2003 Hyundai Sonata Gls Sedan 4-door 2.7l on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Hyundai, Kia launching dedicated hybrids in 2017

The currently weak green car market isn't stopping Hyundai and Kia from staging an ongoing electrified onslaught, and it's primed to just keep growing. Already familiar with the field thanks to vehicles like the Sonata Hybrid, Tucson Fuel Cell, and Kia Soul EV, for the 2017 model year the Korean siblings are launching their first dedicated hybrids, according to Automotive News. Since last year, the hybrids have been spotted testing several times while wearing heavy camouflage. Hyundai's version will reportedly be styled as a Chevrolet Volt-fighting sedan. Conversely, Kia will go for a more directly Prius-challenging hatchback. Underneath, they'll share a powertrain consisting of a direct-injected, 1.6-liter four-cylinder and electric motor. Both will use the same platform based on the next-gen Elantra and Forte, according to Automotive News. In addition, Hyundai will get a pure EV version of its model to launch in California in 2017, while Kia reportedly won't. According to Automotive News, the companies' strategy is reportedly to be ready when gas prices eventually rise again. "When they come back up and people start looking for hybrids again, it'll be very nice to be able to give buyers an option besides just the Prius," said Adam Kraushaar, president of a New Jersey Hyundai dealer. Further complimenting the electrified plans, a plug-in version of the Kia Optima Hybrid is also reportedly on the way. With its launch, the two brands would have a total of nine hybrid, EV or fuel cell vehicles on offer by the 2018 model year.

Hyundai bringing 1,000-hp Genesis Coupe to SEMA

Hyundai has just unleashed its first volley at the SEMA crowd in the form of the Genesis Coupe you see above, and it's a duesy. By partnering with the powertrain gurus from Bisimoto, Hyundai has managed to cram a thousand horsepower into this highly accessorized black and blue machine, using a mill based on the naturally aspirated Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec engine block.
The big powers are a pair of Bisimoto/Turbonetics BTX6462 turbochargers, which are joined by a full set of aftermarket internals that include new connecting rods, camshafts, forged pistons, fuel pump and fuel injectors, and a massive intercooler. With all that power, the chassis was going to need some updates, such as a complete roll cage and a custom coilover suspension setup.
As is expected from a SEMA show car, there is a bespoke graphics and bodywork package, highlighted by a carbon fiber hood and decklid. Check out the two images provided by Hyundai and the press release below for all the details.

Hyundai Ioniq launches in Korea before challenging Prius in US [w/video]

Enough with the teasers already: Hyundai has officially launched its first dedicated electrified vehicle. The Korean automaker is naturally rolling out the all-new model in its domestic market before sending it our way. But when it does arrive, it will offer a choice of three powertrains with decreasing levels of reliance on fossil fuels. Hyundai isn't saying how far or how fast the Ioniq hybrid will travel, but it will travel on electric mode at up to 75 miles per hour. Deriving its name from an amalgamation of "ion" and "unique," the new Ioniq bears a shape largely dictated by aerodynamic requirements, helping the Ioniq achieve a drag coefficient of just 0.24, and lending it a similar appearance to the Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius, and Honda Insight. Unlike those vehicles, Hyundai will offer a fully electric version of the Ioniq at some point in the future. For the time being, the manufacturer has only detailed the hybrid version. The powertrain is built around a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder Kappa engine rated at 104 horsepower and 108 pound-feet of torque. It's paired to an electric motor that's good for another 43 hp, giving the system a combined output of 139 hp and as much as 195 lb-ft, transmitting power through a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission with a lithium-ion polymer battery pack, hidden under the flat-folding rear seat to maximize passenger and cargo space, supplying the electric motor. Though the focus here is clearly on efficiency, Hyundai says it has also designed the Ioniq to behave in a sportier fashion than its rivals. Hyundai isn't saying how far or how fast the Ioniq hybrid will travel, but has disclosed that it will travel on electric mode at speeds of up to 75 miles per hour. To further its range, the automaker fitted an efficient HVAC system, mounted low-rolling resistance tires, and developed a system that predicts energy requirements based on the programmed route and on traffic patterns to optimize charging and required level of gas engine assistance. It also made the vehicle as light as possible, using high-strength steel for the structure and aluminum for non-structural panels. Even the cargo cover is 25 percent lighter than a conventional one, and the construction uses a variety of renewable and recycled materials like (sugar cane and soybean oil) that are both environmentally friendly and lighter.