Hyundai knows it has a good thing on its hands, and has now shared it with the world in web form. The Genesis Coupe's official site includes everything from technical specifications and available equipment to photo galleries and videos. That ought to help you kill the year-or-so wait for the Genesis Coupe's arrival in dealer showrooms. We noticed that Hyundai hasn't gotten around to posting video of the car's smoke-laden intro in New York, so we've added ours after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Live Reveal

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai launches site for Genesis Coupe

Hyundai launches site for Genesis Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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