Codenamed HG, the 2012 Grandeur is result of three-and-a-half years and 450 billion won (about US$415 million) of research, development and testing. Positioned between the Sonata and the Genesis sedan, the new Grandeur measures 4,910mm (193.3") long, 1,860mm (73.2") wide and 1,470mm (57.9") tall. It rides on a 2,845mm-long (112") wheelbase, which is 65mm (2.6") longer than the outgoing model.
Power for the front-wheel drive Veloster comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 138-ponies, hooked up to either a six-speed manual or a double clutch transmission. Hit the break to watch the first video of the Veloster on the road with some bonus handbrake/slideways action towards the end of the clip.
It won't be long before we get to see the production version of the 2007 Veloster Concept as Hyundai has launched a mini site counting down the days and hours left before the small coupe makes its world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show in mid-January. The road-going model will keep the concept car's Veloster nameplate, while according to the official teaser video, it will be equipped with a modern direct-injection engine linked to a dual-clutch transmission with an estimated 40mpg fuel consumption (5.8 lt/100km).
Read more »
While official information around the new Azera, which will be sold as the Grandeur in its home market, remains scarce, one of our South Korean readers, Jinhwan H. claims that word around local news sites is that the car will be offered locally with a choice of three engines. These include the Sonata's 2.4-liter GDI with 200hp and 184.4lb-ft torque, a 3.0-liter V6 GDI delivering 263hp and 225.7lb-ft torque plus a 3.0-liter LPI running on Liquefied Petroleum Gas with 230hp, 204.7lb-ft torque.
Both the i10 and i20 by Fiorucci models are characterized by the unique color combos inside and out as well as their upgraded standard equipment and the use of exclusive materials in the cabin.
The most vibrant proposal is the i10 by Fiorucci. It is available with a choice of five colors including Deep Ocean Blue, Oyster Gray, Sleek Silver, Stone Black or Crystal White, with details such as the mirror caps and grille finished in either Fuscia (pink) or Verde Lime (lime green).
Also, how fast do you have to be going to launch the spare tire out of the trunk? If anyone knows what event this was or what specifically was going on (other than putting that poor white Sonata into a mound of dirt), give us a shout.
By Phil Alex
_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________
Earlier today we brought you news of the introduction of Hyundai's new flagship limousine model that is based on the regular Equus sedan, which is scheduled to go on sale in the States towards the end of 2010. Now we bring you a chain of videos shot during the presentation of the XXL Equus Limousine at a special event in South Korea revealing Hyundai's ambitious Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS rival in detail. Hit the break to watch all three videos.
Yesterday, we brought you news and a high-resolution photo album of Hyundai's spanking new 2011 Sonata YF that was presented in its home market of South Korea. And now we have the first videos of the fancy-looking (at least for a mainstream model) mid-size sedan that marks a significant departure style-wise from the previous generations of the Sonata. Whereas the KDM model gets a 165HP 2.0-liter gasoline engine, the North American variant, which will be produced at Hyundai's plant in Alabama from early 2010, will be offered at launch with a 2.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder unit.Aside from the two-minute long promotional film, we've also added clips from the official presentation of the new Sonata that took place in Seoul. For more detailed information on the Korean firm's Toyota Camry-fighting saloon check out our previous post here.
The all-new 2010 Hyundai ix35 or as it will be named in South Korea, the Tucson ix, doesn't make its world debut until the 2009 Frankfurt motorshow in September, but in addition to the first batch of official photos (see here), Hyundai has now released a promotional video showing the Tucson SUV's replacement on the road. You can watch the film right after the jump, but just so you know, Britney Spears haters might want to lower the volume before clicking on play.... 
Not that we consider the quarter mile "drag-race" test as being of any significant importance -there's not much to tell about a car from a straight-line, pedal-to-the-metal sprint- but nevertheless, we were more than curious to see how the all-new Hyundai Genesis Coupe with its 306HP 3.8-liter V6 engine managed against the also new, Nissan 370Z that comes with a 332HP 3.7-liter V6 and the 2010 Ford Mustang GT that is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 with 315HP. We won't spoil the "surprise" by telling you the outcome in MotorTrend's quarter-mile test, so just hit the jump to watch the video.Link: Motortrend
Though not a real commercial, we really enjoyed watching this faux Nissan Sentra advert from The Midnight Show at UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade theater). Written by James Adomian, the ad pits a Toyota Prius hybrid owner against his neighbor who just bought a Hyundai Elantra. The owners' quarrel over who got the best car / deal ends up with a hilarious driveway shooting. Hit the jump to watch the commercial.Via: TheTruthAboutCars
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded five-star crash test ratings to the 2009 Genesis for both frontal and side-impact crash tests, providing yet another helpful selling point to Hyundai's first venture into the luxury car segment. “These five-star results are just one indication of the dedication Hyundai engineers place on safety,” commented John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America’s vice president of Strategic Planning and Product Development. According to Krafcik, the Genesis owes its five star scores at NHTSA’s crash test to the rigid body structure combined with the car’s standard eight airbags and electronic active head restraints. -Check out NHTSA’s crash test video after the jumpTechnorati: Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007
According to Hyundai the Veloster, who’s name is a compound of velocity and roadster, has been designed to cater to the tastes of the Y-generation. “With Veloster, we wanted to try something really different. We’re keenly aware that we need radically new products for the Y-generation, the first-time twenties something buyer,” said Oh Suk-Geun, Hyundai’s vice president of design. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below
SPECS: Hyundai Veloster HND-3
Length - 4,100 mm
Width - 1,790 mm
Height - 1,450 mm
Wheelbase - 2,600 mm
Tires - 245/35 R 20
Powertrain - FWD 2.0-liter DOHC Theta inline 4-cylinder
Gearbox - 5-speed automatic
PRESS RELEASE: Hyundai Unveils QarmaQ
-Sporty Crossover Coupé makes debut in
-Elastic Front safety system reduces pedestrian injury-
-Eco-focused technologies lower weight, fuel consumption and CO2-
At the Geneva International Motor Show today, Hyundai Motor Co. and GE Plastics presented QarmaQ, a first in the Crossover Coupe segment. The QarmaQ is Hyundai's Advanced Technology Demonstration Vehicle (ATDV) that showcases over 30 different environmentally progressive technologies led by the innovative “Elastic Front™”, an innovative solution that can help reduce the risk of severe injuries in Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUV) pedestrian collisions.
Designed at Hyundai Motor Europe's Design and
“At Hyundai, we believe in innovation for humanity, and QarmaQ demonstrates our commitment to safety innovation and our determination to bring more environmentally responsible technologies to the market,” said Dr. Kwon Moon-Shik, Hyundai Motor's vice president of advanced technology. “We chose to partner with GE Plastics because of their commitment to the environment and their wide range of innovative materials and technical capabilities. Technologies from QarmaQ will provide Hyundai owners with a safer, more environmentally responsible car and a better driving experience.”
The QarmaQ is lighter, stronger and more economical than any current production CUV in its class. It also offers significant recycling advantages both in construction and eventual disassembly. In short, it is a viable and realistic glimpse of the future potential of personal automotive transport.
Pedestrian Safety
The issue of pedestrian safety is a growing one. In the EU, one-fifth of all traffic fatalities – 7,000 people per year – are pedestrians hit by a vehicle. In densely populated
A totally relevant concept
The Hyundai QarmaQ concept car is the result of the fusion of exceptional expertise and engineering foresight from Hyundai and GE Plastics. More than a design concept, QarmaQ illustrates that environmentally responsible solutions can be elegantly incorporated to enhance safety, design and performance.
"GE Plastics is committed to developing greener, lighter and aesthetically pleasing solutions to support our customers in creating vehicles with reduced environmental impact," said Gregory A. Adams, vice president and general manager, GE Plastics – Automotive. "We are delighted to have collaborated with Hyundai and we believe that working together we helped them develop an exciting new CUV that demonstrates greater environmental responsibility as well as improved safety, dramatic design, and high performance."
Firmly positioned as a crossover Coupe/CUV, the QarmaQ derives its name from traditional Inuit dwellings, constructed from earth, whalebone and animal skins. Like them, QarmaQ challenges conventional ideas on construction methods and materials. Also in common with the original structures, it boasts unusual strength, resilience and protection.
By combining leading edge design, advanced engineering techniques and the benefits of GE materials technology, QarmaQ demonstrates the ability to meet necessary, but problematic areas of legislation dealing with pedestrian safety and eco-responsibility.
The choice of a crossover coupe/CUV format for QarmaQ underlines the commitment of Hyundai to design innovation in this market sector. With
This 2+2 vehicle targets the important empty next baby boomers demographic, who are rediscovering a new-found freedom while remaining the wealthiest demographic in history. Today, this key group of consumers is beginning to spend their nest egg and enjoy the fruits of their labour, not on material possessions, but on experiences. The QarmaQ soulfully blends the driving experience of a Coupe with the ability to manage multi-terrain driving of a CUV, providing empty nesters with effortless access to their outdoor playground.
Design: Freedom of shape
As a joint project with GE Plastics, QarmaQ endowed designers with greater expressive freedom to create complex three-dimensional shapes that could not have been achieved with conventional production methods and materials such as metal and glass.
"The powerful profile and stance of the design incorporates dynamic, sculptural qualities and elegant sportiness on one hand, with smooth refined surfaces on the other," said Thomas Bürkle, chief designer, Hyundai Motor Europe. "Moreover, the various properties of the GE materials allowed more freedom in meeting or even exceeding safety requirements. The result is a uniquely balanced and harmonic design both inside and out," he added.
Departing from conventional car design that combines a lower body and a glass cabin on top, QarmaQ blazes a new trail with panoramic wrap-around glazing area using GE’s Lexan™ polycarbonate resin. This part sits between the two pronounced “muscles” above the front and rear wheels. The C-shaped side window enables innovative helicopter-like downward visibility and is a key design feature demonstrating the new glazing technology.
Exterior: Fluidity of line
Connected by unique glazed surfaces, the exterior design relates strongly to, and interacts effortlessly with the interior. The unique division between the solid bodywork and transparent glazed areas creates a new perspective, whether viewed from inside or from the pedestrian standpoint.
The exterior contours and fluidity of line have been refined to give an immediate impression of movement frozen in motion. This aesthetic is mirrored in the interior, so that the fusion and merging of the perceptual boundaries between inside and out delivers a feeling of integration and synchronization to the overall appearance.
Although QarmaQ does not have a high waistline or small window area (conventional methods to convey a feeling of protection), the exterior design still communicates a commanding presence and a feeling of protection to the occupants.
”The QarmaQ’s exterior design communicates a commanding presence and a feeling of protection to the occupants,” said Robert Butterfield, global market director, GE Plastics. “ The twin domes on the sunroof, facilitated by the new glazing technology, increases the inner space for the rear passengers and creates a unique design feature.” The wrap-around windscreen, in combination with the elongated bonnet delivers dramatic, almost classic, proportions and gives the car a unique sporty feeling. Finally, the contrast of the strong dark coloured areas to the lighter tonal areas emphasizes QarmaQ’s off-road DNA.
Interior
In response to shrinking family sizes and emergent customer preferences, QarmaQ is specifically designed to carry four people in above average comfort. The extensive use of new materials and techniques has resulted in a more fluid, more unified interior, by allowing seamless integration of otherwise intrusive elements.
As the sporting exterior proportions suggest, QarmaQ is primarily a driver’s car. Within its unique interior architecture the cockpit is isolated in an active, yet protective pod structure. This helps promote a sensorial and highly self-indulgent driving experience.
One of the main aims of the interior design was to develop a practical and interactive space, which wraps around the occupants. The driver-oriented cockpit, which combines functionality with organic sculpted shapes, creates an attractive, fun-to-drive atmosphere. This is further underlined by:
• Inclusion of smooth surfaces embedded with discrete or hidden touch activated sensors
• “Floating” elements pulsating and glowing with tinted ambient lighting
The interior is brought alive by a variety of technologies, effects and surfaces, including:
• Thoughtful ambient LED lighting by Lumination, LLC glows through ceramic components
• Silicone applied next to leather, to give a pleasing tactile and visual experience
The colour harmony of the interior has been designed to enhance the feeling of serenity and spaciousness, which in turn relates directly to the high level of comfort enjoyed by the passengers. The mixed effects, textures and colours add sophistication to the dynamic forms and strong presence of the car. Functional elements made from aluminium emphasise the more technical aspects, contrasting with and highlighting the softness of the interior materials.
New materials, new directions in comfort and safety
Current composite technology is usually thought too expensive and too difficult to fabricate to be of use anywhere but the aerospace and motor racing industries. The QarmaQ is physical proof that this need not be so.
The wrap-around GE Lexan™ windscreen and extensive use of GE polycarbonate glazing materials provides a weight saving of up to 50 percent in relation to glass, while simultaneously allowing more adventurous shapes than flat glass. The glazing features a unique technology from Exatec™ which deposits a thin protective layer of glass on the Lexan™ to add protection from scratching and the effects of weathering.
The QarmaQ also introduces new curved and moving side glazing in Lexan. As well as allowing such advanced applications, the impact resistance and other properties of this material also helps increase both occupant and pedestrian safety.
Exatec™ infrared coatings on the whole transparent areas reflect heat, helping cool the interior and reducing the power demands upon the infrared regulated air conditioning. Lighting is achieved by incorporating mood illumination into the actual material, delivering a unique interior ambience. The material also facilitates a perfectly flat, fully integrated fractal radio antenna within the roof structure.
Among other milestones in the construction of QarmaQ, the front wings were designed from the beginning to be one very large single injection moulded component. Together with the deformable bonnet and precise bumper mouldings, these also form a major addition to pedestrian impact safety. The sophistication of the material and manufacturing technique also played a major part in the ability to fully encapsulate the complex headlight shape into the whole frontal styling.
At the other end, the tailgate breaks new ground by bonding different materials, including the glazing and rear light assemblies, to create a one-piece component structure. This increases the integral strength, while at the same time simplifying vehicle assembly and reducing weight.
Another major safety advance is the use of sensors to detect vehicle presence in the blind spots of the rear view mirrors when pulling out or overtaking, and audio-visually alert the driver.
Euro5 diesel engine
The QarmaQ's 2-liter diesel engine is fully compliant with EURO5 emission regulations. It features the very latest technologies such as high pressure fuel injection and fine fuel spray atomization for higher torque and better power output. Regulated emissions such as CO, THC, NOx and PM, were reduced drastically while a Catalyzed Particulate Filter system, CPF, is capable of cleaning about 90 percent of the particulate matter from the diesel emissions. Furthermore, by switching the position of CPF from the under-floor area to a location more closely coupled to the exhaust manifold, it was possible to minimize the catalytic light-off time and to enhance the naturally regenerative characteristics of the CPF.
A greener future
Thanks to extensive use of advanced materials, QarmaQ is 60 kg lighter than a comparable vehicle made with traditional materials.
GreenOrder, an environmental strategy firm based in New York, N.Y. that audited QarmaQ estimated that the 60 kg. that have been taken out of the QarmaQ, means the vehicle would require about 80 fewer litres of diesel per year, and would cut annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 200 kg. Furthermore, if every new vehicle registered in the European Union (EU-15) in 2006 had reduced fuel consumption by the same amount, the result would have been an annual savings of more than 7.4 million barrels of diesel fuel -- or enough to sustain the European Union (EU-15) diesel demand for three days.
As a result, the greenhouse gas savings would equal approximately 3.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. According to Joseph Malcoun, an Associate with GreenOrder, cutting edge material technologies are expected to make a major contribution to increasing the fuel economy of tomorrow’s passenger vehicles. “As consumer demand for more fuel efficient vehicles continues to grow, we expect the use of advanced materials to play an increasing role in reducing the greenhouse gas footprint of the cars we drive.”
HPPC composites for horizontal body panels significantly reduce part weight - up to 50 percent per part - while maintaining strength equal to that of steel. This lighter-weight cladding contributes to better fuel efficiency and improved power-to-weight ratio for drivers and its energy absorbing qualities are harnessed to create the Elastic Front™ safety system.
The QarmaQ's body panels use an environmental responsible plastic, Xenoy iQ™ and Valox iQ developed as part of GEs ecomagination™ initiative to address three critical environmental concerns: conserving energy, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and up-cycling or re-using materials such as PET plastic bottles. The QarmaQ re -uses approximately 900 PET bottles that would otherwise become landfill.
Another environmentally progressive aspect of QarmaQ’s design is the use of GE paint replacement technologies, including Visualfx™ resins with Lexan™ films, to replace painting operations that can release toxic and greenhouse gases.
To eliminate dependency on PVC in the wiring, GE’s Noryl resin technology was used for wire and cable coating. Replacing PVC, these ultra-thin coatings can reduce cable weight by up to 25 percent.
Technorati: Hyundai+QarmarQ, Concept, Youtube, Video, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images
