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Genesis teases future large SUV with GV80 concept

After years of rumors that Genesis would add an SUV to its lineup, Hyundai's in-house luxury brand unveiled the GV80 concept at the New York Auto Show Wednesday. Genesis didn't reveal key details of the concept, such as its dimensions and whether it would fit three rows, but prior intel suggests a Genesis SUV would be a little larger than a Jeep Grand Cherokee and a little more expensive. However, the press release does establish three facts: opulence abounds, the high-rider previews the brand's future design language, and a hydrogen fuel cell powers the GV80 – conceptually, at least. The overall shape – dressed in a "bespoke Ice Granite finish" – seems a touch common, although we must note that numerous players already crowd the large luxury SUV field. To give the GV80 a unique identity, Luc Donckerwolke, head of Genesis design, tapped the arsenal of luxury and detailing he amassed during stints at Lamborghini and Bentley. Genesis' trademark crest grille gets filled with diamond mesh, and sits in a contoured channel that defines a spine running the length of the SUV. The quad headlights are nothing more than four swept-back slits. Along the sides, 23-inch wheels frame a deep vent carved into the bodywork, while the mesh pattern in the five-spoke alloys matches the trussed B- and C-pillars. In back, thin, fiber-optic taillights emphasize width and stylized vents in the lower fascia cool the powertrain. The interior puts on the real show. An analog speedometer jazzes up the digital dash cluster, the driver's display flowing into a curved, 22-inch OLED screen set atop the "bridge" instrument panel. The display's two zones serve driver and passenger separately. The driver can use the glass touchpad multi-function controller and knurled metal wheel to toggle through functions, and the passenger taps the metal pinstripes set into the ash wood console and center tunnel. That tunnel runs the length of the cabin, creating four distinct seating areas. Rear-seat passengers can also touch the metal stripes to control seatback screens. Many cows died to create the interior ambiance, with smooth and quilted-diamond-stitched leather everywhere. Suede, polished aluminum, and slate ash wood provide contrasts from the dash to the cargo area. The GV80's "advanced plug-in hydrogen fuel cell" specs remain a mystery, but it might not be an empty tease. Two years ago, Hyundai showed off the Intrado compact CUV concept at the Geneva Motor Show.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco priced from $21,485

Hyundai announced base price for the 2017 Elantra Eco. $21,485 (including destination fee) gets you a sedan with a 1.4-liter turbo swapped in place of the Elanta's standard 1.8-liter or optional 2.0-liter four cylinder engines. EPA fuel economy figures of 40 highway, 32 city, 35 combined represent increases of 2, 4, and 3 over the 1.8-liter Elantra. The Elantra Eco gets mixed scores compared to the competition but the figures are misleading. The Hyundai's numbers reflect the updated 2017 fuel economy numbers, which are generally lower than 2016. Starting next year, automakers will change the way they adjust test figures to come up with the window sticker numbers. Comparing 2017 Elantra Eco apples to the 2016 competition's oranges, the Elantra is close to even. The Honda Civic (both turbo and naturally aspirated engines), Chevrolet Cruze, and Toyota Corolla Eco rate the same 35 combined mpg. The Hyundai's city number is one to two better than the field, but the highway figure is the same difference behind. In terms of pricing, the Elantra Eco costs around $1000 to $1500 more than base grade versions from the competition, but comes with a decent level of standard features. Keyless entry and ignition, blind-spot warning with cross traffic alert, dual-zone climate control, and heated seats are all included in the base price. A seven-speed dual clutch automatic is the only available transmission.Related Video: Fountain Valley, Calif., May 5, 2016 – Hyundai Motor America today announced pricing for the all-new 2017 Elantra Eco starting at $20,650. Elantra Eco is the most fuel efficient Elantra, delivering an EPA estimated 40 mpg on the highway and 35 mpg in combined city and highway driving. These mpg ratings could result in an average annual fuel cost of just $900 (source: fueleconomy.gov). 2017 Elantra Eco Pricing MSRP (excluding freight): $20,650 MPG (City / Highway / Combined): 32 / 40 / 35 Annual Fuel Cost*: $900 Engine: 1.4-liter turbo GDI 4-cylinder Transmission: Seven-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission with Shiftronic® *Data from Fueleconomy.gov (4/21/2016) Pricing above excludes $835 freight charge Elantra Eco's LED daytime running lights flank a bold hexagonal grille. On the inside, there is a standard seven-inch Display Audio touchscreen with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ support.

Senator calling for answers from Hyundai and Kia over MPG debacle

Hyundai and Kia have already gone public with plans to make good on the inflated fuel economy claims scandal that has rocked both companies in recent weeks. But one US senator, Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), is skeptical that the general public will see much good from the proposal, and he's looking for answers.
To recap: Hyundai/Kia have agreed to compensate owners of 900,000 affected vehicles for real versus previously claimed fuel mileage (as well as adding in a one- fifteen-percent premium), by way of pre-loaded debit cards. It has been speculated that this payout could crest $100 million by the time the Korean automakers are done writing checks.
Said Rockefeller to The Detroit News, "While I believe this is a positive step, I am concerned that many affected customers may not learn about the program or may find it burdensome to participate in the program." Rockefeller would reportedly like to see a monitoring system for the paybacks more clearly defined, with the goal being as many wronged car buyers as possible getting the recompense that they're due.