2022 Hyundai Ioniq Sel on 2040-cars

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Hyundai previews Ioniq with choice of electric powertrains

Hyundai is giving us our first glimpse at its upcoming dedicated electrified model. Called the Ioniq, it's set to debut next month in South Korea, and offer a choice of three powertrain options with varying levels of dependence on electric and gasoline power. All the while, Hyundai promises it will deliver an "entertaining drive alongside class-leading fuel economy and appealing design." Depicted in the teaser image above and detailed in the press release below, the Hyundai Ioniq will be offered as a gasoline/electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or pure EV. It will compete against hybrids like the Toyota Prius and Chevy Volt as well as all-EV models like the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S. The Ioniq is being built on a new platform, designed to deliver sporty handling and efficient propulsion – something which Hyundai characterizes as lacking in the segment. Further details have yet to be announced, but the Ioniq is set to debut in Korea come January. Subsequent motor show debuts are scheduled for Geneva and New York in March. By that time we hope to have more details on the Korean automaker's first dedicated hybrid/EV. Related Video: HYUNDAI MOTOR INTRODUCES IONIQ, THE FIRST CAR TO OFFER A CHOICE OF THREE ELECTRIFIED POWERTRAINS - A world first - electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains available in a single body - The IONIQ breaks hybrid stereotype by delivering entertaining drive alongside class-leading fuel economy and appealing design - Global launch set for January 2016 in Korea, followed by Geneva and New York auto shows, an important step as Hyundai Motor works to be global green car market leader High Wycombe, 7 December 2015 – Hyundai Motor has announced the name of its advanced, alternative-fuel compact vehicle due for launch in 2016: the Hyundai IONIQ. The car will be available with electric, plug-in gasoline/electric hybrid, or gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain – the first car from any manufacturer to offer customers these three powertrain options in a single body type. As part of Hyundai Motor's ambition to chart the direction of future mobility, the IONIQ responds to rapidly changing customer lifestyles by breaking the mold for hybrid vehicles. As the world's first model to offer customers the choice of three powertrain options, the IONIQ combines class-leading fuel efficiency with a fun, responsive drive and attractive design - a unique mix not yet achieved by a hybrid vehicle.

2017 Genesis G90 First Drive

The Genesis G90, new flagship of a new brand, makes me think of Shakespeare. Specifically, the tragedy of Troilus and Cressida, one of the Bard's more obscure and difficult works. But not because that play has much to do with the G90, but because that oft-forgotten work lent the Toyota Cressida, itself an obscure thing, its name. We're playing six degrees of Kevin Bacon with old playwrights and forgotten Toyota sedans because the luxurious Toyota Cressida directly paved the way for the Lexus LS400 to emerge a few years later. Since Lexus was the most phenomenal success to emerge from the late 1980s Japanese luxury brand movement, what better template for success? Genesis's Cressida was the Hyundai Equus. Both were uniquely badged, both sat slightly apart from a much less luxurious lineup. Both were not quite translated to American tastes, attempting to pass off indigenous flavors as export bonuses. The Cressida was pinched and cramped within, and frosted with gimmicky electronics; the Equus was tailor-made to a Korean businessperson's tastes. Both tested the waters and proved to product planners that there was room for a luxury brand. Lose the battle, win the war. Don't tell that to Troilus, though. Genesis won't quit with the G90. They're planning six vehicles by 2020, and the G80 (the old Hyundai Genesis sedan) is going on sale in September. A smaller G70 sedan will follow up later on. We expect an all-wheel drive coupe (or coupeish four-door) to replace the unloved Genesis Coupe, which should be significantly more upscale and luxurious to compete with the German brands. If it looks anything like the Vision G coupe concept from 2015, that won't be hard. Erwin Raphael, brand manager in the US for Genesis, tells us that a small SUV built on the G70 platform and a mid-sized one built on the G80 platform will follow (and in this SUV-crazy market, can't come soon enough). The slide below, provided by Genesis, shows the way forward. Genesis will craft its luxury brand not only with product, but also with a few customer service pillars that are worth a mention. Genesis expects most of their cars will be leased, and so they include a bunch of perks crafted to a typical lease period, like free service. On top of that, all Genesis dealers will offer a valet-style service to pick up your car for maintenance while dropping off a loaner. Other brands and dealerships do this piecemeal, but it will be a brand-wide pillar for Genesis.

Hyundai launches crate engine program with 2.0L four and 3.8L V6

With all the commotion about the aftermarket going on at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Hyundai's timing for this announcement is just perfect - the South Korean brand will launch its first crate engine program.
Starting with the 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.8-liter V6 from the Genesis Coupe, the program should push Hyundai even further in to the performance realm. Two versions of the 2.0-liter will be available at first - a $4,500 version, that's ready for its owner to bolt on a turbo of their choosing, or a $6,000 version, which includes the turbo and all its plumbing. Hyundai claims the cheaper version was designed with the aftermarket specifically in mind, as it allows tuners to easily fit larger turbos while spending less coin for parts that will just be tossed. The 3.8-liter V6 will cost $9,000.
"As more Genesis Coupes have entered the pre-owned enthusiast market since its 2009 launch, we've witnessed strong interest in leveraging the low cost potential of this rear-drive platform and its powertrains for the tuner market and motorsports. Now, with our new crate engine program, Hyundai is making it more affordable for these same enthusiasts to modify their Genesis Coupe, or perhaps inject some high-value horsepower into other platforms," said Hyundai's North American president and CEO, John Krafcik.