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Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid plus nitrous equals FIA speed record

As Hyundai prepares its trio of Ioniq electrified cars for sale in the US, the Korean automaker is taking the opportunity to showcase its strengths. One thing that definitely doesn't hurt its pre-launch standing in the eyes of potential customers is an FIA-ratified land speed record. As you'll see in the video above, Hyundai took a race-prepped Ioniq Hybrid prototype out to the Bonneville Salt Flats, where there are no speed limits or concrete barriers to hold it back. The result was a new record for a production-based hybrid, at 157.825 mph. The car also achieved a peak exit speed of 160.7 mph. To push the limits of the eco-focused Ioniq Hybrid, Hyundai boosted power and decreased resistance. In terms of output, the company's Engineering and Quality team added low-restriction intake and exhaust systems, minimized parasitic losses by removing the air conditioning and other systems, remapped the ECU, and added a freakin' nitrous injection system from Nitrous Express. They swapped the standard hybrid model grille for that of the all-electric Ioniq, tweaked the underbody and air dam for aero, and stripped or otherwise modified interior components for weight. The lowered ride height (thanks to a Progress Competition coil-over suspension) and Goodyear Eagle rubber wrapped around aero wheels were a final visual testament to this hybrid's singular purpose. For the sake of the driver, the Ioniq received a safety cage, racing seat, six-point harness, and fire suppression system. Finally – and while style points aren't part of the FIA record — the Ioniq was equipped with a racing parachute, which looks impressive on video, especially when you remember this car will be a fuel miser for the masses when it goes on sale later this year. "We couldn't be more proud in setting the FIA hybrid-category record with our new Ioniq hybrid," says Hyundai VP of Corporate and Product Planning Mike O'Brien. "Our engineering team really pushed the limits to set this new segment benchmark while demonstrating the impressive durability of the entire Ioniq vehicle platform. We expect this will be the first of many accolades for Ioniq." Related Video: Related Gallery Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Sets FIA Land Speed Record At Bonneville View 10 Photos News Source: Hyundai, YouTube: HyundaiUSA Green Motorsports Hyundai Hybrid Videos fia land speed record hyundai ioniq ioniq

Zipcar adds roof racks for nature loving urbanites

Hauling a bicycle, surfboard, snowboard, or a pair of skis can be a pain. Their size makes them awkward to carry, and a good roof rack can be expensive and cumbersome to install. If a thief decides that they need the rack (or what's on it) more than you, you're looking at a loss of several hundred dollars, or at the very least damage to your car a comprehensive insurance claim. Ask me how I know. Zipcar has the solution. The car sharing company has teamed up with rack and cargo manufacturer Yakima to supply roof rack equipped rentals in 17 North American markets. In the US, Zipcar customers will have the option between a Subaru Impreza or a Subaru XV Crosstrek equipped with a Yakima roof rack. Canadian customers can rent a Hyundai Elantra. Fine choices, but it seems like a missed opportunity to revive the old Volkswagen Jetta Trek edition. The Yakima mounts on the cars are adjustable and can hold two bikes, six skis or four snowboards, or two surfboards or paddleboards. Rates, as always, vary based on use. This isn't the first time Zipcar has offered Yakima bike racks for their vehicles for those outdoor enthusiasts that choose to live car free. Back in 2011, the company outfitted a number of vehicles in its New York City fleet with complimentary racks and New York State park passes. Related Video: News Source: Zipcar Green Hyundai Subaru Transportation Alternatives ridesharing zipcar

Hyundai previews Intrado fuel-cell crossover concept

We may still be several months off from the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, but it's apparently not too early for Hyundai to give us a glimpse at what to expect when the Palexpo's doors open in March.
Called Intrado, Hyundai's new concept car takes the form of a high-riding crossover with styling that takes its cues from the Korean automaker's Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language. Designed and engineered in Germany, the concept bears the codename HED-9, a giveaway that it's the ninth concept from Hyundai Europe Design. Inspiration is said to have been drawn from aircraft, with a lightweight form and a name borrowed from the underside of an airplane's wing.
Hyundai isn't saying much more, revealing only the teaser rendering above. But it has indicated that the Intrado concept packs a new hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain that's both smaller and lighter than the one powering the existing ix35 Fuel Cell, which (last we heard) Hyundai was hoping to bring Stateside as part of its Tuscon lineup by 2015.