2013 Hyundai Elantra 4dr Sdn on 2040-cars

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Hyundai Palisade SUV supersizes it at L.A. Auto Show

Hyundai is adding to the SUV fracas at the L.A. Auto Show with the debut of its new 2020 Palisade SUV today. We got a sneak peek a couple of weeks ago here in Detroit, but now we can give you our full impressions as it's revealed in California. Let's start with size, because the Palisade is larger than any SUV currently offered in Hyundai's lineup, including the Santa Fe XL. It's considered a midsize SUV and will compete with vehicles like the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Subaru Ascent and others. Hyundai is aiming to attract buyers who might have passed on the Santa Fe XL due to its smaller size compared to other mid-sizers. The Palisade can be had in a true eight-seat configuration, however, a captain's seat second-row option can make it a seven-seater. To move all the extra heft around, Hyundai has dropped an updated 3.8-liter V6 engine into it, which now runs on the Atkinson cycle. It's a curious choice for a big vehicle meant for utility and towing, but the engine makes 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. No upgraded engine options are available, and it will be mated to Hyundai's eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive will be standard, but all-wheel drive is optional. The Palisade uses Hyundai's HTRAC all-wheel drive system with a few different selectable modes, which changes the torque distribution depending on the conditions (up to 50/50 front to rear). It rides on a modified and enlarged Santa Fe platform that we're told will have some similarities with the upcoming Kia Telluride. Looking at the large and proud new Hyundai, it has a few bits here and there to make it stand out from the crowded midsize SUV horde. Hyundai is definitely latching on to the headlights-in-bumper styling, which ends up making the daytime running lights a bit squintier. It doesn't look bad per se, but it's definitely different. It hardly even bears mentioning, but the large grille on the Palisade makes for but another big car with a big face. Around back is where Hyundai went a little off the beaten path. The metal surround taillight design is worthy of a double take. All around, the Palisade just feels a good bit larger than the Santa Fe, but carries its own look. The interior is where things really start to come together for the Palisade. It's safe to say that Hyundai just keeps getting better and better at putting together a high-quality and luxurious-looking place to live in. We love the sweeping center stack look and array of metal buttons.

2015 Hyundai Sonata

Completely redesigning a vehicle competing in a fiercely contested segment requires delicately balancing styling, performance, safety, efficiency, innovation, passenger comfort and pricing, while simultaneously not alienating model loyalists. In other words, it's no simple task.
Automakers generally follow one of two paths. Some take a conservative approach and choose to raise each bar marginally, in an effort to appease all and estrange none. Others strategically take risks and focus on specific attributes in an attempt to shift perception about their vehicle.
With its all-new 2015 Sonata, Hyundai has taken the second approach when overhauling one of its best-selling vehicles. The Korean automaker has executed an impressive number of targeted improvements, yet it's also softened some of its predecessor's qualities in an attempt to demonstrate greater refinement and position its midsize sedan upscale. Whereas the outgoing car successfully aimed to establish itself as a credible contender in the midsize segment, the new model is gunning for customers that might otherwise be seeking entry-level models from luxury automakers.

Autoblog Podcast #389

Episode #389 of the Autoblog podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Chris Paukert, and Mark Pereira from Autoblog Canada talk about Johan deNysschen's move to Cadillac, rumors of more BMW nomenclature changes, a second generation for the Subaru BRZ, and cars from 2004 that we miss. We start with what's in the garage and finish up with some of your questions, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Check out the new rundown below with times for topics, and you can follow along down below with our Q&A. Thanks for listening! Autoblog Podcast #389: The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience. Topics: Johan de Nysschen moves to Cadillac BMW model designations changing even more Subaru BRZ getting second generation Cars We Miss In the Autoblog Garage: 2014 Ducati 899 Panigale 2015 Hyundai Sonata 2015 Volkswagen GTI 2015 Chevrolet Silverato 2500 Diesel Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Paukert, Mark Pereira Runtime: 01:59:10 Rundown: Intro and Garage - 00:00 Johan deNysschen - 36:12 BMW Nomenclature - 53:58 BRZ - 56:27 Cars We Miss - 01:05:07 Q&A - 01:30:09 Get the podcast: [UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10 PM Eastern at UStream [iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes [RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator [MP3] Download the MP3 directly Feedback: Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com Review the show in iTunes Auto News Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Podcasts BMW Cadillac Chevrolet Hyundai Subaru Volkswagen