Autoblog

Revamped Hyundai Sonata due in 2014

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, South Korea

So a new Sonata isn't as exciting as a new Chevrolet Corvette, but given the enthusiasm the current Hyundai midsize sedan has generated around these parts, musing about what might be coming down the pipeline is worth at least a few minutes. Hyundai's Korean CEO Kim Choon-ho has told Reuters that a "revamped" Sonata is due in just two years, following closely on the heels of a new Genesis in late 2013.

In case you haven't been paying attention, we have loved the new Sonata and its Optima cousin from Kia ever since they first hit our shores back in 2010. This pair is the class of the midsize class, and we can only wonder what Hyundai has planned to keep them on top, given the fierce competition.

We'd suspect the new Sonata will be launched here as a 2015 model, which would make some sense. Though we haven't driven it yet, the new-for-2013 Ford Fusion looks poised to bring the goods, and the next generation of the hot-selling Nissan Altima will soon be unveiled at the New York Auto Show.

Revamped Hyundai Sonata due in 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

1 millionth Hyundai Sonata rolls off the line in Alabama

Chris Shunk — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai

To understand just how far Hyundai has come in the past few years, look no further than the Sonata. The smartly styled sedan has earned attention and praise with fantastic efficiency and reliability, but we shouldn't forget that the last generation Sonata was a big step forward as well.

More important than critical success, Sonata has been winning over buyers as well. In fact, one million units of Hyundai's top-selling sedan have now been produced at its Alabama manufacturing facility. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant celebrated the milestone with a small ceremony last Friday, a 2012 limited edition Sonata turbo with a radiant silver paint finish taking the millionth car honors.

The popularity of the Sonata has only increased with the latest redesign, helping Hyundai exceed the 300,000 unit capacity at the Alabama plant for the past two years. Hyundai has been building the Sonata in the South since 2005. Hit the jump to read over the official press release.

Continue reading 1 millionth Hyundai Sonata rolls off the line in Alabama

1 millionth Hyundai Sonata rolls off the line in Alabama originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2012 Hyundai Sonata adds Blue Link, gets fuel economy bump

Zach Bowman — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Technology, Hyundai

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

Hyundai is taking a shot at General Motors and OnStar by announcing that every 2012 Sonata will come with the company's Blue Link system as standard equipment. In addition to providing a direct connection to emergency services in the event of an accident, Blue Link also delivers traffic and weather updates and allows owners easy access to roadside assistance. Buyers can also pair their smartphones with Blue Link to help locate their vehicle in a crowded parking lot or to play Big Brother to their children. The system can keep track of where the vehicle is being driven and how fast it's going.

Hyundai has also managed to eek a little more efficiency from the sedan. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is now good for 24 miles per gallon - a gain of 2 mpg - in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, and models equipped with the company's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder now net 22 mpg and 34 mpg highway, up from 33 mpg highway in last year's car. The Korean automaker says that the small changes mean that the Sonata now leads all mid-sized sedans in fuel economy, excluding hybrids. Hit the jump for the press blast.

Continue reading 2012 Hyundai Sonata adds Blue Link, gets fuel economy bump

2012 Hyundai Sonata adds Blue Link, gets fuel economy bump originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Consumer Reports picks best used cars for teens [w/video]

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Safety, Videos, Acura, Ford, Hyundai, Mazda, Volkswagen

2011 Consumer Reports best cars for teens - Click above for high-res image gallery of the picks

Letting a 16-year-old loose on the world behind the wheel of a couple of tons of metal is a terrifying thought. Statistically, teens are more likely to die in a car accident than by any other means, and, most of the time, those accidents are avoidable.

To make picking a car for your teen easier, Consumer Reports has come up with a list of relatively new, relatively cheap options to keep your kids safe while they ~~bomb around with five of their friends~~ make the commute between school, work and home.

As you may imagine, CR recommends a family sedan that packs in as many modern safety features as you can afford, including stability control, ABS, traction control and side curtain air bags. They eschew trucks and SUVs due to their comparatively poor handling, high centers of gravity and bad gas mileage. Don't even go there with sports cars.

Consumer Reports prime choices are as follows: the Acura TSX, the 2009 and up Ford Focus, the 2007 and up Hyundai Sonata or Hyundai Elantra, 2007 and up Mazda3, 2008 and on Scion xB, and both the 2007 and up Volkswagen Jetta and Rabbit/Golf. Click past the jump for a video of CR's choices.

Gallery: 2011 Consumer Reports best cars for teens

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports picks best used cars for teens [w/video]

Consumer Reports picks best used cars for teens [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva 2011: 2012 Hyundai i40 is a Sonata wagon we could love

Chris Paukert — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:41:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai, South Korea

2012 Hyundai i40 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Geneva has been quite a show for big, handsome wagons, from the stonking Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG to the shapely Saab 9-5 Sportcombi, there's been a kinschlepper for every taste and budget. Adding to the variety is Hyundai's new i40 estate, and it, too, is a looker.

Boasting the same sharply rising character line as the Sonata sedan upon which it's based, the i40 nevertheless has a more traditional nose, with a smaller grille and headlamps that look more like those from the Sonata Hybrid. Overall, the front aesthetic lurks somewhere between the Elantra and an embiggened Veloster, but either way, it's all Hyundai and it's an attractive piece.

Hyundai is quick to note that the i40 was developed in Rüsselsheim, Germany, with the European market firmly in mind, and it will be The Continent's first crack at the model range when it hits dealers later this year. A sedan variant will follow, but it's not known if it will look like the North American YF Sonata sedan, or if it will adopt this car's front clip.

Similarly, we know that more than a few executives within Hyundai of America want to see a two-box Sonata come to the States, but it isn't yet clear if a business case has been made for the shapely load-lugger. Here's hoping...

Gallery: Hyundai i40: Geneva 2011

Gallery: Hyundai i40

Geneva 2011: 2012 Hyundai i40 is a Sonata wagon we could love originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyundai Sonata, Kia Sportage win International Car and Truck of the Year Awards

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 08:06:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai, Kia

The International Car and Truck of the Year award is determined by 12 judges and handed out at the Detroit Auto Show. Established in 1996, the award is given to "the most emotionally compelling international car and truck for the new model year." The latest recipients of the award are the 2011 Hyundai Sonata and 2011 Kia Sportage.

Upon receiving the 2011 ICOTY for the Sonata, Hyundai's U.S. CEO John Krafcik remarked:

"While we're proud of the Sonata from a technical and engineering standpoint, this award addresses the fact that our cars are now the sorts of vehicles that appeal to the lifestyle set. With sales up more than 110 percent from last year, the Sonata and its all four-cylinder lineup has been a game changer for us, and we're thrilled to be recognized by the ICOTY awards."

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T: First Drive

Gallery: 2011 Kia Sportage: Review

Photos copyright (C)2011 Zach Bowman and Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

[Source: ICOTY]

Continue reading Hyundai Sonata, Kia Sportage win International Car and Truck of the Year Awards

Hyundai Sonata, Kia Sportage win International Car and Truck of the Year Awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hypermiler Wayne Gerdes: After 2,269 miles and 59 mpg, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid "kicks ass"

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Etc., Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Cross Country Blue Drive - Click above for image gallery

Last fall, hypermiler Wayne Gerdes proposed to Hyundai that he drive a 2011 Sonata Hybrid across the country to help the automaker get the vehicle from the media launch location in California to Ann Arbor, MI, saying he thought he could do it with fewer than two tanks of gas. Of course, he proposed it on October, when the temperatures were still pretty warm and before he knew what the Sonata Hybrids's fuel tank capacity is. Back then, he told AutoblogGreen today, he thought, the car was "worth 65 [miles per gallon] in the summer. In the winter, with the mountains, that's a crapshoot."

Gerdes recently finished the drive, which totaled 2,269.3 miles and squeezed out 59.58 mpg. Along the way, Gerdes learned that the car can hold at least 20.6 gallons, because that's how much he managed to put in at the first fill up. The Hybrid's official stated capacity is 17.2 gallons (the standard Sonata holds 18.5 gallons), but official numbers are not something that concerns Gerdes too much. The EPA rates the Sonata Hybrid at 40 mpg on the highway, and he would need much more than that to make the drive without filling up three times.

In the end, Gerdes learned that, "This thing, on the highway, will eat up anything. In fact, it came damn near the Prius, but it's a heavier car. And I'm a big Prius fan." The Sonata Hybrid is not a great city car, Gerdes said, but he did have plenty more praise for the vehicle that took him coast to coast (he first drove to Georgia before coming north to Michigan), and you can find that after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue Drive

Continue reading Hypermiler Wayne Gerdes: After 2,269 miles and 59 mpg, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid "kicks ass"

Hypermiler Wayne Gerdes: After 2,269 miles and 59 mpg, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid "kicks ass" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hypermiling Hyundai Sonata Hybrid crosses America in under two tanks [w/video] *UPDATE

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Etc., Videos, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Cross Country Blue Drive - Click above for image gallery

You've got to hand it to Wayne Gerdes. He knows how to go the distance in production passenger cars on very little gasoline. In April of 2009, he worked with a team to go 1,445 miles in a Ford Fusion Hybrid on a single tank of gas*. In June of 2010, he went 1,065 miles in a non-hybrid 2011 Hyundai Sonata. His most recent trip was in a Sonata Hybrid, which he drove 2,269.3 miles from San Diego, CA to Jekyll Island, GA on less than two tanks of fuel - a claimed average of 59.58 miles per gallon.

That's mighty impressive, but for those of us who have been following Gerdes' recent hypermiling drives, the obvious question is, why was he able to get 66.285 mpg in the regular, gas-powered non-turbo Sonata when the hybrid "only" got 59.59 mpg? (and Fusion Hybrid managed 81.5 mpg.) In part, this can be explained because the trip in the regular Sonata took place in the summer from Chicago to New York, while the hybrid ride was a winter time trek through the mountains - and it was over twice the distance.

In any case, Gerdes has once again showed that it's quite possible to handily beat the fuel efficiency ratings on a car's window sticker. In this case, the EPA thinks you will get 40 mpg on the highway, but clearly a lot is left on the table for those whose sole goal is to eke out every last drop of gas.

Just as importantly, we're not sure if Gerdes and his compatriots employed some of the more radical and dangerous hypermiling staples (drafting semi trucks for lower drag, etc.), but we've got a call in to Wayne to learn more about his techniques. In any case, a short video of the Sonata's mpg display after the first tank is available after the jump.

*UPDATE: Autoblog has been reminded by a reader that in contrast to the Sonata Hybrid's transcontinental drive over the mountains in the winter, Gerdes' 1,445-mile run in the Ford Fusion Hybrid was conducted in spring at a lower average speed,and the vehicle was essentially driven in a large circle for more than 69 straight hours, beginning in Mount Vernon, Va and finishing in Washington D.C. In short, none of these drives or their resultant fuel economy findings are true apples-to-apples comparisons, and in order to draw a conclusion about which hybrid achieves the best mileage, these vehicles will need to be tested side-by-side under identical conditions. As always, your mileage may vary.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue Drive

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hypermiling Hyundai Sonata Hybrid crosses America in under two tanks [w/video] *UPDATE

Hypermiling Hyundai Sonata Hybrid crosses America in under two tanks [w/video] *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #210: Camaro outsells Mustang, 'Cuda comeback, BYD at Detroit, Toyota's blunder

Dan Roth — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Buick, Toyota, Volkswagen

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #210 of the Autoblog Podcast is hosted by Dan this time around, though Chris Shunk calls in, and Zach Bowman takes up his role as number three. It starts with the Autoblog Garage and then heads for the Camaro outselling the Mustang for the first time since 1985. Staying with neo-ponycars, we talk about the 'Cuda making a comeback (possibly), and our podcasters discuss why the Hyundai Sonata may just be their car of the year. BYD's 2011 Detroit appearance and Toyota's recall woes in 2010 being cited as the second biggest blunder of the year finish us up before we hit a couple of your questions before we end it at 58 minutes. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #210: Camaro outsells Mustang, 'Cuda comeback, Sonata is our COTY, BYD at Detroit, Toyota's blunder

In the Autoblog Garage:

2011 Toyota 4 Runner
2011 Volkswagen Jetta
2011 Buick Regal Turbo

News Topics:

Toyota recalls named blunder of 2010
BYD coming to Detroit show with two cars
Hyundai Sonata is our informal COTY
Camaro outsells Mustang
Cuda comeback?
Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman,
Runtime: 58:26

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #210: Camaro outsells Mustang, 'Cuda comeback, BYD at Detroit, Toyota's blunder originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #210

Dan Roth — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Toyota, Electric

Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes

We're recording Episode #210 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we've put some topics below. Drop us your own feedback and questions or vote on your fellow readers' submissions to help determine what we discuss this evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already to hear your question answered.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #210

Subscribe to the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #210 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

KBB reveals 20 most researched cars of 2010

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 17:07:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc.

KBB.com names its 20 Most-Researched vehicles for 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kelly Blue Book has compiled a list of the most researched new vehicles for 2010, as well as brands that hold the greatest market share of interest. The Honda Accord, Civic and Toyota Camry claim the top three spots -- not a surprise if you've been reading this list the last few years. Since 2004, the same three vehicles have garnered the most attention at KBB.com.

While it's not a surprise to see those three, it's a nice change of pace for a few newcomers to the list. The Hyundai Sonata was 29th overall last year, but has risen 24 spots to claim the title of fifth most-researched vehicle for 2010. Not everyone rose this year, of course. Two notable vehicles, the Toyota Prius and Corolla, dropped a few spots compared to 2009.

It's not all bad news for Toyota, however, because KBB.com also takes a look at each brand's market share of interest among new car buyers. Toyota leads the way at 13.4 percent, with Honda, Ford, Chevrolet and Nissan rounding out the top five in that order.

Here's how the Top 20 Most-Researched Vehicles for 2010 breaks down:

1. Honda Accord
2. Honda Civic
3. Toyota Camry
4. Honda CR-V
5. Hyundai Sonata
6. Nissan Altima
7. Honda Pilot
8. Ford Mustang
9. Toyota Highlander
10. Toyota RAV4
11. Toyota Sienna
12. Honda Odyssey
13. Chevrolet Equinox
14. Toyota Corolla
15. Ford Fusion
16. Ford Escape
17. Toyota Prius
18. BMW 3 Series
19. Chevrolet Camaro
20. Volkswagen Jetta

Be sure to click past the jump to read the full release from Kelley Blue Book.

Gallery: Kelley Blue Book's Top 20 Most-Researched Vehicles for 2010

[Source: KBB.com]

Continue reading KBB reveals 20 most researched cars of 2010

KBB reveals 20 most researched cars of 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Dec 2010 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Automobile Magazine names 2011 All-Stars

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., BMW, Cadillac, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Porsche, Volkswagen, Volvo

Automobile has compiled a list of the 2011 model year vehicles deserving of all-star recognition. To show off each choice, the buff book has enlisted illustrator Daniel Stolle to turn each vehicle into a child's toy. The list of 2011 Automobile All-Stars features:

It's hard to argue with that rundown and you can head over to Automobile for more insight into how and why the pub's editors picked this group to be honored.

Gallery: Automobile Magazine Names Its 2011 All-Stars

[Source: Automobile]

Automobile Magazine names 2011 All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyundai hits 500,000 sales in U.S. for first time ever

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T - Click above for high-res image gallery

It should hardly come as news to anyone reading Autoblog that Hyundai is in the midst of a hot streak. New models are coming out left and right, the automaker's quality is reaching new heights and there are no signs of slowing down. So while the automaker's momentum isn't news, its sales numbers are: For the first time in its history, the Korean manufacturer has broken the 500,000 unit sales barrier in the States.

The hottest item for Hyundai this year? The aforementioned Sonata, of which 183,102 have been sold. The Sonata is followed by the Elantra and Sante Fe with sales of 120,924 and 70,082 respectively.

This is Hyundai's 25th year in the United States and its sales are way up for the year. Sonata sales are up 64 percent over last year while the Tuscon has exploded - up 145 percent - and the Genesis has gained 37 percent over its prior year sales.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL
[Source: Hyundai Motor America]

Continue reading Hyundai hits 500,000 sales in U.S. for first time ever

Hyundai hits 500,000 sales in U.S. for first time ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid delay means no $1,300 tax credit?

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Hyundai, Earnings/Financials

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

In mid-October, Hyundai announced that its 2011 Sonata Hybrid would be eligible for a $1,300 tax credit. The electrified mid-size sedan was to officially hit the market before the end of the year and the first 60,000 buyers who plopped down some coin for the Sonata Hybrid would've walked away with that juicy credit in their pockets. However, there's a hitch: the Sonata Hybrid has been delayed and its release date pushed back until January, and GreenCarReports.com indicates that that will dash any hopes of receiving the credit, which expires on December 31.

Even so, the Sonata Hybrid still remains one of only a few mid-size hybrid sedans capable of achieving great fuel economy - 36 miles per gallon city and 40 mpg highway - and many of its competitors like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid and Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid either no longer qualify for the tax credits or aren't available for purchase. The Sonata Hybrid is a capable car and one of the most compelling new vehicles in the mid-size segment, so missing out on the credit probably won't affect sales dramatically, but its delay will mean that early adopters won't have an extra $1,300 in their couch cushions next year.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

[Source: GreenCarReports]

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid delay means no $1,300 tax credit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyundai-Kia overtakes Toyota as biggest Asian automaker in Europe

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Europe, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

European car buyers have a favorite Asian automaker, and its name is no longer Toyota. Hyundai and Kia have tag-teamed to best the longtime Japanese automaker, with a four percent overall rise in total units through the first ten months of 2010. During that same period, Toyota-Lexus sales have fallen 17 percent, with Hyundai at 521,369 vehicles sold compared to 511,754 for Toyota.

Toyota's recent tough road, along with the expanding number of quality offerings from Hyundai-Kia, have allowed the Seoul train to slide past the Japanese brand. Unless Toyota picks up the pace, that gap could widen because the Korean company is understood to have a greater number of new models planned for its European portfolio.

Of course, Hyundai has a long road ahead if it wishes to make the same claim here in the States, but it's certainly moving in the right direction. Overall sales in the U.S. have risen 21 percent and demand for the redesigned Sonata has jumped 64 percent.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Hyundai-Kia overtakes Toyota as biggest Asian automaker in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

NHTSA releases second batch of crash test ratings under new system

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota

For the 2011 model year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has implemented tougher crash testing procedures that make it more difficult for vehicles to receive a five-star rating. The new test is known as the NCAP, or New Car Assessment Program, and the first batch of cars were evaluated earlier in the year. Ten more vehicles have been subjected to the NCAP, and the results are promising... for most.

General Motors received high marks for its Lambda triplets - the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia - with all three netting five-star ratings. Not all GM products received a gold star, however - the aging Buick Lucerne only received a three-star rating under the new test procedures. Honda's Accord sedan also received a five-star rating, however its main competitor, the Toyota Camry, didn't fare so well. Both the gasoline- and hybrid-powered Camrys only received three stars.

During the first batch of testing the average score was four stars, so the five-star ratings here are good news for GM. Previously, only the Hyundai Sonata (after being revised and retested) and BMW 5 Series received the coveted five-star rating.

The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration plans to test 55 cars in total before the year is over, and the full results of the latest testing can be viewed at SaferCar.gov.

[Source: SaferCar.gov via The Detroit News]

NHTSA releases second batch of crash test ratings under new system originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Automobile Magazine names 2011 Automobile of the Year finalists

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Nissan

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sportswagon - Click above for high-res image gallery

Have you prepared your Car of the Year bingo board? The end of 2010 is upon us and this means two things: 1) We are a step closer to fulfilling the Mayan's end of the world prophecy, and 2) Automotive publications, both in print and online, are beginning to share their "Best of" vehicle picks.

Automobile Magazine has just announced finalists for its own 2011 Automobile of the Year award. Grab your markers, check your cards and see if you have any of the following vehicles in play:

Taking a page from Motor Trend, Automobile will be announcing its winner by means of its Facebook page. The lucky vehicle will be announced November 16th at noon EST, but in the meantime, you can read why each vehicle made the cut in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon

Continue reading Automobile Magazine names 2011 Automobile of the Year finalists

Automobile Magazine names 2011 Automobile of the Year finalists originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2010: Hyundai Sonata Turbo gets the RIDES treatment

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury

Rides magazine Hyundai Sonata Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Interesting fact: One of the Hyundai PR folks told us he didn't even want to bring a tuned Sonata to SEMA, then RIDES magazine showed up with this matte pearlescent Sonata 2.0T and it turned out to be his favorite car on display. Funny how these things work out.

An M Vinyl carbon fiber roof presides over the matter, with carbon fiber also found on the grille, mirror housings and Lux Motorwerks bodykit. Inside, a stitched suede headlliner lords over upholstered black leather and black suede with contrasting red stitching. 20-inch Rennen Monolicht M9 wheels and smoked taillights make it all complete, and it's ready for your eyes in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: SEMA 2010: Rides Magazine Hyundai Sonata Turbo

SEMA 2010: Hyundai Sonata Turbo gets the RIDES treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2010: RIDES magazine lays its hand on the Hyundai Sonata Turbo

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Sedan, Hyundai

RIDES Magazine Hyundai Sonata Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an effort to boost awareness of its recently launched Sonata 2.0T, Hyundai has partnered with RIDES for a SEMA-bound version of its swoopy new sedan. We'd like to point out that Hyundai's press release calls the Sonata Turbo's modifications "clever and tasteful," and while we don't wholeheartedly agree, we'll admit that this Sonata is indeed sinister and speaks to all things SEMA.

The mods begin with a RIDES-designed body kit comprised of front and rear bumpers, side skirts, rear wing and roof spoiler. From there, the car was painted in a matte pearl color, 20-inch Rennen Modular M9 wheels were added and Audi-like LEDs were fitted to the front fascia. The headlamps have been painted, the taillamps have been smoked and the grille is now matte black. But the best body mod? The chrome beltline strip has been blacked out and ties in with the rest of the darkened bits.

Inside, the entire interior has been reupholstered in black leather and suede with contrasting red stitching. Carbon fiber trim has been added throughout and two mirror-shaking JBL 12-inch subwoofers are in the trunk, paired with two individual amplifiers.

It's certainly polarizing, and we're glad to see Hyundai showing off its turbocharged Sonata. No mid-size sedan is safe from the aftermarket SEMA treatment, after all. Hit the jump for Hyundai's press blast, and while you're at it, check out our new galleries of Hyundai's other SEMA concepts, the Mummbles Equus, ARK Genesis Coupe, RMR Equus and Gogogear Genesis Coupe.

Gallery: SEMA 2010: 2010 RIDES Hyundai Sonata 2.0T

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading SEMA 2010: RIDES magazine lays its hand on the Hyundai Sonata Turbo

SEMA 2010: RIDES magazine lays its hand on the Hyundai Sonata Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Popular Mechanics doles out its Top 10 Cars of 2011

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:01:00 EST

Popular Mechanics' Top 10 Cars for 2011 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As 2010 draws to a close, it's time for different publications to start dishing out the numerous "car of the year" awards that highlight the best and brightest offerings for each new model year. The folks at Popular Mechanics have just released their Top 10 Cars for 2011, with American manufacturers (Ford, specifically) taking away the vast majority of top honors. Add General Motors and Chrysler to the mix, and the Big Three account for six of the ten vehicles on Popular Mechanics' list.

Ford's Mustang, Fiesta and F-250 Super Duty were all recognized as class-leaders for the 2011 model year. Across town, the new Cadillac CTS Coupe and Chevrolet Volt were given a hat tip from the editors, as was the Jeep Grand Cherokee, one of parent company Chrysler's big comebacks for the year 2011. The remaining awards were given to the Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Sienna, Lotus Evora and Infiniti M, all of which are fantastic cars in their own rights.

To see which cars were honored for each category, you can scroll through our image gallery of the winners, or hit the jump to read the official press release. Look for the full story in Popular Mechanics' December issue, which hits newsstands on November 12.

Continue reading Popular Mechanics doles out its Top 10 Cars of 2011

Popular Mechanics doles out its Top 10 Cars of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments