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Hyundai releases more Ioniq images, hybrid powertrain details

It doesn't look like Hyundai is tiring of releasing teasers for its upcoming Ioniq electrified vehicle. It's already released three batches of 'em, and now here's more – plus powertrain details. The vehicle pairs a 1.6-liter version of the company's Kappa engine – boasting thermal efficiency of 40 percent and good for 104 horsepower to an electric motor making another 43 hp. It's juiced by a lithium-ion polymer battery pack and transmitted by a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Hyundai promises the Ioniq will be more engaging to drive than its rivals. It's designed around a lightweight chassis with 53 percent high-strength steel. Non-structural body panels made of aluminum trim nearly 30 pounds off the curb weight. The South Korean automaker has also placed the batteries low in the body to drop the center of gravity and forward to optimize handling along with the multi-link rear suspension. For those who haven't been following the story, the Ioniq will be Korea's challenger to the likes of the Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius, and Nissan Leaf. Instead of offering one or two forms of electric propulsion, the Ioniq will offer three: gasoline-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full EV. More images and details are sure to follow as Hyundai prepares to introduce the new model later this month back home in Korea. After that, we should be seeing it at the Geneva Motor Show in March. IONIQ: A Leap Forward for Hybrid Vehicles - Hyundai Motor reveals technical innovations underpinning its evolved hybrid system - Lightweight, high-strength architecture delivers a fun, responsive drive - Next generation drivetrain efficiencies achieve class-leading fuel economy - Electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains available in a single body type, a world first January 7, 2015 – Following its unveiling to domestic media at Hyundai Motor's Namyang R&D Center in South Korea, details have been confirmed of the IONIQ - the next generation of hybrid vehicles. Rag Jung, Head of Project Management Division at Hyundai Motor R&D Center said, "IONIQ embodies Hyundai Motor's new thinking and bold ambitions for the future. This world-class dedicated hybrid will be the starting point of our future mobility." Lightweight engineering from a dedicated design Built on a chassis created specifically to carry the world's first choice of three efficient and ultra-low emission powertrains, the IONIQ boasts 53% Advanced High Strength Steel combined cleverly with lightweight aluminum.

Hyundai recalls 6,071 more Velosters over shattering sunroofs

Back in December, Hyundai issued a recall affecting some 13,500 Veloster hatchbacks because their optional panoramic sunroofs could possibly shatter while the vehicle is in motion. Now, an expansion of that recall has been announced, with an additional 6,071 units of the 2012 model year hatchback figuring in to the problem.
The original recall covered cars built between November 1, 2011 and April 17, 2012, but this expansion concerns vehicles built from July 4, 2011 to October 31, 2011. Just like before, the official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration bulletin states that these vehicles may be fitted with sunroofs that were inadvertently weakened during installation, and thus, can possibly break while the vehicle is in motion.
This second sunroof recall is expected to kick off next month. Dealers will inspect the sunroofs in these affected vehicles and will replace the whole assembly if necessary, free of charge. Scroll down to read the full NHTSA report.

Why Kia doesn't need a premium brand

Hyundai's creation of the Genesis luxury brand means it and fellow Korean brand Kia have finally hit the mainstream in the U.S. – as far as products are concerned – after nearly three decades of trying. Which is about as long as it took Toyota and Nissan to roll out Lexus and Infiniti, respectively. It's history repeating itself. Genesis is supposed to be the way Hyundai's premium models get the respect they deserve, without carrying the baggage of a name associated with frugality. Hyundai has, in fact, built up a reputation over the last decade or so for cars that compete head-on with class leaders, rather than aim to be 90 percent as good for 75 percent of the price. And because Kia shares a number of components with Hyundai, its vehicles have also steadily become not only better mainstream vehicles, but have continued to aim higher than their price points. Does Kia need to follow now in its parent's steps with a prestige brand to market its most expensive models? I'm aware of the Kia K900, the company's deepest foray into luxury territory notably occupied by Lexus. Kia, however, has consistently been pushing this $60,000 full-size luxury sedan along with $0 down, low monthly payment lease deals. Turns out there really aren't many people looking for a full-size Kia luxury sedan. Or maybe they're just waiting to get it for $20,000 in a couple of years. Consider the K900 and Genesis when I convince you Kia already makes upscale cars to rival those with premium badges. They just don't happen to be its most expensive model. Shortly after Hyundai's announcement it would spin its luxury models off into the Genesis brand, I spent a few days with a 2016 Kia Sorento SXL. And I'm willing to call it a more convincing attempt to get people out of luxury cars than the K900. Driving the Sorento is not an emotional experience. You feel parental driving it, thinking you might've forgotten to pick your kids up until you remember you don't actually have kids. But after settling into the nicely stitched and perforated leather seats, you respect its comfort, quiet and amenities. The headliner is soft, the stitching on the dash top is convincingly real and everyone is impressed by the sharp graphics on the touchscreen and the slick powered shade that reveals an expansive glass roof. A Kia Sorento costing more than $46,000 sounds absurd until you wonder how much better an Acura MDX or Lexus RX350 is when those cost as much as $10,000 more.