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Hyundai bringing Elantra GT, special edition Veloster to Chicago

Hyundai will be bringing two new products to next week's Chicago Auto Show, a company source confirmed to Autoblog. The first is a freshened version of the Elantra GT – pictured above as a 2014 model – and the other is a special edition of the Veloster hatchback. Our source was mum about specific details, but said that the Elantra GT refresh was simply that – nothing crazy or all-new. In other words, we expect some lightly touched-up styling, and perhaps some improvements to the interior refinement, infotainment and technology, and maybe powertrain. As we reported earlier, the two-door Coupe is no longer part of the Elantra lineup, so these changes might be a way for Hyundai to further differentiate the GT from the sedan. As for that Veloster, it won't be anything revolutionary, either. Hyundai has historically used the Chicago show to debut special editions of the Veloster – take a look at last year's Re:Flex, for example – and we expect the same this time around. Perhaps a new matte paint finish? That's been a popular choice for Veloster Turbo buyers, after all. Whatever may be in store, we'll have the full scoop next week during the Chicago festivities. Stay tuned. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT View 21 Photos Chicago Auto Show Hyundai Hatchback Economy Cars hyundai elantra gt

Hyundai's Genesis luxury brand not going to Europe this decade

After dipping into the premium market with the Genesis and Equus sedans, Hyundai made headlines with the planned launch of a separate premium brand, Genesis. It starts with the renamed G80 (nee Genesis) and redesigned G90 (Equus) sedans here in the US, but European consumers will have to wait. "To launch a premium brand in Europe is a challenge and it's an even bigger challenge if you don't have the products you need for the market," Hyundai Europe Chief Operating Officer Thomas Schmid told Automotive News Europe. "Europe won't see it before 2019. The main reason is we need different powertrains." Powertrains aren't the brand's only shortcoming. With the G70 – a 3 Series competitor – coming as the third showroom product, the brand also won't have a competitor in the increasingly important crossover ranks. As Schmid told ANE, "we don't yet see the right moment to do it because at the end, we want to be successful, and successful also means profitable." Initially, Genesis will launch in North America, the Middle East, China, and South Korea. Pushing back the European launch to 2019 or 2020 should give Genesis some breathing room, ANE reports. By that point, the company will offer six different vehicles, including two CUVs. According to Schmid, the brand would launch in Europe with just five vehicles. At halfway through 2016 and nothing but the G70 on the radar, expect an aggressive product launch schedule in the coming years if Genesis is going to stick to that timeline. Related Video: Featured Gallery Genesis Hybrid Sport Sedan Concept View 10 Photos News Source: Automotive News EuropeImage Credit: Genesis Genesis Hyundai Crossover Luxury

2019 Hyundai Kona Electric starts under $30,000 with tax credit

The vital final detail to the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric is here: pricing. The base model starts at $37,495 before the $7,500 federal tax credit, meaning that with the credit, it starts at $29,995. That just happens to be the same as Chevy Bolt EV. Well, now at least, as the tax credit is likely going to run out in the next few months for GM and the Bolt EV. Once GM has sold 200,000 electric cars, the credit will drop to $3,750 for six months, and then to $1,875 for six more months, and nothing after. In addition to having a base price that matches the Chevy Bolt EV, the Hyundai Kona Electric has a few choice features that makes it an even more attractive deal. The Kona has a range of 258 miles, 20 more than the Bolt EV's 238 miles. The Kona also includes DC fast charging capability as standard. To have that feature on the Bolt EV, you'll have to shell out an extra $750. The Bolt EV does have an advantage over the Kona Electric, though: it's available everywhere, right now. The Hyundai Kona Electric will start hitting dealers early in 2019. Unfortunately, it will only be available in western and northeastern states with zero-emissions vehicle criteria. They're also states with drivers more likely to embrace electric cars. Hyundai hasn't announced release windows for other U.S. states. Related Video: