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Asian automakers still reluctant to use more aluminum

There's a logical progression of technology in the auto industry. We've seen it with things like carbon-ceramic brakes, which use to be the sole domain of six-figure sports cars, where they often cost as much as an entry level Toyota Corolla. Now, you can get them on a BMW M3 (they're still pricey, at $8,150). Who knows, maybe in the next four a five years, they'll be available on something like a muscle car or hot hatchback. Aluminum has had a similar progression, although it's further along, moving from the realm of Audi and Jaguar luxury sedans to Ford's most important product, the F-150. With the stuff set to arrive in such a big way on the market, we should logically expect an all-aluminum Toyota Camry or Honda Accord soon, right? Um, wrong. Reuters has a great report on what's keeping Asian manufacturers away from aluminum, and it demonstrates yet another stark philosophical difference between automakers in the east and those in the west. Of course, there's a pricing argument at play. But it's more than just the cost of aluminum sheet (shown above) versus steel. Manufacturing an aluminum car requires extensive retooling of existing factories, not to mention new relationships with suppliers and other logistical and financial nightmares. Factor that in with what Reuters calls Asian automaker's preference towards "evolutionary upgrades," and the case for an all-aluminum Accord is a difficult one. Instead, manufacturers in the east are focusing on developing even stronger steel as a means of trimming fat, although analysts question how long that practice can continue. Jeff Wang, the automotive sales director for aluminum supplier Novelis, predicts that we'll see a bump in aluminum usage from Japanese and Korean brands in the next two to three years, and that it will be driven by an influx of aluminum-based vehicles from western automakers into China. Only time will tell if he's proven right. News Source: ReutersImage Credit: Sean Gallup / Getty Images Plants/Manufacturing Honda Hyundai Mazda Nissan Toyota Technology aluminum

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo: Introduction

The Hyundai Veloster is indeed an automotive oddball, and that's part of the reason why we're so drawn to it. Even in base form, the Veloster is a cleverly packaged little wonder that's bursting with personality, and with the added grunt and visual aggression of the Turbo model, there's a lot to talk about.
Despite not really fitting into any one specific vehicle segment (unless you dump it into the all-too-vague "compact" class), the Veloster Turbo looks really good on paper, to say nothing of how it looks on the street. It's certainly a head-turner, and we're intrigued by the overall package of an oddly shaped three-door (or four-door?) with some forced induction motivation.
We've had a lot to say about the weird little Hyundai in the past, and we don't see the conversations about this car ending anytime soon. Thus, we've welcomed a matte gray example into the Autoblog long-term garage for one year of testing. This should definitely be interesting.

2018 Hyundai Accent starts at under $16,000

Hyundai has finally announced pricing for its latest Accent subcompact. The cheapest base-level SE trim is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and starts at $15,880, and adding a 6-speed automatic bumps that price up $1,000. Moving up to the mid-level SEL will cost at least $18,180, and the top-trim Limited starts at $19,780. Both of these trims are only available with an automatic. All versions come with the same naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder making 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. The SE trim comes reasonably well equipped for a budget subcompact including air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, and Bluetooth. While one might expect those to be standard on every car now, that's not exactly the case. For example, the base level Kia Rio does not come with power windows, cruise control, or Bluetooth, though the Rio is also expected to cost a bit less than the Accent. Choosing SEL adds a number of more desirable features including four-wheel disc brakes, alloy wheels, a bigger touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic headlights, heated mirrors and a telescoping steering wheel. The Limited offers even more convenience features such as forward collision avoidance, LED lights, sunroof, bigger alloy wheels, keyless entry, heated seats and automatic climate control. All versions of the Accent should be arriving at dealers soon. Related Video: