Hyundai Equus: A Few Rungs Up the Social Ladder

By LAWRENCE ULRICH
Introduced on Wednesday, March 27, 2013: 2014 Hyundai Equus
2013 New York Auto Show

What is it? A refreshed version of perhaps the biggest social climber in luxury cars, Hyundai’s roughly $60,000, full-size sedan.

Is it real? Dismissed by some critics as a poseur, the Equus has established a modest toehold in a class dominated by far pricier models from Mercedes, BMW, Lexus and Audi.

What they said: John Krafcik, chief executive of Hyundai Motor America, said the Equus led every car in the industry – luxury or mainstream — in J.D. Power’s most recent customer satisfaction survey. Customer service has been an Equus hallmark, including free iPads and owner perks; dealers pick up cars from owners’ homes and return them following service visits.

What they didn’t say: How quickly Hyundai can advance the Equus from its generic large-car styling to something resembling its well-received HCD-14 Genesis concept car.

What makes it tick? The formidable 5-liter, direct-injection V-8 with 429 horsepower and 8-speed automatic transmission carry-over from last year’s model. The air suspension is retuned, hopefully lending the Equus the sophisticated dynamics it currently lacks. But the Equus is noticeably gussied-up inside, with more convincing wood, aluminum, leather, display screens and features.

How much? How soon? The reworked Equus goes on sale in May, for roughly $57,000 to start.

How’s it look? No threat to design leaders like the Audi A8 or Jaguar XJ. But the Equus is more convincingly deluxe, especially inside, where it looks more Lexus, less Buick.

Dealership News!

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Future Cars: Hyundai's All-New 2014 Genesis Sedan Comes into Focus

Now, when someone asks what type of car you drive, and you answer with 'Genesis', more often than not, you'll receive a puzzling blank stare. However, one need not to be offended; Hyundai's entrant into the luxury car segment is still a relatively new player.

Revealed at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, it was Hyundai's interpretation of a luxury sedan to compete with the Euros. While sales of the first generation haven't exactly taken the world by storm, those enthusiastic boffins from South Korea are not waving the white flag just yet.

In fact, they're so intent on making inroads on the luxury sedan market that they're having a second attempt, with the reveal expected either later this year or early 2014. While the current Genesis Sedan has a reasonable amount of kit for the dollar, it struggles to exude a visual statement compared to its direct competitors.

Hyundai's next installment hope's to change that; so based on actual spy-shots depicting the real thing, we at Carscoops are providing an illustrated glimpse of how things have improved.

The Peter Schreyer-led team has translated a fair chunk of aesthetic punch from the HCD-14 Concept car that debuted at this year's Detroit motor show, and infused it into the bodywork of the next Genesis.

 

Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design language is complemented with smooth surfacing and shorter overhangs; while the long powerful hood and imposing 'Bentley-like' grill conceal what is expected to be either a 3.8L V6 or a 5.0L V8. Mated to an eight speed transmission (with a 10-speed unit to be introduced later on), the Genesis is also expected to offer both rear wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations for those who live amongst the more slippery geography.

Detailed visual highlights start with the LED head and taillights; tackling Audi where so much design emphasis has been placed in the recent past, and strategic placing of chrome-work.

 

Even the shut-lines have been carefully thought out with fluidic intersecting joins at the base of the windscreen and rear bumper. Whilst the greenhouse could have been transferred from the latest Toyota Avalon or Chevrolet Impala, a prominent shoulder crease runs the length of the car linking head and taillights together in a broad sweep.

Compared with the likes of Jaguar XF, Mercedes E-Class, and BMW 5-Series, the next Genesis appears to be a strong contender. However, does it go far enough? One cannot help wonder if staying closer to the HCD-14 Concept in design would have yielded a greater statement. Tell us what you think in the comments below.

 By Josh Byrnes

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA SELLS ITS FIRST SPECIAL EDITION VELOSTER RE:MIX MODEL

Hyundai’s Innovative 3-door Sport Coupe Now Available in a Uniquely Aggressive Sporty Variant with Premium Features and a 450-watt Dimension® Audio System

COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb. 22, 2013 – Hyundai Motor America recently delivered the first of its new Veloster RE:MIX limited edition models to its excited new owner at Sterling McCall Hyundai in Houston, Texas. Hyundai began selling its special edition production Veloster in mid-February alongside a comprehensive offering of stylish, well-equipped and efficient sedans, coupes and crossovers, including the all-new 2013 Santa Fe SUV and the stylish and fun-to-drive 2013 Elantra GT.

Inspired by Hyundai’s successful RE:MIX Lab program, Hyundai first introduced the special edition RE:MIX production Veloster to consumers at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show at Las Vegas in November 2012. This limited edition production Velosterfeatures an aggressive sporty exterior with a unique body kit, 18-inch dark gunmetal-finish alloy wheels, LED headlight accents and taillights, and unique RE:MIX badging. The interior is enhanced with a 450-watt premium Dimension audio system, push-button start with proximity key, leather steering wheel and shift knob, unique interior light kit and RE:MIX floormats.

This Veloster is a turn-key production offering with an aggressive demeanor, specifically for enthusiasts. Truly a “Re-Mix,” this Veloster is a cool blend of exclusive features and options that synthesize to create a distinctive lifestyle offering from Hyundai. In addition to the exclusive Sprint Gray exterior color, a simplified color palate of five additional Veloster colors will be available: Century White, 26.2 Yellow, Marathon Blue, Ultra Black and Boston Red. The Veloster RE:MIX starts at $20,845 for the manual transmission model (including a $795 freight charge).

“The Veloster RE:MIX represents the ultimate Hyundai lifestyle coupe in terms of style, design and performance,” said Sales Manager, Sterling McCall Hyundai. “Many Hyundai customers today are looking for individual design expression, exclusivity and smartphone connectivity. Veloster RE:MIX delivers a truly unique sporty appearance, premium branded audio and abundant tech features.”

Hyundai’s Velosteris an innovative compact coupe that features ground-breaking design, with a unique curbside third door for easy rear-seat access, Hyundai’s Blue Link®telematics system, Pandora® internet radio with seven-inch touch-screen display and a new 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine. Veloster continues to attract Hyundai’s next generation of buyers, earning numerous accolades including Bloomberg’s “Best Economy Car,” one of Kelley Blue Book’s “10 Coolest New Cars under $18,000” and Autobytel’s Car of the Year for 2012.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com

Please visit our media website at www.hyundainews.com and our blog at www.hyundailikesunday.com

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

###

2012 Hyundai Azera

By Michael Taylor

We all know there are far too many cars out there. At least three dozen auto brands vie for your dollar – or, in these parlous times, your $30,000, the average price of a new car in the U.S. There are hundreds of models, and the people who design cars, or figure out how to market them, are slotting so many of them into the lineup that sometimes you think, hey, just make it simple, give me one or two choices. Well, if today’s example is any indication, you’re not going to get that choice anytime soon, and in there is a point to be made.

Hyundai, the Korean manufacturer whose first attempts to sell cars on these shores, the 1980s-era Excel (aka the Execrable), ended in ignominious failure, has zoomed up the ladder here. Hyundai now sells an array of modern, well-made sedans, SUVs, and sports cars that, frankly, are giving the veteran Japanese auto makers fits, just as the Japanese gave the Americans fits more than 30 years ago with their own incursion. Hyundai’s darling-of-the-auto-press these days is the Sonata, a four-cylinder sedan that competes favorably with Honda’s venerable Accord and Toyota’s ubiquitous Camry. These cars – the bread-and-butter sedan of America – all start in the low $20,000 range and range up to a shade over $30,000. The Sonata has gotten rave reviews and is clearly making a dent (so to speak) on the car buyer’s consciousness.

In the world of Hyundai, there’s the Sonata in that popular range and then, when your ship arrives, you trade up to the Genesis, a rear-wheel-drive sedan in the wannabe-luxo area (roughly $34,000 to $46,000).

In between is the Azera (where do they get these names?), the car that, more than almost any car out there, screams anonymity – or, at least, a tendency to stay firmly in the middle; it’s a centrist, a political hothouse flower that isn’t ready to make a commitment to anything. Maybe we’re getting carried away here, but when several friends asked me recently what I was driving and I brightly said, “a Hyundai Azera!,” the reaction was a mixture of “huh?” or “hmmm, a what?” and so on.

Okay, okay. It’s not as bad as all that. What we do have here is a car with a remarkable array of features, goodies we really shouldn’t take for granted, wrapped up in a package that has a base price of $32,000. Its competitors are the Toyota Avalon, Acura TL, Nissan Maxima, Buick LaCrosse and Lexus ES350, among a few others. (The Lexus, equipped like the $36,875 Azera I tested, will run you nearly $10,000 more, by the way. But you do pay for that Lexus name. It’s the star factor.)

The Azera is powered by a 3.3-liter, 293-horsepower V6 and glides down the road with the help of a six-speed automatic gearbox (with the requisite manumatic shifter so you can play Boy Racer at will) and gets about the average gas mileage you’d expect in a car like this (20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway.) The design is in that currently voguish look of high beltline, fairly short window glass and, as Hyundai puts it, the car is a product of “fluidic sculpture.” I liked the style touch of the exhaust tips that blend into the rear bumper (viz. Lexus LS460). My first visual impression of the silver Azera I tested, with its dark glass roof, was that it looked kind of like a Mercedes-Benz CL series (I can hear the howls in Stuttgart) and maybe that was Hyundai’s intention. The car had the $4,000 technology package whose greatest feature, frankly, has little to do with technology – it’s a panoramic double sunroof, in which a huge piece of glass over the front seats slides back over another big piece of glass on the back half of the roof. You can also drive with the glass closed up, but the two, yes two, sliding roof curtains fold into the roof’s interior. You also get the 550-watt “Infinity” audio system, 19-inch (instead of 18) wheels, rear window sunshade and other doodads, such as ventilated front seats (chilled air as well as heat), and a “driver’s seat cushion extension.” (The 2012 Azera we tested is identical to the 2013 model, Hyundai says.)

On the road, the Azera is quiet, nimble, and quick to react in the usual panic stops that inevitably happen in freeway driving. I did feel that the electrically-aided power steering was a bit numb – you didn’t get much road feel coming back through that steering column – but this is clearly not the end of the world and you don’t have to take the car back to the dealer and demand your money back.

A few nits: the front seat adjustment buttons, mimicking the sideview outline of a seat cushion and its backrest (looks a lot likes the ones in a Mercedes), are mounted high up at the front of the doors and are a bit too far away. Or maybe I was just pushing the seat back too far.  Because of that high mass of steel on the sides, and the lower roofline, you feel a little cramped when you look around while backing out of a parking space. The Azera’s predecessor had a larger greenhouse and the sightlines were better. But these are nits.

The main thing about the Azera is this: it is a car for people who don’t want to be noticed. It will blend in with all the other four-door near-luxury sedans in that sprawling shopping center parking lot (good luck on finding your car in that sea of sameness) and it will do a fine job of getting you from here to there.

In truth, it’s a stealth car. It’s as if Hyundai sneaked it in between the Genesis and the Sonata and is now telling its customers, almost as an afterthought, “well, come over here and take a look at this one.” And they’re right. It’s worth looking at.

source

Your Smartphone Will Also Be Your Car Key By 2015

There is no doubt that this is the future. Smartphones have already taken over our lives, with the phone part being just small part of the wide array of functionalities. South Korean automaker Hyundai recently demonstrated the use of smartphone as a car key at its European headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany.

 

Part of Hyundai’s “Connectivity Concept” a smartphone was used to unlock and lock a Hyundai i30 hatchback. The modified i30 had Near Field Communication chips embedded in it, a technology which is fast becoming a standard feature in many smartphones.

 

The technology is not limited to only using the smartphone as a car key of course. Once inside the smartphone can be placed on a center console, doing which will immediately connect the smartphone with the car’s infotainment system, (in this case, a 7 inch touch screen display) and transfer user preferences, contacts, music, videos, maps etc from the smartphone. This means seating position, steering position, driving preferences are automatically adjusted for each user as he or she ‘logs-in’ with their smartphone. Placing the phone on the console also charges the battery.

 

MirrorLink standard was used to transfer data from the smartphone to the car’s infotainment system and Hyundai has announced that Broadcom is its technology partner.

 

“With this technology, Hyundai is able to harness the all-in-one functionality of existing smartphone technology and integrate it into everyday driving in a seamless fashion,” said Allan Rushforth, senior vice president and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe.

 

Though the feature is already functional it will become mainstream in Hyundai automobiles only by 2015. This time frame will be used to streamline the features and make sure it works without any glitches. We understand that several security features will also need to be put in place before it can be standardised. Afterall, we would not want just anyone with a smartphone to just walk in and drive away with our cars.

 

Hyundai is not the first automaker who has showcased the integration of smartphones and cars. Earlier, Ford had demonstrated a similar technology to unlock cars as well and NFC based wireless charging will be a standard feature in 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited.

 

Via: Wired

2013 Hyundai Elantra coupe receives high marks

 

 

Although many people aren't enamored with coupe-style vehicles, the Hyundai Elantra could be one  the exceptions.

What's the reason? This coupe actually provides a fairly comfortable backseat, which is extremely difficult to find. And the Elantra coupe has other enviable qualities that make it immediately a solid choice in its class.

However, note that the Elantra is like every other coupe that's probably ever been made: -- getting in and out of this two-door vehicle is a pain in the butt.

2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe

Performance: 1.8-liter, four-cylinder, 148 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 27-37 mpg

Price: $17,445 to $20,745

Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; drivetrain 10 years/100,000 miles; corrosion 7 years/unlimited; roadside assistance 5 years/unlimited

The coupe is one of two new Elantra offerings for 2013. The other one is the Elantra GT, which replaces the Elantra Touring in Hyundai's compact-car lineup.

Both the coupe and GT are engaging vehicles that should be appealing to youthful car buyers that are seeking a sporty compact.

Ironically, while Hyundai was adding a new coupe with two trim models, both Chevrolet and Ford recently dropped coupe body styles from their compact lineups.

Three years ago, Hyundai took a bold step forward by altering the Elantra exterior design, making it a standout among its mostly stoic competitors who lacked style.

While Hyundai didn't design the coupe much differently than the Elantra sedan, there are some differences. The coupe's fog lights are more angular and it comes with a black bumper. The coupe does resemble the sedan in appearance with its arching roofline and grille style.

The Elantra coupe has an appealing look and several other strong attributes as well. The coupe starts at a reasonable price ($17,445), gets great gas mileage (27-37 mpg), features a sizable trunk, admirable handling, and has that great Hyundai drivetrain warranty - 10 years/100,000 miles.

 

Some car buyers might be turned off by the coupe's lone engine, a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder that delivers 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. The coupe has a smooth six-speed manual transmission that comes standard. It has good passing power and offers a fun factor for a small, commuter vehicle.

Some experts feel the Elantra coupe's performance is similar to the Honda Civic.

The coupe can stack up fairly well against its competitors in driving impressions as well. The Elantra has a nimble feel and is very responsive in the turning department. It absorbs the bumps well for a compact car and another plus is the strong braking.

Besides a comfortable interior, other positives include smart center stack, easy-to-read gauges, and the dashboard is soft-touch material. The trunk is surprisingly large at 14.8 cubic feet.

The 2013 Elantra Coupe is a well-rounded compact vehicle that will be a welcome edition to the Hyundai lineup. It compares favorably to the Honda Civic and other top rivals like the Scion tC, Kia Forte and the Volkswagen Beetle.

source: http://www.rocklintoday.com/news/templates/community_news.asp?articleid=11204&zoneid=4

2013 Hyundai Equus Gets A Refresh

Sunday, December 9, 2012 7:52 by

Arman Barari

Hyundai revealed a revised version of the Equus luxury saloon in South Korea, featuring subtle styling changes and interior upgrades, but no change in powertrains. Hyundai Equus sits at the top of range above the Grandeur and the Genesis, and it is currently the most luxurious car Hyundai makes.

With the current generation Grandeur doing well in the market and all-new Genesis in the works, Hyundai decided the Equusonly needs a slight refresh rather than a full facelift. So it gets revised LED head and taillights, a sightly different grille, and new wheels. That’s it.

Inside the cabin the steering wheel design is updated, and you get more leather now with double stitching. The digital instrument panel is tweaked, and so is the infotainment system. More significant changes include the addition of an analog clock and options like Blind Spot Detection and Heads Up Display.

The Equus still comes with Hyundai’s familiar engines, including the 3.6 liter GDi V6 and the 5.0 liter Tau V8. The revised Equus will reach global markets in 2013.

Falcons Announce Details of Gary Rome Auto Group Night

November 20, 2012 -American Hockey League (AHL) Springfield Falcons

Springfield, Mass. - The Springfield Falcons, AHL affiliate of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, announced details of Gary Rome Auto Group Night, which will take place when the club hosts the Manchester Monarchs on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the MassMutual Center.

The game will begin with a ceremonial puck drop by Gary Rome, owner of Gary Rome Auto Group and one of the Falcons' valued corporate partners, along with his dog Jack. The first 3,000 fans into the building that night will receive a postcard with details about a Gary Rome Auto Group Facebook promotion, which includes a grand prize of dinner for two at Picks Restaurant, an overnight stay at the Sheraton Monarch Place, and tickets to a Falcons game. Visit GoToGary.com for details on Gary Rome Hyundaiin Holyoke, Mass. and Gary Rome Kia in Enfield, Conn.

As part of the evening, fans are encouraged to bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots, a program run by the United States Marine Corps which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. The Toys for Tots bins will be located next to the Pride table in the concourse under section 29 and will be manned by on-site Marines. As an incentive to support this program, any fan who brings a toy for donation will receive a free ticket voucher for the Falcons' home game on Saturday, Dec. 15 when Springfield welcomes St. John's to the MassMutual Center at 7:30 p.m. (one voucher per person).

Fans will be invited to participate in a holiday sing-a-long during the intermissions. Santa Claus will also be venturing down from the North Pole to meet and greet Falcons fans and hang out with his friend Screech.

Single-game tickets to see the Falcons in 2012-2013 can be purchased at the MassMutual Center Box Office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. through game time on Saturday home dates, and starting four hours prior to Sunday home contests. Fans can also purchase tickets by logging onto Ticketmaster.com. For information about discounted group packages to Falcons home games, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625).

GARY ROME AUTO GROUP’S SCHOOL FUNDRAISER CHALLENGE

Holyoke, Monday, November 12, 2012:Gary Rome Auto Group has embarked on an exciting new project. Gary Rome will assist teachers in earning supplies needed for their classrooms, but are unable to fund the project. He will use his many media outlets to help spread the word about each project in order to bring in more donations.

“Children are the future generation of leaders, so we want to invest in them; says Gary Rome, owner of Gary Rome Hyundai and Kia. We are excited to be contributing to the children within our community. I hope we can all come together and help students and teachers acquire supplies for their projects”.

The program will allow teachers to post their classroom project on reputable website such as donorschoose.org and receive donations for it. Teachers can post their chosen project on any of the three websites (http://www.donorschoose.org;http://www.adoptaclassroom.org/: or http://www.gofundme.com/). In addition, teachers may choose to post projects on any other legitimate websites. The superintendent for each city will choose the top 30 projects. Gary Rome will then use his many media outlets to get the word out and match up to $200 worth of donations.

For more information about the program, please contact Telesha Williams at (413)530-3286 or telesha_williams@yahoo.com. Also, you may contact Tim Ferreira at parts@garyromehyundai.com.

Report: All-wheel-drive for Hyundai Genesis, Equus years away

May 16, 2011  

By Fred Meier, USA TODAY

Updated 2011-05-16 3:15 PM

The new Hyundai Equus luxury car is introduced at the New York InternaAuto Show April 1, 2010 in New York

By STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

If you've been hot for a Hyundai Genesis, but holding off until the big rear driver is offered with the much-discussed all-wheel-drive option, looks like you might want to rethink the whole thing.

According to information ferreted out by Car and Driver in this report, the Genesis won't get AWD with the expected refresh for 2012. The report says AWD may wait until the next generation of the luxury sedan -- not due till 2014. That likely means the Genesis coupe and the upmarket and larger Equus also with go without for a few years, too.

Whether your interest is in performance or bad-weather traction, AWD would be worthy option for these cars:

And Hyundai CEO John Krafcik has been saying the Genesis and Equus would get AWD down the road -- we just didn't think he meant that far.

Hyundai will not offer all-wheel drive for its Genesis luxury sedan until the second generation of the car arrives for the 2014 model year. Krafcik indicated to C&D earlier that the Genesis line and Equus, would offer all-wheel drive. Since it was not included in the 2012 refresh for the Genesis sedan, it appears they'll all wait for their next-generation platform.

The Genesis sedan has been a winner for Hyundai in a higher market than the brand's previously been in, with solid sales and a lot of buyers new to a Hyundai showroom. AWD should make help gain sales in the snowbelt, though it will face in-house competition from a redone Azera -- we expect in the sexy, swoopy new Hyundai look -- due next winter. Krafcik has told Drive On that the front-drive Azera continues to attract a loyal buyer following, particularly in snowy markets.

Although they didn't announce AWD for the refreshed 2012 Genesis, Hyundai did reveal some interesting upgrades, including direct injection for the V-6 that increases horsepower to 333, a revised suspension set-up for the mainstream models, refreshed styling tweaks, and an 8-speed transmission for all models, including the new performance R-Spec sedan (there already is an R-Spec coupe). The highlight of the R-Spec sedan is its own new 5.0-liter, 429-hp. V-8. It also gets performance-tuned transmission and suspension and steering calibrations.

Source: USA Today

For the Person Who Wants Everything

By Allyson Harwood | Photos By Motor Trend Staff | July, 2011

Vehicle specs (Base Model)

Engine2.4L L4

Power176 hp / 168 lb-ft

TransmissionManual

MSRP$19,995

Seats5 adults

MPG23 City / 31 Hwy

Consumer Reviews

At the Hyundai Tucson's price range, value is the factor that is most critical to a crossover's success. There are so many crossovers with a price tag of $25,000-$30,000 that what differentiates one from the rest of the pack is the features. And the Hyundai Tucson has tons of 'em. Our topline Limited AWD comes with enough goodies that one staffer, having not driven the Tucson for a while, logged, "When it comes to the cabin, this Tucson has everything! Heated seats, Bluetooth audio, power everything, satellite radio, nav system, rearview camera, huge sunroof. I kept finding myself thinking, 'Oh, yeah-it has that, too.'" The steering-wheel-mounted controls also received kudos; they're well-placed on the wheel, and the layout is nicely uncluttered. As digital integration director Mike Floyd noted, "This is a really nicely designed set of controls that have proven simple and effective and rest roughly at the 9 and 3 positions, making it easy for thumbs to reach and operate." But that isn't the whole story. While it has plenty of features, when it comes to attention to detail, the Tucson leaves some editors wanting. There are complaints of road noise at freeway speeds, steering that's too lifeless, some poorly placed controls, and structural creaks when the Hyundai goes over speed bumps or enters driveways. There is definitely room for improvement, which is why we had mixed feelings about this long-termer. As copy editor Zach Gale explains, "This Tucson is impressive, considering the vehicle it replaces, but solid design carries this small SUV only so far." And considering how far this crossover has come in just two generations, we expect Hyundai will get the bugs out for the next one.

But that isn't the whole story. While it has plenty of features, when it comes to attention to detail, the Tucson leaves some editors wanting. There are complaints of road noise at freeway speeds, steering that's too lifeless, some poorly placed controls, and structural creaks when the Hyundai goes over speed bumps or enters driveways. There is definitely room for improvement, which is why we had mixed feelings about this long-termer. As copy editor Zach Gale explains, "This Tucson is impressive, considering the vehicle it replaces, but solid design carries this small SUV only so far." And considering how far this crossover has come in just two generations, we expect Hyundai will get the bugs out for the next one.

2012 Hyundai Azera Review

Denis Flierl | Sep 28, 2012 |

The 2012 Hyundai Azera is all-new and this is the second generation of Hyundai’s flagship luxury sedan. Hyundai unveiled the new large sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year. The Azera is the fifth vehicle in the lineup to adopt what the company calls their Fluidic Sculpture design language. The exterior of the new sedan is longer and lower than the previous generation. The big sedan also got lighter and weighs in at 3,605 pounds.

This flagship sedan from Hyundai also features a more powerful Lambda II 3.3-liter Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engine for the 2012 model year. The new engine develops 293 horsepower and has a best-in-class 23 mpg combined fuel mileage. The 2012 Azera is one of seven vehicles in Hyundai’s lineup to be revamped and picking the car you want is made simple. The Azera offers one trim level, one powertrain, one price and only one option is available.

Luxury abounds inside

Inside, the luxury sedan is comfortable and roomy. Azera has best-in-class front head and leg room. The standard leather seats are supportive and comes with 10-way power driver’s seat and 8-way power front passenger seat both of which includes a height adjustment. This 2012 Azera tester came with the Technology Package that includes an extendable section on the driver’s seat for thigh support, and the front seats are ventilated for maximum comfort. Fans in the front seat back and bottom cushions circulate air through the perforated leather seats.

The cabin of the new Azera also gets dual-zone automatic climate control to keep all the occupants comfortable. The interior materials are of top quality and the fit and finish is top end. Controls are well planned and easy to understand. The standard navigation system with its 7-inch screen conveys needed information and features a backup camera display. The seats are heated, front and rear.

Other interior features that get special mention is the optional panoramic sunroof, which allows an abundance of natural light into the cabin. It also features 3D Carbon interior accents and ambient lighting floods the cabin. Other luxury appointments include an electrochromic auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink and power rear sunshade and manual rear side window shades that tuck away when not in use.

Optional Technology Package

The single option is the Technology Package ($4000), adding such goodies as a 19-inch Hyper-Silver alloy wheels, HID Xenon headlights, power tilt-and-slide, two-pane, panoramic sunroof; power adjustable, tilt-and-telescope steering column; two-setting memory for driver’s seat, outside mirrors and steering column; fan-ventilated front seats; Infinity premium speaker system with subwoofer and 550-watt external amplifier; power rear sunshade and manual rear side window shades; and rear parking assistance sensors.

The latest engine technology

Priced at a highly competitive $32,000, this four-door, five-passenger sedan is powered by a remarkably efficient, 3.3-liter V6, that produces 293-horsepower and 255 lb ft of torque. The new Lambda II engine uses the latest Gas Direct Injection (GDI) and produces a best-in-class output of 88.8 horsepower per liter, while having the smallest displacement V6 in the segment.

The engine uses some high-tech features often found on more exotic sports sedans. It uses high compression, all-aluminum construction, piston cooling jets, and a roller timing chain for maximum performance and efficiency. Power is transfered to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transaxle outfitted with the Shiftronic manual shift feature. EPA fuel economy estimates for the Azera are 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined.

Smooth and quiet ride

The 2012 Azera is no sports sedan, but that was never Hyundai’s intention for the luxury car. The ride is comfortable and handling is well mannered. Azera comes with automatically adjusting shock absorbers that level out bumps in the interstate and city streets. The Hyundai Azera is also quiet while underway from the use of extra sound deadening material. Also use of sophisticated vibration isolating and motion counterbalancing underhood structures contribute to the quiet ride.

If you haven’t noticed, Hyundai Motor Group is designing and building quality cars that are catching the competition. The 2012 Hyundai Azera is another one of those cars to keep your eye on. Its new exterior design is sharp looking; it’s roomy, quiet and gets excellent fuel economy.

Hyundai to introduce world's first production fuel-cell electric vehicle

By Hyunjoo Jin and Christiaan Hetzner

Posted:   09/25/2012 01:19:53 PM PDT

September 25, 2012 8:29 PM GMTUpdated:   09/25/2012 01:29:31 PM PDT

Hyundai, which has lagged its rivals in battery-powered electric cars, aims to leapfrog that technology and roll out what it calls the world's first production fuel-cell electric vehicles at this week's Paris auto show.

The South Korean automaker is betting that fuel-cell electric vehicles will be a more realistic future auto technology than pure battery electric cars such as Nissan Motor's Leaf.

Those models have struggled to win over drivers as the batteries are expensive, take hours to recharge and can only drive short distances. Toyota this week scaled back plans for its all-electric eQ minicar, saying it misread the market.

A fuel-cell converts hydrogen and oxygen into water and generating power to drive an electric motor. Fuel-cell vehicles can run five times longer than battery electric cars on a single power-up, and it takes just minutes to fill the tank with hydrogen, compared with 8 hours or so to recharge a battery.

Hyundai, which has watched Toyota make the running with its hybrid Prius model, wants to jump ahead in the fuel-cell market.

But it will offer just 1,000 FCEVs, based on its Tucson crossover, from December through to 2015 in Europe as it looks to more than halve production costs to $44,700.

Trade media have put the initial sticker price at around $88,000, a hefty price tag for a brand that made its name with cheaper, feature-filled models.

While fuel-cell electric cars may go further, manufacturers

still have to wrestle with the high cost of production -- double or triple that of battery-powered electric vehicles -- and a lack of refuelling infrastructure.

"We aim to reduce prices of fuel-cell vehicles to match battery cars by 2020-25," Lim Tae-won, the director in charge of fuel-cell research at Hyundai and its affiliate Kia Motors , told Reuters ahead of the Paris auto show.

He said fuel-cell cars would overcome the "range anxiety" -- or fear of running out of power far from a charging point -- of battery-electric cars if the refuelling issue was resolved.

A 2008 McKinsey study of 11 global carmakers predicted as many as 1 million fuel-cell electric cars on Europe's roads by the end of the decade, but industry experts caution demand will depend on customer acceptance of the technology, government aid and, crucially, the availability of hydrogen filling stations.

"The great thing about a battery powered electric car is that power sockets can be found anywhere," said Andreas Winckler, managing director of the services unit of Frankfurt trade fair operator Messe Frankfurt Medien und Service, which has leased both battery and fuel-cell electric cars from Mercedes-Benz since November.

"Before we installed the first charging stations here, we just opened a window and ran an extension cord out to the car."

Winckler noted there was just one hydrogen filling station in the entire Rhein-Main region around Frankfurt, continental Europe's financial hub, but it had been broken for weeks. "That's clearly the big dilemma with fuel-cell cars," he said.

Hyundai's Lim said it would cost more to develop a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure than one for electric battery charging, but each hydrogen station would process more cars as it would take just minutes to fill up.

German industrial gases producer Linde is investing tens of millions of euros with Daimler to build 20 hydrogen filling stations by 2015. For now, Germany has only seven.

The aim is to bring down the cost to that of a natural gas filling station, around 300,000 euros, or $387,500, from around 1 million euros today, said Ulrich Buenger, a coordinator at the European Hydrogen Road Tour 2012, which is funded by industry and the European Commission.

In Seoul, Lim predicts fuel-cell will ultimately become the leading alternative fuel technology, though hybrids will dominate during that transition. For now, Toyota is alone in increasing sales of hybrid-electric vehicles, while General Motors, Nissan and others have struggled to live up to the hype with their early battery electric models.

"Battery electric car makers entered the market too early without resolving problems such as range anxiety and costs," Lim said. "It was a hasty approach. The battery electric cars may have helped raise brand value for a couple of years, but ended up slowing down the take-off in the market."

Hyundai's production-ready fuel-cell electric vehicle can run as far as 588 kms (365 miles) on a full charge, similar to traditional gasoline vehicles, Lim said, while Nissan's Leaf can drive only up to 73 miles per charge.

Toyota slashed its plans for the eQ to sales of just 100 in Japan and the United States from previous forecasts of several thousand, saying battery technology could not live up to consumer demands. "The current capabilities of electric vehicles do not meet society's needs, whether it's the distance cars can run, or the costs, or how long it takes to charge," said Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota's vice chairman, adding that fuel-cell vehicles looked to have more potential.

"The biggest problem is how automakers bring down costs and how much infrastructure will be in place," he said.

Hyundai hopes to get a jump on its rivals by offering 1,000 of its FCEVs, overtaking Daimler and Honda Motor, which have leased only small numbers of their fuel-cell vehicles -- the Mercedes B-Class F-Cells and FCX Clarity, respectively. By 2015, Hyundai aims to have the capacity to build 10,000 FCEVs, rising to 100,000 in 2020, when it expects the loss-making business to achieve "economies of scale," Lim said.

Toyota plans to launch sedan-type fuel-cell electric vehicles from around 2015, and predicts sales in the tens of thousands by the 2020s. Nissan is working on a fuel-cell vehicle with Daimler for 2016 and will also unveil a concept fuel-cell sport utility vehicle, the TeRRA, in Paris.

GM shifted funding from fuel-cells to push Chevrolet Volt electric car with range extender, but sales have been sluggish.

In a KPMG global survey of 200 auto executives, one in five expected fuel-cell electric cars to attract more consumer demand than pure battery electric cars in 2025. Sixteen percent went with battery cars. Hybrids, including plug-ins, provide the best mid-term solution, the survey, published in January, showed.

Source: mercurynews.com

2012 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T: More tech, more power

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata SE that rolled into the Car Tech garage this week was not very different from the 2011 Sonata SE that I tested previously.



It's got the same coupelike profile and Fluidic Sculpture design that I described as swoopy and polarizing in 2010. Although, after a year on the road and when compared with the Sonata Hybrid's fish face, its aesthetic is not nearly as polarizing as it was at its debut.



In the cabin, the fit and finish haven't changed much. The dashboard tech is essentially the same and is still a pretty darn good value. Hyundai's subscription-based BlueLink telematics system is new to the Sonata and is now standard, giving users an OnStar-esque set of connected features for a monthly fee.



However, the silver-and-blue 2.0T badge on the rear deck hints that this 2012 example of the Sonata SE is hiding something new under its hood. Compared with the 2011 model that I tested, which was powered by a 2.4-liter engine, this 2012 model loses 0.4 liter of displacement and gains a twin-scroll turbocharger and a heap of horsepower. Does more power make it better? The obvious answer is yes, but I hopped into the Sparkling Ruby 2012 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T to put that hypothesis to the test.



Performance: 2.0-liter turbocharged engine

The Sonata's power plant starts with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder block, adds a head with direct-injection technology, and finishes up with a twin-scroll turbocharger. Power is rated at a maximum of 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm when boost tops out at 17.4 psi. The maximum torque of 269 pound-feet comes on at much lower engine speeds, being available between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. Power builds in a fairly linear fashion and there isn't much of what I'd consider to be turbo lag. However, there is a definite delineation at about 4,000 rpm when you can feel the engine coming to life, pulling the sedan forward with surprising zest. There's not enough grunt to snap your neck, but there's plenty to induce a grin.



Power flows to the front wheels via a single-option six-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox features a manual shift mode that allows the driver to chose gears by pushing the shift lever forward and back or by smacking the plastic paddle shifters located on the backside of the steering wheel. Before you turn your nose up at paddle shifters on a front-drive "sport" sedan, know that the Sonata's paddles have a great, clicky engagement and trigger reasonably quick shifts. I must have spent most of my driving time playing around with the paddles, which defintely explains the low fuel economy averaged during our testing.



The EPA estimates the Sonata 2.0T's economy at 22 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and 26 combined mpg. After a week spent aggressively using the manual shift mode to keep the turbo spinning with almost no highway cruising to balance things out, the trip computer reported only a 16.6 mpg average.



Drivers looking to get closer to that 26 mpg average should leave the gearbox in its automatic mode and be more gentle with their right foot when driving. However, if you lack self control, Hyundai has equipped the Sonata with an Active Eco mode. Activating this mode adjusts the shift program of the automatic transmission, favoring higher gears and lower engine speeds. Active Eco also remaps the throttle response, digitally lightening your lead foot. The result is a duller ride and slower acceleration, but better fuel economy.



Compared with the entry level GLS trim and the top-tier Limited levels, the Sonata SE 2.0T model features a firmer, sport-tune for its MacPherson strut front and independent multilink rear suspension. The SE uses the same 24mm front stabilizer bar as the GLS/Limited, but a thicker 17mm rear stabilizer bar (versus the standard 15mm bar). The Sonata SE also upgrades with 18-inch wheels and wider 225-width performance tires. So, the Sonata SE has slightly more mechanical grip than the other trim levels.



I didn't notice any creaks and groans from the Sonata's body or suspension components when I tested the 2011 SE model two years ago, but I did hear this 2012 model's rear end protesting slightly as I eased it over speed bumps and over rough roads. I'm not sure the creaking is specific to our press vehicle, but it was annoying enough merit mention in this review. You'll want to listen for this on your test drive.



Cabin technology: BlueLink telematics

In the cabin, the Sonata features what has become Hyundai's standard technology suite and trim level organization. Bone stock, you get AM/FM terrestrial radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, standard USB and auxiliary inputs, and a single-slot CD player that decodes MP3 files. Add a $35 iPod cable to bridge the USB port and aux-input and add connectivity with the iPhone, iPod, and iPad. The midtier SE model also features keyless entry, push-button start, and "Sport cloth seats" with leather bolsters and power adjustment for the driver's position. The Sonata SE doesn't feature heated or ventilated seating surfaces or memory for its single power seat.



Most of that tech is par for the course when you're talking about a modern Hyundai car. However, new for the Sonata is the Hyundai BlueLink telematics system that debuted on the Veloster last year. BlueLink nets the owner a variety of features that can be used both in and outside of the car.



From the driver's seat, the Sonata owner can access Roadside Assistance, SOS Emergency Assistance, and Automatic Collision Notification with the basic Assurance level of service. From outside the vehicle and with the midtier Essentials level of service owners can remotely start, unlock, or honk the horn of their vehicle with a smartphone app; slowdown, immobilize, and recover a stolen vehicle; and receive alerts when the vehicle leaves a geofenced area, has its alarm or panic mode triggered, exceeds a preset speed, or is operated after a preset curfew. At the top-tier Guidance package, BlueLink becomes a sort of cloud-based navigation system that allows users to search for destinations and points of interest (POIs) with voice commands, search for and send destinations to the car from a web interface, and receive traffic and weather updates. The Sonata comes with a 90-day free trial of the full BlueLink functionality, after which owners will have to choose between the $79 per year Assurance package, $179 per year Essentials package, or the $279 per year Guidance package subscriptions.



Additionally, the Sonata SE 2.0T is available with a conventional, in-dash navigation system as part of the optional Navigation and Sunroof package. This upgrades the sedan's dashboard with a 7-inch touch-screen display that is used with the solid-state navigation system and rear-view camera added as part of the package. This is Hyundai's same basic navigation system that features two-dimensional maps. It's a simple setup, but it's also effective with XM NavTraffic data and a good voice command system. This package also includes the XM NavWeather, Sports, and Stocks data feeds and upgrades the stereo system to a seven-speaker, 360-watt Dimension audio system with a powered subwoofer and adds HD Radio decoding to the terrestrial radio tuner.



In sum

We liked the Hyundai Sonata SE when it was reviewed back in 2010, calling it "a great value, packing in a strong assortment of standard and optional cabin tech, good looks, and performance, all while maintaining a relatively low price." The 2012 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T is the same great car, but with a lot more power and, with the aid of Active Eco mode and a light right foot, only slightly less efficiency. I also like that owners have the option to add one of three levels of connectivity with the new standard BlueLink system.



Our 2012 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T starts at $24,645, but also arrived with a $2,900 SE Navigation and Sunroof package, $100 carpeted floor mats, and the $35 iPod cable. Add $775 for destination charges to reach our as-tested price of $28,455



The good: The 2012 Hyundai Sonata's turbocharger adds a substantial amount of power. The optional navigation system is simple, yet effective. Bluetooth calling and most digital audio sources are standard. The voice command system is quite good and the addition of BlueLink telematics rounds out the dashboard tech.



The bad: No manual transmission available on this "sporty" SE model. Navigation maps don't feature a 3D view. Observed fuel economy left much to be desired.



The bottom line: With more power and more tech, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T offers a lot of bang for your buck.



Source: cnet.com