Navigation Panoramic Sunroof Proximity Key W/push Button Start on 2040-cars

Auto blog

First peek inside Hyundai's hybrid Prius fighter

There are two new vehicle rumors that the auto industry can't seem to get enough of these days: "Tesla fighters" and "Prius fighters." The former category is filled up by Porsche and Audi and more. In the ranks of those who want to take on the world's best-selling hybrid, we can add Hyundai, but this time with a potential twist. First, let's take a look at the latest spy shots of the potentially 2017 model year gas-electric hybrid, including our first look inside. This car will be based on the next-generation Elantra that is also supposed to arrive in 2017. Rumor has it that a medium-sized lithium-polymer battery pack could offer 38 electric miles before the 1.6-liter engine takes over. The new hybrid will likely have a new name and could appear at an auto show at some point in 2016. We've seen other versions of this Prius fighter disguised in different camo. If you'd like to compare the vehicles, you can do so here and here (the latter shows modified Elantra GTs). Now, what about that twist? Well, alongside the standard gas-electric vehicle, it appears that Hyundai might also be working on an all-electric version of its "Prius fighter." Wearing the "AE" moniker, the all-electric version isn't guaranteed to arrive when the gas-electric car does, and may show up later, according to Green Car Reports. This all fits with Hyundai's promise, in 2014, to introduce a new all-electric car for the US market. We won't be surprised if it has wireless charging, too.

Watch Indian cars fail Global NCAP crash tests miserably

It's taken for granted that cars currently for sale in Western countries pass crash tests, and often merit four- or five-star safety ratings in NCAP or NHTSA tests. This is why these scores attained by Indian market cars are so galling: seven vehicles currently sold in India got zero stars in any category – a horrifying clean sweep. It is understandable that cars sold in a developing market are cheap and equipment levels are low, but acceptable crash safety is something that should be considered essential in all markets. The cars tested in the Global New Car Assessment Programme were Hyundai's Eon, Maruti Suzuki's Eeco and Celerio models, Mahindra's Scorpio SUV and several Renault Kwid models. All of the cars were manufactured in India for the Indian market, and the Mahindra Scorpio was the sole larger car. It was first introduced in 2002, with updates made in 2006 and 2014. Mahindra has long planned to export its vehicles to the United States, with the likeliest version a pickup variant of the Scorpio. Renault's Kwid crossover was tested in three versions. Initially, the Kwid was tested with and without airbags, and on both accounts it scored zero stars in adult occupant protection and two stars in child occupant protection. Renault strengthened the bodyshell and the crash tests showed the updated Kwid's structure did not collapse; still, it was rated unstable and that it couldn't withstand further stress. On closer inspection, the structural reinforcements were found to be done only on the driver's side of the passenger cell. Renault has confirmed more safety updates are on their way. "We welcome Renault's efforts to correct this and we look forward to testing another improved version with airbags. Renault has a strong record of achievement in safety in Europe and it should offer the same commitment to its customers in India", says Global NCAP's David Ward. "Global NCAP strongly believes that no manufacturer anywhere in the world should be developing new models that are so clearly sub-standard. Car makers must ensure that their new models pass the United Nations' minimum crash test regulations, and support use of an airbag." The airbag-equipped Kwid was the only model of the seven cars tested that was fitted with one. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This is how the Mahindra Scorpio performed. This content is hosted by a third party.

Hyundai pulls wraps off new i20 WRC rally car

Hyundai Motorsport is ready for the 2016 World Rally Championship after the unveiling of the New Generation i20 WRC at the team's shop in Alzenau, Germany. This is Hyundai's third season in the WRC, and it wants to improve after taking third place in the manufacturer's championship in 2015. The New Generation i20 WRC is now based on the five-door i20 hatchback from Europe, and the updated rally car boasts a stiffer chassis and a tweaked suspension. Other than the extra doors at the rear, the latest design features a more angular front end with harder edges around the grille and headlights. The WRC car boasts a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed sequential gearbox routes the power to the all-wheel drive system. Hyundai originally wanted to base the new rally car on the latest three-door i20 production model for the 2015 season, but a delay in the vehicle's homologation turned the team's attention to the five-door for 2016. "The New Generation i20 WRC is the product of a full year of development and, with a more experienced team, we now raise our objectives to be more confident to fight at the front," Team Principal Michel Nandan said at the unveiling. Drivers Dani Sordo and Thierry Neuville give the New Generation i20 WRC a competition debut at the season-opening Rallye Monte-Carlo in January. Hayden Paddon gets his at the following event – the Rally Sweden. While those guys are racing, Hyundai Motorsport also has another car under development to be ready for the next crop of WRC machines that will see action in 2017. Related Video: Hyundai Motorsport unveils New Generation i20 for third WRC season New Generation Hyundai i20 WRC revealed as Hyundai Motorsport previews a third season at the team's 2016 launch event. Alzenau, Germany, December 9, 2015 - Hyundai Motorsport today revealed its New Generation i20 WRC during a launch event for media and guests at the team's factory in Alzenau. The car will be used in our third season of WRC competition by drivers Dani Sordo, Hayden Paddon and Thierry Neuville. The venue for the launch was significant as it will soon be Hyundai Motorsport's customer racing headquarters. From this base we will supply teams around the world with our new R5 rally car that is also based on the New Generation i20. The reveal marks a new chapter in Hyundai Motorsport history as we build on two successful WRC seasons and approach our third.