2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Gls on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Hyundai refreshes the Sonata for South Korea, and later the US

Thanks to its debut in South Korea, we have an early look at the revised Hyundai Sonata that will eventually reach the US with minor adjustments. And that's not just speculation. We reached out to Jim Trainor at Hyundai, who told us, "Much of what you have seen from Korea will be seen here, but there will be differences both on the exterior and the interior along with some mechanical and option differences." That said, we don't expect major changes to this Korean model. So without further ado, let's take a look. Up front is a thoroughly revised fascia. The most noticeable change is the grille, which descends much lower in the front bumper, much like those on the Elantra sedan and Elantra GT hatchback. The top edge of the grille appears lower, and that brings the whole nose of the car lower. The hood also has a few more creases running longitudinally. The exterior varies a bit between models, with the standard model getting a grille with slats and the 2.0T getting a mesh grille. The 2.0T also gets black headlight bezels and dark chrome all around. Though Hyundai didn't provide photos of the interior, the company says it has been changed, and some of the buttons will have a more premium feel. The 2.0T also gets a few exclusive interior bits to complement its unique exterior. The seats have more bolstering, and the standard steering wheel is replaced with a flat-bottomed piece. There are some functional updates to the new Sonata as well. Most notable is the introduction of an 8-speed automatic on the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder model. In the US, the turbo Sonata is only available with a 6-speed automatic. Hyundai also touts the introduction of wireless phone charging and lane-keep assist. The big differences between this and the US version likely involve visual tweaks and the packaging of some options. There's also the question of whether the 8-speed automatic will be available, but it would be odd if it weren't offered. The Korean model goes on sale later this year, and Trainor told us the North American debut is coming soon. Related Video:

Hyundai previews new infotainment system ahead of CES

One of the most common refrains in the world of automotive infotainment is that soon, smartphone-enabled infotainment systems would come to dominate the industry. We've seen some progress in this regard, with a number of automakers offering apps and services that take advantage of a driver's smartphone data plan, but few that have gone whole hog and offered a system that genuinely relied on a cellular service. At the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show, Hyundai will offer up its take on smartphone-enabled infotainment, with a new, seven-inch-touchscreen Display Audio system. Designed specifically to work with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the system will first be rolled out to Hyundai's more affordable 2016 offerings before rolling out to the brand's entire entry-level lineup. Once mated with the car, both systems will offer access to a plethora of third-party apps, in addition to the typical satellite navigation and text message services. Apple CarPlay users will build on the standard suite of stuff with Siri Eyes Free. Overall, whichever phone you're loyal to, this new Hyundai system sounds remarkably interesting. Of course, expect to hear plenty about the new Display Audio system in the coming months. Until then, let us know what you think in Comments. Should automakers just stick to traditional infotainment systems, or do you support the idea of relying on a smartphone inside the car? Scroll down for the full press release. HYUNDAI TO DEBUT DISPLAY AUDIO SYSTEM AT 2015 CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW All-New Infotainment Unit to Be Offered in Select 2016 Models Brings Android Auto™, which extends the Android™ platform in a way that is purpose built for driving Brings Apple CarPlay™, the smarter, safer and best iPhone experience, on four wheels Features the next generation Blue Link system with Connected Care, a suite of safety and car care features and remote engine start with climate control Incorporates the latest smartphone-enabled technologies and the next generation Blue Link® system into more lower price Hyundai models without embedded navigation systems The Display Audio system includes a large color touch-screen display that has been optimized for smartphone integration Fountain valley, Calif., Dec. 17, 2014 – Hyundai is doing the unthinkable at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES®) by showing a new Display Audio system with no CD player or embedded navigation system.

Hyundai i30 N getting 'fastback' variant

Overseas, the Hyundai i30, known as the Elantra GT here in America, has three total bodystyles. The first of course is the hatchback that we have here, and the other two include a wagon and a "fastback." The latter is basically a sedan with a liftback. It's also apparently the next Hyundai to get the N treatment based on these spy photos. There's no question this i30 fastback is an N. It has huge wheels and bright red brake calipers. The side skirts and rear bumper are more aggressive. And, like the normal hatchback and the Veloster N, it has a triangular rear light. But, unlike those two cars, this triangular light appears to be a rear fog light instead of a center high-mount brake light. This i30 N fastback also has the wide-set dual exhaust outlets of existing Hyundai N models. One major deviation we see on this fastback is the lack of a large rear wing. Both the i30 N hatchback and the Veloster N have large wings at the trailing edge of their respective roofs that just barely walk the line between classy and garish. The fastback seems to lack any wing at all, opting instead for just the little lip of the trunk lid found on the standard fastback. It could be that there's a bigger lip spoiler hidden under this prototype's wrappings, but that's still not a wing. Whenever the fastback does arrive, perhaps within a year, it will likely have the same two engine options available on the i30 N hatchback: a base version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 247 horsepower and a hotter iteration making 271 horsepower. The latter of these is the only available engine in the American Veloster N. And it's safe to say we won't be seeing the i30 N fastback in America. Hyundai has already made it clear that the i30 N hatch isn't coming to the U.S., despite the fact we get the normal i30 hatch. Since there's no Americanized i30 fastback, there's effectively no chance Hyundai would try to certify the body style solely for a niche model like the N. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Hyundai i30 N Fastback spy shots View 19 Photos Image Credit: CarPix Spy Photos Hyundai Hatchback Performance Sedan i30 hyundai i30 Hyundai N