Autoblog Green

LA 2009: Hyundai confirms turbo and hybrid for new Sonata

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:52:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Hyundai, LA Auto Show

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

At the official introduction of the new Hyundai Sonata today at the LA Auto Show, Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik confirmed some additional details that were not in the initial press release. When the 2011 Sonata goes on sale next month the only powertrain option will be the new 198 hp direct injected 2.4-liter four cylinder. Hyundai has opted to forgo a V6, making it unique in the mid-sized sedan segment. When we got a recent preview of the Sonata it certainly appeared that there was enough room in the engine compartment for a V6.

Some of that space will be occupied by new hardware, but it doesn't include more cylinders. Instead, Krafcik told the audience that a turbocharged version of the DI four-cylinder will join the lineup later this year. No information was given about power output but we would guess it will be in the 260-270 hp range, making it comparable to the V6s used in Camrys, Accords and Fusions. If it reaches that level, it would be well above the expected 230 hp output of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four that is coming from Ford later this year.

The other powertrain for the Sonata will be the company's first U.S.-market hybrid. The hybrid system was first shown a year ago here in LA. That system will also be based around the DI engine and will be the first production automotive application of a lithium polymer battery.

[Source: Hyundai]

LA 2009: Hyundai confirms turbo and hybrid for new Sonata originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai tops the list as the most fuel efficient automaker in the U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Hyundai, Green Daily, USA

Quick - name the most fuel efficient car brand in America. Did you say Toyota? Honda? Surely, you're not alone, but incorrect all the same. In fact, the answer is none other than Hyundai, which publicly set out to nab the title just one year ago. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Hyundai cars averaged 30.1 miles per gallon for the 2009 model year.

Rounding out the top five are Honda (29.7 mpg), Volkswagen (29.6), Toyota (29.4) and Kia (28.0). Naturally, we can expect all of these figures to continue rising in the coming years as every automaker strives to meet the upcoming 35.5 mpg U.S. standard for the 2016 model year.

Hyundai promises to meet that requirement with such technologies as direct injection, turbocharging, hybrid powertrains and lithium polymer batteries. The Korean automaker's first hybrid vehicle will be the 2011 Sonata sedan, which will hit the market early next year. Click past the break for the press release.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai tops the list as the most fuel efficient automaker in the U.S.

Hyundai tops the list as the most fuel efficient automaker in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai's new 2.4L GDI four cylinder hits up to 200hp in Sonata, 10% more MPG

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Hyundai

Hyundai 2.4L Theta-II GDI - click above for high-res image gallery

When Hyundai's all new Sonata goes on sale early in 2010, it will arrive in U.S. showrooms with only one available engine, a thoroughly revamped version of the 2.4-liter Theta-II four cylinder. The new engine is Hyundai's first production powerplant with gasoline direct injection, but John Juriga, director of powertrains at the Hyundai-Kia Technical Center (HATCI), promised it wouldn't be the last. Juriga told attendees at a recent media briefing at HATCI that Hyundai was planning to roll out GDI across its lineup in the coming years.

For now, though, we have to be content with the new Sonata engine. The basic internal dimensions are carried over from the 2010 port injected edition, with bore and stroke of 88 mm x 97 mm for a total displacement of 2,359 cc. The new fuel delivery system has allowed the engineering team to bump the compression ratio from 10.5:1 up to 11.3:1. Like other direct injected engines, the charge cooling effect of injecting the fuel in into the high temperature compressed aid allows the elevated compression without the risk of knock. Read on to learn more about the first GDI Hyundai engine.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai's new 2.4L GDI four cylinder hits up to 200hp in Sonata, 10% more MPG

Hyundai's new 2.4L GDI four cylinder hits up to 200hp in Sonata, 10% more MPG originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai could still introduce clean diesel in America, under the right conditions

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Hyundai, USA

At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, diesels were all the rage with a wide array automakers showing off compression ignition engines that were planned to meet U.S. emissions standards and go on sale here. Within months however, a combination of factors - rising diesel prices and the economic collapse foremost among them - led to many of those plans being canceled. One of the companies showing new diesels back then was Kia which, of course, is partnered with Hyundai. John Juriga, director of powertrains at the Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center (HATCI) near Ann Arbor told us that clean diesels were being tested there and we had previously been told expect diesels in the Kia Borrego and Hyundai Veracruz, possibly by 2009 or 2010. At this point, that's not happening.

However, that's not the end of the story for diesel Hyundais in the U.S. At a media briefing at HATCI on Friday to show off the new direct injected four cylinder that's going into the Sonata, Juriga brought up diesel when discussing the company's powertrain plans. Hyundai has diesel engines ranging from 1.1-3.0-liters everywhere else in the world but North America and the company is ready to certify to U.S. standards. According to Juriga, it's just a matter of having the right economic conditions. If and when vehicle sales look like they will return to a point when sales volumes can justify the cost of certification and fuel prices drive a demand for diesel, we could see it happen. Unfortunately, right now is not yet that time.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai could still introduce clean diesel in America, under the right conditions originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai launches first direct injected engine, coming to new Sonata

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Hyundai

testing Hyundai's Theta II DGI engine - click above for high-res image gallery

When the swoopy new 2011 Hyundai Sonata goes into production at Hyundai's plant in Alabama early in 2010, it won't offer a V6 engine anymore, but it will get the company's first ever direct injected engine. This week in South Korea, Hyundai took the wraps off the 2.4-liter Theta II GDI four cylinder. Like similar engines from other automakers, Hyundai's engineers have taken advantage of the charge cooling effect of direct injection by boosting the compression ratio to 11.3:1. As a result, the engine produces 198 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm in Korean spec.

The direct injection system is set up to use a two-pulse strategy similar to modern common rail diesels. The initial smaller pulse is ignited by the spark plug and then followed by a second larger pulse as the piston begins its downward stroke. GM uses a similar strategy for the 2.4-liter DI Ecotec because it helps warm the engine faster, heating the catalytic converter and reducing emissions. The GDI Theta II produces from 7-12 percent more torque across the rev range than the port injected version of the engine. Efficiency should improve by about 10 percent, although the final certification figures aren't complete yet. The Theta II also gets continuously variable valve timing on both camshafts. The GDI engine will likely also be used for the new Sonata hybrid when it debuts late in 2010.

Gallery: Hyundai 2.4L direct injected Theta II

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai launches first direct injected engine, coming to new Sonata

Hyundai launches first direct injected engine, coming to new Sonata originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thrifty Dutch Hyundai onwers can win up to €10,000 in free gas

Xavier Navarro — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:13:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Hyundai, Europe/EU

Thrifty Dutch Hyundai owners have been given a chance to enter a contest where the prize is the equivalent of five years' worth of gas, estimated at €10,000. The package goes to whoever is the most frugal at the wheel. Anyone registering for the contest at Dutch Hyundai dealers is also entered to win a €500 fuel card. The fuel challenge will be conducted in December and there's more information at the official site. A local Dutch auto publication is also offering another €500 card. Because nothing says conserve your fuel like giving drivers three independent chances to win free gas.

[Source: AutoNL]

Thrifty Dutch Hyundai onwers can win up to €10,000 in free gas originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai releases 2010 Accent details, pricing, talks up Blue's fuel economy

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Accent - Click above for high-res image gallery

The big news for Hyundai's updated 2010 Accent is fuel efficiency. The Korean automaker has managed to improve average miles per gallon by four percent in the city and three percent on the highway by means of low-friction engine internals, aero improvements, low-resistance tires and a so-called "smart" alternator system.

Interestingly, the least expensive Accent for 2010 is the new Blue model, which will start at $9,970 (plus destination) and will be aided by revised transmission gearing and a lowered ride height to manage a combined 31 miles per gallon. Also new on some models is an iPod USB port that both charges the music player and allows for its control through the equally new steering wheel audio controls.

Power for the Accent comes from a 1.6-liter four cylinder engine that features continuously variable valve timing and manages 110 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices include a standard five-speed manual (which is rowed with a B&M shifter on SE models) or an optional four-speed automatic. Manual models will get an EcoShift light while autos receive a green ECO light to indicate when the driver is achieving optimal fuel efficiency.

Price? As previously mentioned, the entry-level Blue model can be had for under $10K - making it the cheapest new car available in the United States - while the least expensive version with an automatic transmission goes for $12,995. Top-of-the-line SE three-doors start at $16,995. Add an extra $720 for shipping, regardless of trim. Click past the break for the complete press release.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai releases 2010 Accent details, pricing, talks up Blue's fuel economy

Hyundai releases 2010 Accent details, pricing, talks up Blue's fuel economy originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Hyundai Elantra Blue improves fuel efficiency to 35 mpg, starts at $14,145

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Elantra Blue - click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai has added a new Blue edition of the Elantra compact sedan for the 2010 model year that ups the highway mileage number to 35 mpg with 26 mpg in the city. All 2010 Elantras get engine updates that include lower friction internal components, calibration updates and a smart alternator management system to reduce the parasitic losses. The Blue adds a five-speed manual gearbox with revised ratios to reduce engine speeds on the highway.

All other Elantras get a four-speed automatic transmission with an updated torque converter. The lock up clutch is improved to increase the efficiency at highway speeds. The automatic Elantra is rated at 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. While most of the high efficiency variants of cars in Europe, like VW's Bluemotion models, usually carry a price premium, the Elantra Blue is actually the entry level model and starts at $14,145. Unfortunately, only the four-door sedan is available in the Blue edition. The five-door Elantra Touring doesn't get a Blue model.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Elantra Blue

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading 2010 Hyundai Elantra Blue improves fuel efficiency to 35 mpg, starts at $14,145

2010 Hyundai Elantra Blue improves fuel efficiency to 35 mpg, starts at $14,145 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Hyundai ix-Metro concept is all white by us

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:50:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hyundai, Frankfurt Motor Show

Hyundai ix-Metro concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai returned to Frankfurt a far bigger player than it was two years prior. The Korean company has leapt up the sales standings to become the world's fourth largest automaker, eclipsing such major players as Ford and Honda. And its product line has long since expanded from diminutive hatchbacks to include crossovers and luxury sedans. What better way, then, to mark its newfound stature than to unveil... a diminutive hatchback/crossover thing?

Of course, Hyundai also unveiled the new ix35 Tucson, but presented along side was the automaker's vision for a compact hybrid. Called the ix Metro, it may be about the same size as the Geo that once bore the same name, but packs more curves and creases into the same plot of real estate than a linen mill. Curiously, Hyundai hasn't provided any details on the electric component of the hybrid drivetrain, but the conventional side of the equation boasts direct injection, variable valve timing and a turbocharger in a tiny 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine, driving through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The interior looks like something straight out of Star Trek, but don't take our word for it, check it out for yourself in the gallery below.

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Hyundai ix-Metro concept is all white by us

Frankfurt 2009: Hyundai ix-Metro concept is all white by us originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Hyundai Santa Fe gets new diesel in Europe along with 6-speeds

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Santa Fe - click above for high res image gallery

Hyundai is introducing a refreshed version of its Santa Fe SUV for the 2010 model year. The European version will be shown next week in Frankfurt with updated fascias and powertrains. Europeans will be able to get a new diesel engine in addition to a revised gas engine. The 2.2-liter diesel is rated at 197 hp and 311 lb-ft or torque which should be plenty for the Santa Fe. Combined with a new 6-speed manual gearbox, the Hyundai is rated at 35.6 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined driving cycle. The gas engine is a 2.4-liter unit with 174 hp that gets 27.7 mpg (U.S.) on the same test.

Unfortunately, the last time we checked with Hyundai, they had backed away from any plans to offer diesels in the U.S. market so we will only get gas engines when the update arrives here late this year. For 2009, the U.S. Santa Fe is only offered with V6 engines, but a new direct injected four is also expected be part of the lineup. The 6-speed automatic transmission will almost certainly be part of the U.S. lineup for the refresh.

Gallery: 2010 Hyunda Santa Fe Europe

[Source: Carscoop]

2010 Hyundai Santa Fe gets new diesel in Europe along with 6-speeds originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Hyundai goes Blue (Drive) with ix Metro and i10 Electric

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hyundai, Frankfurt Motor Show

Hyundai ix Metro - click above for a high-res image gallery

We've already seen a mini-preview of the Hyundais ix35 that will be on display in Frankfurt in a few weeks, but the real exciting vehicles are the ones that the company is teasing today. The ix Metro and the i10 Electric will be am Main to show off the Korean automaker's Blue Drive eco-efforts.

The ix Metro, above, a gasoline-electric hybrid with CO₂ emissions of just 80 grams per kilometer will make its world debut at the IAA. The amazingly low emissions, especially from a CUV, are the result of a small, 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with direct injection and turbocharging mated to a six-speed dual clutch transmission that works with an undescribed battery to move the vehicle.

The i10 Electric (pictured after the jump) is a zero-emission version of the standard i10 city car that uses a 16 kWh battery and a 49kW motor for a 100-mile range. Using household 220V charging, the battery can be fully charged in five hours. Hyundai says the BEV is production-ready and will go on sale in its home market in the second half of 2010.

Hyundai will also bring Elantra LPI HEV and the Blue Will Plug-In Hybrid Electric, both previously displayed, to Frankfurt. We'll have more live from Frankfurt on September 15th.

Gallery: Hyundai line-up for 2010 Frankfurt Motor Show

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Hyundai goes Blue (Drive) with ix Metro and i10 Electric

Frankfurt Preview: Hyundai goes Blue (Drive) with ix Metro and i10 Electric originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Hyundai ix35, the SUV with mainstream hatchback running costs

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hyundai, Frankfurt Motor Show

Hyundai ix35 - Click image above to enlarge

Hyundai sells a lot of Tucson SUVs in Europe but, if people want to buy the latest "version" of the Tucson next spring they'll need to forget the name and ask for something called an ix35 instead. Hyundai, like so many other automakers, apparently thinks cats walking on keyboards is a great way to name vehicles, and will be bringing the ix35 to the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. While Hyundai isn't saying what sort of powerplant will sit underhood, the company is claiming that enhanced aerodynamics and a "more refined powertrain technology" (compared to the Tucson) will reduce fuel use and CO₂ emissions to the point where the running costs for the ix35 will "compete head on ... with mainstream hatchbacks." This is a small SUV, to be sure, but that claim is nonetheless mighty impressive. We'll find out exactly what the numbers are when the ix35 is revealed on September 15th.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Hyundai ix35, the SUV with mainstream hatchback running costs

Frankfurt Preview: Hyundai ix35, the SUV with mainstream hatchback running costs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid caught in the desert

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hyundai, Spy Shots

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

Hyundai plans to launch its first-ever hybrid in America, based on the next-generation Sonata midsize sedan, in late 2010. As we can see from this series of spy shots, testing is well underway as the Korean automaker was spotted out and about in the desert with a heavily camoflauged 2011 Sonata Hybrid - and there were hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima in tow.

Hyundai has taken a slightly different approach to energy storage, using flat lithium polymer battery packs holding 5.3 Ah of capacity at 270 volts in lieu of nickel metal hydride or lithium ion technology. Expect the hybrid bits to add 30kW of power to Hyundai's 2.4-liter Theta II four cylinder powerplant mated up with a six-speed automatic transmission. A quick glance underhood shows the telltale bright orange wiring normally associated with hybrid automobiles.

A closer look at the spy photos shows that Hyundai will apply the currently-popular four-door coupe trend to its next Sonata. We also clearly note radically sweeping headlamps that stretch all the way past the front wheel arches, a rising bodyside ridge and a vaguely Genesis-esque front grille treatment. Expect all of these styling elements on both the standard 2011 Sonata and its accompanying hybrid sibling.

Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid caught in the desert originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai: CARS (cash for clunkers) will improve fuel economy by 60 percent

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Hyundai, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily

Automakers in the U.S. are scrambling to figure out how best to sell their vehicles under the new cash-for-clunkers Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). BMW is offering "Eco Credits" for some of its diesels and Chrysler is offering "Double CA$H For Your Old Car". Hyundai has been offering clunker deals since early July, and recently took a look at what people are trading in and what they're buying. There is potential good news for people who think that CARS will have a big impact on American fuel use.

Hyundai's early statistics show that the average change from old vehicle to new is a nearly 60 percent improvement in fuel economy. This is helped, in part, but the fact that 83 percent of the vehicles being traded in are trucks, SUVs or vans and 86 percent of the new vehicles being bought are passenger cars. If these numbers indicate how CARS shoppers will continue to buy new vehicles for the life of the program, Hyundai believes that, annually, the U.S. will reduce fuel use by 69 million gallons, save $170 Million in fuel costs and reduce CO₂ emissions by 600,000 metric tons thanks to the legislation.

[Source: Hyundai Motor America]

Continue reading Hyundai: CARS (cash for clunkers) will improve fuel economy by 60 percent

Hyundai: CARS (cash for clunkers) will improve fuel economy by 60 percent originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai investing $3.3 billion in green technologies by 2013

Xavier Navarro — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:19:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, Manufacturing/Plants, Hyundai, Kia, Asia

Hyundai Avante LPI Hybrid - Click for high-res image gallery

Korean automaker Hyundai knows how it can meet South Korea's upcoming new emissions and fuel efficiency legislation: by spending $3.3 billion between now and 2013.

About $1.8 billion of that figure will be dedicated to the development of hybrid vehicles, another $1.1 billion to improve overall engine efficiency, and the remainder will be used on energy facilities to cut emissions. Hyundai joins other local companies in meeting the government's standards. Samsung, for example, announced $4.3 billion for investing in green technologies. The South Korean government announced early this month that the country will spend two percent of its annual gross domestic product in the environmental sector.

[Source: Reuters]

Hyundai investing $3.3 billion in green technologies by 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia: Mass-produced fuel cell cars would cost $50,000 today

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:49:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, Hyundai, Kia

Kia Borrego FCEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Let's face it: Hydrogen technology still has a ways to go before there's any real chance that we'll all be driving fuel cell cars in lieu of electric or fossil fuel-burning machines. Chief among the issues confronting the widespread adoption of hydrogen for automotive use is cost, though that obstacle is currently being worked on. According to Byung Ki-Ahn, general manager of Kia's Mabuk-ri site, "Even if we were producing 50,000 fuel cell cars a year, they would currently have to cost $50,000 each."

While it would be easy for hydrogen proponents to latch on to this statement as good news - and, if true, that pricing is considerably better than we would have predicted - there's more to overcome than just the pricey fuel cell stack. For instance, even if Kia were indeed building 50,000 fuel cell cars per year, there would need to be an adequate infrastructure to support those vehicles. Further, a low cost and eco-friendly process for capturing, storing and transporting large amounts of hydrogen still needs to be developed.

Regardless, it's clear that Kia, along with corporate cousin Hyundai, believe these issues will be worked out in time. When asked where the Korean automaker currently sits on a production-ready hydrogen vehicle, Ki-Ahn said, "On a scale of one to 10, I'd say we we're at six or seven. Before 2020, many people will be hearing about fuel cell vehicles made by Hyundai-Kia."

Gallery: Kia Borrego FCEV

[Source: Galway Independent via Hydrogen Discoveries]

Kia: Mass-produced fuel cell cars would cost $50,000 today originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai: Production Veloster to be positioned as Eco-Sport car

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Hyundai

2007 Hyundai Veloster concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last February, we revealed that a production version of the Hyundai Veloster was in the works and would likely hit the market as a late 2011 or 2012 model. Speaking to Inside Line, Hyundai of America's President and CEO John Krafcik says the Korean automaker plans to position the Veloster as an 'Eco-Sport' car.

According to Krafcik, the car will be significantly smaller than Hyundai's own Genesis Coupe (not to mention the Kia Forte) and will be powered by a 1.6-liter four-banger fortified with direct injection that will offer up 140 horsepower while returning over 40 miles per gallon.

Krafcik goes on to say the new machine will look 70-to-80 percent like the Veloster concept that we saw firsthand at the LA Auto Show in 2007, and it will feature some sort of unique styling element. Says Krafcik, "It might be doors or a unique roof or something with the hatch. But it won't be like anything out there before in the small car segment."

"Think of it like a four-passenger Honda CRX. It'll be a little car you can take out and wring its neck and still get good mileage," he said. "Fun and economical, with a great power-to-weight ratio." Sounds like a winner. All that's left to figure out is the car's name, which may or may not end up being either Veloster or Tiburon.

[Source: Inside Line]

Hyundai: Production Veloster to be positioned as Eco-Sport car originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Hyundai planning plug-in sports car for 2012

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:39:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Hyundai

Hyundai BLUE-WILL Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai's first-ever hybrid automobile for the U.S. market will be based on the redesigned 2011 Sonata midsize sedan, but it certainly isn't the only fuel-saver the Korean automaker has in store. According to Automotive News, Yang Woong-chul, president of R&D for Hyundai-Kia Motors, has reiterated his company's plans to aggressively enter the increasingly crowded hybrid market.

To that end, Hyundai plans to launch a new sporty plug-in electric car based on the striking Blue-Will concept from the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year. Powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injected powerplant and 100kw electric motor mated up with a CVT automatic transmission, the Blue-Will reportedly has a range of 38 miles in EV mode and an overall rating of 55 mpg when the gas engine is in operation.

Expect a similar drivetrain for the production car when it hits the market in 2012 to go up against the upcoming Chevy Volt and the plug-in version of Toyota's standard-bearing Prius hybrid. So far, there's no word on expected pricing for the PHEV, but Hyundai says the goal is to 'show its technology and improve its image,' not to make money. Consider our interest piqued.

Gallery: Hyundai BLUE-WILL hybrid concept

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Hyundai planning plug-in sports car for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai gets 1,000 retail orders for its Avante LPI hybrid in South Korea

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hyundai

Hyundai Avante LPI Hybrid - Click for high-res image gallery

Hyundai only launched retail sales of its first hybrid a couple of weeks ago, but the South Korean automaker has already received 1,000 orders in its home market. Hyundai's hybrid system has been installed in the Avante (which is sold elsewhere as the Elantra). The Avante is the first retail hybrid available with an engine running on liquefied petroleum gas.

The Avante uses a 15 kW electric motor mounted between the engine and transmission along with an integrated starter-generator to provide stop-start functionality. Hyundai has no plans to sell this or the Kia Forte hybrid outside of Korea in their current forms. However, Hyundai will launch a hybrid version of the new Sonata with a 30 kW motor later in 2010 in North America. The redesigned Sonata will debut in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Sonata will use a lithium polymer battery, the first such application in a hybrid.

[Source: Canadian Driver]

Hyundai gets 1,000 retail orders for its Avante LPI hybrid in South Korea originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Hyundai Assurance provision locks gas at $1.49/gal for one year [w/VIDEO]

Chris Shunk — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Hyundai, Green Daily

Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock ads - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

Hyundai is piling on additional incentives to boost its Assurance program as the industry heads into the dog days of summer. The newest promotion, Gas Lock, fixes the price of regular unleaded at $1.49 per gallon for the next year. The program runs July 1 through August 31, and eligible vehicles include the Accent, Sonata, Tiburon, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Entourage, Azera, Santa Fe, Tucson and Veracruz. Customers choosing to utilize Gas Lock will forgo $1,000 in available rebates, making the incentive a gamble that gas prices will remain high.

Hyundai Assurance struck at cord with the American public when it offered payment protection in the event of job loss. Now Hyundai is looking to give consumers increased peace of mind over of the volatility of gas prices, which have swung from under $2 a gallon a few months ago to nearly $3 at the beginning of summer.

John Krafcik, CEO and president of Hyundai Motor America, says the company's research shows that "nearly 40% of potential new car buyers are staying out of the market specifically due to uncertainty around future gas prices."

You may remember that last year, Chrysler tried a similar promotion, offering the opportunity to lock in gas at $2.99 per gallon when a gallon of petrol was at an all-time high of about $4.50. The move didn't appear to be very successful for the Pentastar, as most opted to instead take the upfront cash on the hood. Hit the jump to pour over the particulars of Hyundai's Gas Lock promotion, watch the two commercials, and let us know in the comments section if you feel customers would be better off taking the $1,000 or one year of $1.49 gasoline.

[Source: Hyundai | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

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New Hyundai Assurance provision locks gas at $1.49/gal for one year [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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