After holding its own against more established rear-wheel-drive coupe offerings such as the Ford Mustang and the Nissan Z, Hyundai is updating its Genesis coupe for the 2011 model year.

Highlighting the changes is the addition of a new 3.8 R-Spec equipment package, which previously was only available on the turbocharged four-cylinder model. Included in the R-spec package are 19-inch wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires, Brembo brakes, a stiffened suspension, a limited-slip differential and adjustable front camber bolts. To help shed weight, R-Spec versions cut out nonessential items, including auto headlights, cruise control and various interior trim items, and is only available with the six-speed manual transmission.

The entire Genesis coupe range will feature an improved interior including new soft-touch surfaces with a matte finish, padded door armrests, softer steering-wheel leather, chrome gauge rings and metalgrain interior trim.

Joining the Hyundai ix35 (known to us as the Tucson) at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show will be the ix-Metro Concept, the fifth in the Hyundai Namyang Design (HND) series of concept cars to be created by the Global Design Team in Korea.

Hyundai says that the model hints at a future entry-level hybrid CUV, which brings a new form to the traditional sub-B segment. Power comes from a 1.0L 3-cylinder engine with direct injection and turbocharging. It is mated to a 6-speed dual clutch transmission.

“We wanted the ix-Metro to be something out of this world. We took our inspiration from NASA and even sci-fi movies because spacecraft are universally understood symbols of progress and innovation,” explained Rogelio J. Flores, Chief designer on the Hyundai ix-Metro Concept project.

We’ll have more details for you around the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Source Egmcartech

What you’re gawking at appear to be the first undisguised images of Hyundai’s forthcoming Sonata sedan caught by the folks at Hyundai Blog during what appears to be a photo shoot (check out the interior cutaway above), likely in its home market of Korea (check out the badging on the decklid).

If only in looks and not in price, the 2011 Sonata appears to be making a concerted move for the premium end of the midsize swimming pool, what with its more rakish roofline and expressive design. We’ve heard for some time that the Sonata was to gain a four-door coupe profile and more assertive fascias front and rear, and these dark, grainy photos cinch those details for us, although the car’s aesthetics don’t appear to be so radical as to be off-putting or even terribly divisive. Without looking too hard, we can see little bits of various competitors in the model’s design, but overall the Sonata still manages to look quite fresh.

We’ll have to wait until we see the car in the metal for ourselves to pass judgment (or at least get a gander at a few higher-quality photographs – especially a dead-on profile), but thus far, we continued to be encouraged why what we see. Check out the not-so-high-res images in the small gallery below.

Source Autoblog

The first official images of the Hyundai Equus interior were leaked when the car was launched in South Korea earlier in the week.

Hyundai has developed a new large luxury saloon to replace its Equus flagship and now the first official images of the car have leaked following the launch of the vehicle at a press event in South Korea earlier this week. The new model continues the Equus name in its home market but latest reports indicate that the car could eventually be sold in the U.S.

The previous Hyundai Equus first entered production back in 1998 and had barely undergone any changes since then. The car was developed together with Mitsubishi, which sold it as the Proudia in Japan. The latest model is based on the Genesis RWD platform and is available with a range of V6 and V8 petrol engines.

Having won the 2009 North American Car of the Year award for its Genesis Sedan, there is mounting speculation that Hyundai will attempt to capitalize on this success by launching the Equus in the U.S. as well. OhmyNews is reporting that Hyundai hinted at the Equus being sold in global markets as the ‘Genesis Prestige’, where it could be a competitor to cars like the Mercedes Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Measuring in at a generous 5,160mm in length, 1,900mm in width and 1,495mm in height, the Equus certainly has the size factor nailed. These latest shots of the interior aslo suggest that the South Korean flagship may have what it takes to match its luxury rivals.

The powertrain lineup is also respectable, with the Equus launching with a 3.8L Lambda V6 and a 4.6L Tau V8. A long-wheelbase model will eventually be offered, complete with a brand new 5.0L version of the Tau V8. Advanced safety features include a new vehicle stability system and camera-based lane departure warning system. The car has also be fitted with LED enhanced head and tail-lamps, as well as pre-safe seatbelt technology.

Source Motor Authority

Earlier this year Hyundai released the exterior sketches of its upcoming 2010 Equus large luxury-sedan.

Today we see the interior of the upcoming Equus that will be sold in the South Korean, European, Chinese and the Middle Eastern markets later this year.

Power for the 2010 Hyundai Equus is expected to come from a 5.0L TAU V8 making a total of 420-hp. An entry level 4.6L will also be available.

Hyundai has said nothing about bringing the Equus to the stateside and we doubt that it’ll happen anytime soon since it may jeopardize the sales of the Genesis sedan

Source gmcartech

According to an insider at Hyundai Erope, Hyundai is working on a competitor to Toyota’s iQ.

As reported by Autoblog:

It is codenamed “green baby,” and it is Hyundai’s answer to the Toyota iQ. A Hyundai Europe insider hinted that the car could be funkier and “more basic and functional” than the iQ.The iQ Concept had a pretty neat interior, but there really isn’t much space between it and the backstop of basic transportation – at least, not when it comes to anything you’d want to sit in.

Drivetrains and engines haven’t been discussed, but the 12-valve 4-cylinder with 66 hp from the i10 would probably be in the cards. Hyundai has said that i10 is too small for the U.S., so the even smaller “green baby” will probably be offered only in Europe at first, and could be on sale by as soon as next year.

Source Autoblog

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 Wards auto are now are now suggesting we 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 Autoblog

A totally new model of the next generation Sonata, not just a facelift, will go on sale in the second half of 2009 in South Korea.

New Sonata which is codenamed YF is another sedan to follow the coupe style design. Renderings below are based on the new Genesis sedan and spy photos of the new Sonata. 2010 Sonata is very likely the first Hyundai that will be offered with a hybrid powertrain.

Source Globalmotors.net

Korean automaker Hyundai revealed the HED-5 i-Mode in Geneva, but they showed it for the first time in the United States today at the LA Auto Show.

New to the crossover is a 2.0L gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine that Hyundai plans to roll out in production machines shortly. The new Theta Turbo GDI engine puts out 286 horsepower, which is very impressive for such a small powerplant. Hyundai puts its direct injection and turbo technology to good effect and combines these new features with its Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) to allow for a 15-20 percent fuel economy increase compared with a standard 2.0L four-banger. Expect to see this new engine make its way into a production car sometime in 2010.

According to Hyundai, the HED-5 has been approved for production and a new six-seat production CUV will hit the market in 2010 that’s inspired by its design. Of course, don’t expect to see its far-out future-spec interior make it to production, but the GDI engine and general look of the concept is a lock.

Source Autoblog

The world debut of Hyundai’s Concept Genesis unveiled at a New York International Auto Show press conference today. The concept car heralds the future architecture and design of a rear-wheel drive premium sports sedan scheduled to grace the Hyundai lineup in 2008.

“Concept Genesis extends our product range into new territories from a performance, design and packaging perspective,” said Steve Wilhite, chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor America. “When it arrives in 2008 it will catapult Hyundai into competition against some potent rivals, and Genesis is up for the challenge.”

Concept Genesis rides on a prototype of Hyundai’s all-new rear-wheel drive platform, signaling the brand’s desire to broaden its appeal to discerning driving enthusiasts. Concept Genesis is powered by Hyundai’s newly developed Tau DOHC 32-valve V-8 powertrain. Concept Genesis marks the beginning of premium performance for the Hyundai brand.

“Concept Genesis is a manifestation of Hyundai’s extraordinary desire to deliver world-class products across all model segments,” said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “With Genesis, we’ve got a unique product position — an all-new, highly capable, rear-wheel drive platform; a high-performance powertrain; and premium, progressive design – all at a price starting well under $30,000.”

NEW REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE IS A FIRST FOR THE U.S.

Concept Genesis features a rear-wheel-drive architecture, its first application in a U.S. Hyundai model. Rear-wheel drive provides a 53:47 front/rear weight distribution for optimal handling as well as more refined steering characteristics. Concept Genesis’ premium handling and steering performance is further controlled by Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the industry’s most important new safety technology. Hyundai leads all popular car brands in the standard application of ESC, with more than 70 percent of 2007 Hyundai sales volume featuring this life-saving technology as standard equipment. ESC continually analyzes road speed, steering input, throttle position, lateral yaw rate and other factors. An onboard microprocessor determines if the vehicle is starting to understeer or oversteer, and can brake appropriate wheels and reduce engine power to keep the vehicle safely on course.

Utilizing ultra high-tensile steel in critical areas in the unibody provides Concept Genesis with a 12-14 percent higher dynamic torsional rigidity and a lower body-in-white weight than the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This stiffer, lighter, larger body provides a terrific foundation for world-class dynamics and lowering noise levels inside the vehicle.

TAU V-8 POWERTRAIN

Adding to the Concept Genesis’ performance factor is the all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control and a limited-slip differential. The Tau delivers well over 300 horsepower to fit the demands of performance-oriented consumers. This powertrain combination will launch Genesis to 60 miles per hour in well under six seconds. The Tau engine is built with flexibility for the future. Future Tau variants may offer larger displacement, forced induction options and other technology enhancements.

INNOVATIVE AND SOPHISTICATED SPORT-TUNED SUSPENSION

Genesis features a suspension design that is among the most sophisticated and refined anywhere, at any price. The front five-link suspension features upper and lower arms linking the front wheels to the chassis. This artfully articulated arrangement creates a virtual king pin axis which dramatically reduces unwanted kickback through the steering wheel as well as improving responsiveness. The five-link independent rear suspension is equally sophisticated, enabling precise suspension geometry for an incredible level of ride and handling prowess. The capabilities of the advanced front and rear-suspension are maximized through driver selectable dynamic settings allowing tailored ride and handling characteristics according to need … or desire.

MODERN DESIGN

Genesis’ design is a progressive interpretation of the modern rear-wheel drive sports sedan. To match its dynamic powertrain capabilities, Genesis combines strong, sculpted forms which integrate precise details, natural materials and innovative lighting to provide a well-crafted, premium design aesthetic.

SAFETY FEATURES

Maintaining Hyundai’s emphasis on delivering leading safety technology, Concept Genesis boasts world class active and passive safety features to both prevent accidents, and maximize the well being of its occupants in the event of a collision. The Genesis continues the Hyundai tradition of standardizing key life-saving active safety technology such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control, eight airbags and active headrests.

Concept Genesis is brought to a halt by large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The 12.6-inch front rotors have single-piston floating calipers and the rear brakes feature 12.4-inch rotors with single-pistons.

TECHNOLOGY

· Advanced adaptive cruise control
· Electronic Stability Control
· Eight airbags
· Heat / cool seats
· High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with adaptive leveling
· Push-button start
· Navigation with backup camera
· Electric parking brake
· Bluetooth technology
· USB / Auxiliary input jack
· HD Radio™ Receiver
· XM Satellite Radio® · Infinity® Discrete Surround Audio System

GENESIS PREMIUM SPORTS SEDAN SPECIFICATIONS

· Configuration: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports sedan
· Wheelbase: 2935 mm / 115.6 inches
· Overall length: 5005 mm / 197.0 inches
· Overall width: 1863 mm / 73.3 inches
· Overall height: 1490 mm / 58.7 inches
· Track, f/r: 1575 mm / 62.0 inches, 1580 mm / 62.2 inches
· Wheels: 20-inch multi-spoke
· Engine type: V8
· Estimated horsepower: Well over 300HP
· Estimated torque: Over 300 lb. ft.
· Displacement: 4.6 liter
· Block material: High pressure die casting aluminum block
· Cylinder head material: Aluminum
· Valvetrain: Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC)
· Valve timing: Continuous variable valve timing
· Variable induction system
· Fuel delivery: Multi-port fuel injection
· Estimated 0-60 mph: well under 6.0 seconds
· Top speed: 130 mph (restricted)
· Recommended fuel: Unleaded
· Transmission type: ZF 6-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC manual control
· Suspension: Front multi-link (5-link) / Rear multi-link (5-link)
· Stabilizer bar (front/rear): 26 mm/18 mm
· Weight distribution front to rear: 53:47
· Brakes: Power-assisted 4-wheel disc
· Front brake diameter (mm / in): 320 / 12.6 ventilated disc
· Rear brake diameter (mm / in): 314 / 12.4 solid disc
· Steering type: Speed-sensing rack-and-pinion
· Steering ratio: 14.86

Just a day after Toyota announced a home turf release of Prius and Camry hybrids, Hyundai announced it would speed up production, projecting a million hybrids sold annually by 2010. The 2009 Elantra is the first transition model.

Hyundai announced Sunday that it will be jumping whole-heartedly into the hybrid business. A day after Toyota announced that its Prius and Camry hybrid models would be sold on its South Korean home turf, Hyundai has let it be known they would speed up their mass production plans and counter their competitor at home and abroad. Because of rising fuel costs and consumer eco-awareness, the company is predicting over a million hybrids to be sold annually by 2010 and it wants a large slice of that action.

The first model to undergo the transformation will be the 2009 Elantra, sold in South Korea as the Avante. It will initially run on LPG while a gasoline version will soon be developed for the American market. Not mentioned specifically in the news release was whether or not it would be a plug-in hybrid as had been rumoured although we are pretty sure LG Chem will be the battery supplier. The ambitious plan calls for similar treatment to occur with its other major models, starting with the Sonata in 2010.

While touring a Kia plant, Chairman Chung Mong Koo, let slip, “…We also plan to produce a small fleet of fuel cell electric vehicles from 2012.” We have known that Hyundai is competent with fuel cell technology but it remains to be seen whether any amount of refueling infrastructure is put in place to make North American sales feasible in the next few years. Hit the jump to read the news release directly from Hyundai.

Press release:

March 24, 2008
Hyundai to Mass Produce Hybrid Cars Starting 2009, Chairman Says

# Hyundai´s First Hybrid Car for Mass Production Will be Avante (Elantra) LPI
# Hyundai to Produce Small Fleet of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles by 2012
# Greatly Improve Fuel Efficiency, Cut CO2 Emissions:
Opening a New Era for Environmentally-Friendly Cars

(Seoul, Korea) Hyundai Motor Company plans to mass produce Hybrid Electric Vehicles starting next year, opening a new era for environmentally-friendly cars.

While accompanying South Korean President Lee Myung Bak on a Kia Motors´ plant tour on March 21, Hyundai-Kia Chairman Chung Mong Koo said the automobile company will mass produce environmentally-friendly cars from 2009 to create new jobs and develop the industry into a next-generation value-adding growth engine.

“The importance of developing futuristic, environmentally-friendly cars is increasing for sustainable growth,” Chairman Chung said. “Therefore, technology for advanced cars, like the hybrid, is imperative. We also plan to produce a small fleet of fuel cell electric vehicles from 2012.”

To meet its 2009 mass production target, Hyundai´s step-by-step plan is to

- Develop Technology
- Create a mass production system
- Expand model line-up

In accordance with this plan, Hyundai will begin its first mass production with the compact-sized LPG model, the Avante (Elantra) LPI (Liqufied Petroleum Injection) hybrid, a car that uses both Liquefied Petroleum Gas and electricity. In 2010, Hyundai plans to introduce mid-sized hybrids that use gasoline and LPG.

Currently, Hyundai provides Verna (Accent) hybrid models to government agencies as pilot projects. The plan is to expand the line-up to mid-sized sedans and beyond for mass production, starting from 2009.

Hyundai entered the environmentally-friendly auto market in October 2004, when it supplied the government with 50 Click (Getz) hybrid cars. Since then, Hyundai and Kia have supplied the government with 350 hybrid cars in 2005, including the Verna model. This number increased to 730 cars in 2006 and 1,682 cars in 2007, totalling about 2,800 cars so far.

Based on the technology accumulated from producing these cars, Hyundai will from 2009 mass produce hybrid cars that use LPG, which creates less pollution than conventional cars. Hyundai is also kicking its development plans into full gear with the aim to mass produce Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) beginning 2012.

Hyundai plans to expand a demo fleet of FCEV´s to 500 units by 2010, including mid-to-large size SUV´s, then establish a small production system to begin mass production from 2012.

The mass production of hybrid cars in 2009 will be a turning point for Hyundai, which will increase its competitiveness in the environmentally-friendly car sector, an area automakers worldwide are counting on for their strategic survival in the next-generation business sector.

[Source: Hyundai]

The new 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe was met with rave reviews over its sleek and inspired design coupled with enthusiasm over a RWD turbocharged four-cylinder. It has a 306-horsepower 3.8L V6 drastically undercutting the competition.

As reported by: John Neff

Here it is, the 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. We can hardly contain our enthusiasm over this car. On the one hand, Hyundai is offering enthusiasts the only rear-wheel-drive coupe on the market powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder (not all of us want our hair ruffled in RWD four-cylinder convertibles like the Mazda MX-5, GM’s Kappa convertibles and the Honda S2000). While on the other, it’s also debuting a RWD coupe powered by a 306-horsepower 3.8L V6 (310 hp when drinking premium) that should undercut all similarly powered competition by thousands of dollars. The Genesis Coupe is a win-win car no matter which engine you choose.

The Genesis Coupe also features one of Hyundai’s most original designs that’s an evolution of its HCD concepts. All the lines up front slope, curve and bend down to the center of the lower air intake, creating a wind-swept look that’s more JDM than American Muscle. The car’s defining design element, however, is the “Z” that’s created when two dynamic character lines run parallel across the doors from either end of the coupe. The sheetmetal around the front and rear fenders twists like someone is wringing water out of the car, which adds both volume and a sense of kinetic energy being stored in the muscular body panels. The car’s profile, however, mimics that of the Nissan Altima Coupe, while the rear, especially the taillights, seem like inevitable conclusions of the car’s design rather than striking elements on their own. And we still think the side windows behind each door that dip down below the belt-line is a nice, functional idea, as well as a quirky aspect that will become the design’s trademark.

It’s all about the engines though, so follow the jump to learn more about the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. We’re literally at the press conference right now taking photos and video, which promise to be epic, so check back soon.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe – Live Reveal

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Originally by John Neff from Autoblog on March 19, 2008, 8:50am