This is interesting, Hyundai decided to let slip (accidentally on purpose) info about a concept SUV they were supposed to roll out at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Letting info on a show car slip early is a long held tradition in the auto world. It’s a great way to drum up attention, for one thing, and for another, it can all be part of a sophisticated marketing campaign. Hyundai’s move here is a little different though.

There’s two odd things about this: 1 – Why would Hyundai let an SUV concept out of the bag for Geneva, of all places, and, 2 – Why tout an SUV in a time when SUV sales are tanking, and things are getting greener (i.e. harder on SUVs) in general.

Let’s take a look.

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Our friends from GenesisForums.org got their hands on some still production photos of the upcoming Superbowl ad featuring the long-awaited Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

The rear-wheel-drive Genesis Coupe will feature a 2.0-liter Turbo or 3.8-liter V6 engine. The V6 is expected to produce an impressive 310 horsepower, and pays special attention to keeping weight low. Plus, it’s really…really good looking.

See the photos below: Continue Reading…

Everybody’s getting in on the act, I guess. Or at least that’s what I thought when Hyundai’s latest PR piece landed on my (virtual) desk.

Seems that the Korean car giant isn’t taking environmental concerns sitting down, and is pushing ahead with Blue Drive, an environmental initiative intending to bring to market a family of eco-friendly products and establish Hyundai as an environmental leader.

Essentially, Blue Drive is Hyundai’s plan to lead all automotive brands in the U.S. in fuel economy by achieving a fleet average of 35 miles per gallon by 2015. That’s five years ahead of the NHTSA deadline. They’re going to do this by building a gas-electric full hybrid edition of the next-generation Sonata in 2010. The new Sonata will use a parallel hybrid drive system and lithium polymer battery technology, most other hybrids (I’m looking at you Prius) use nickel-metal hydride and planned lithium-ion applications. In short, Hyundai is going to use better batteries and smarter control over the drive train.

Bully for them, if it works. The more efficient we can make cars, the better.

But can they make the thing look a little more normal. I’m not that big a fan of sedans, but I’d take one over the funky French spaceship direction Hyundai is going with in the shot above.

There’s the full press release & more photos of how this thing works after the jump. Continue Reading…

Hyundai is experiencing something of a revolution nowadays, because for the first time, the Korean manufacturer has made an attempt at sportiness and have come up with a winning formula.

Meaning lots of people like the car. There are several aftermarket companies competing with one another in the form of their Genesis Coupes, HKS is one of them.

Starting off a 2.0 liter turbocharged Coupe, HKS added a GT2835R turbo upgrade, a stainless tubular manifold, a custom intercooler, carbon fiber air box and exhaust, and a sequential blow off valve. A HKS Hipermax III coilover suspension upgrades, and a complete and functional aerodynamic body kit designed by Ken Style complete this aftermarket attempt by HKS to make the Genesis Coupe a worthy choice for tuner mavens.

Another pic after the jump: Continue Reading…

I think that this is a nice example of how enthusiasm in the form of aftermarket tuning can go a little too far.

I don’t want to completely knock the look of the thing, for I believe that the Street Concepts team just got a little carried away and forgot such words as “sensible”, “usable”, and “boy-racer”. Then again, this is SEMA, which is perhaps why it does not look so out fo place: hell, it even looks downright bland in comparison to some others.

The Stealth Fighter black camo paint job kind of did it for me, I mean, can you imagine driving around in this? The bright red “Hyundai” badge is a little weird, and the bright orange headlights somehow scream “cheap tuner” to me. Also, the random stickers just look out of place.

“Big Dawg”? Come on guys, you can do better than that. The “Danger” sticker pointing towards the exhaust is kinda pathetic as well.

I’m a fan of the tinted back lights though, and I’m always a fan of performance enhancements to a 3.8 liter V-6, in this case a K&N cold air intake and a Magnaflow cat back exhaust.

Interior modifications are more focused on showing off than functionality, but it still is nice: Recaro sport seats, black suede accents, and a custom Infinity audio system finish round the package off.

More pics after the jump: Continue Reading…

As truck and SUV sales tank, it’s easy to see why manufacturers are revising or coming out with new CUVs (Crossover Utility Vehicles.) Targeted primarily at small families, CUVs get better fuel economy than their larger, fuel-hungry siblings, while still boasting more space than a family sedan. Think of them as modern-day station wagons, but without the wood paneling.

But don’t think about today’s crossovers in the same light as the station wagons of yore, these are a far cry from your uncle’s Buick Roadmaster. While they may have the same utility, that’s where the similarities end.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a shining example of a crossover.

Overview

Introduced in 2001 as Hyundai’s first SUV, the Santa Fe was a hit with U.S. consumers, contributing to Hyundai’s success in the United States. In 2007, Hyundai completely redesigned the Santa Fe, which carries over into our 2008 review model. We drove the 2008 Limited AWD Santa Fe - the “top-of-the-line” edition. Although the base GLS model starts at a reasonable $21,150, adding the features you want or need can bring the price into the low $30,000 territory.

The base GLS Santa Fe is a budget option, with the only engine choice being an underpowered 185 horsepower 2.7L V6 with 17/23 (city/hwy) mpg. If you go the GLS route, you have the choice of a 4-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual.

Step up into the SE or Limited model and you receive a more powerful 242 horsepower 3.3L V6 engine and a standard 5-speed automatic tranny with no choice for a manual. This engine actually gets 17/24 mpg - slightly better than the smaller 2.7L V6 in the GLS. A curious choice for Hyundai that makes me wonder why the small engine is even available, other than the relatively small price difference.

All models are available with either a front-wheel or all-wheel drivetrain, which has very little effect on fuel economy. The AWD version only costs you an extra $1,700 for each model - a reasonable choice for those who need to occasionally do some light off-road driving or live in an area with lots of snow and ice. Continue Reading…