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Hyundai in trouble for overstating fuel economy numbers at home, too

Hyundai is, understandably, "very confused by the fine and the different results."
The South Korean government is investigating Hyundai and Ssangyong, alleging that the two manufacturers overstated the fuel economy figures on some of their crossovers. But while the initial investigation is being carried out by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, a separate branch of government, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is supporting the manufacturers' estimates. See Americans, our government isn't the only dysfunctional one.

Hyundai officially names 3-row SUV the Palisade, to be revealed at LA Auto Show

The reports we've been hearing about Hyundai's new three-row SUV are right, it's going to be called the Palisade and be revealed at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show. Coming for model year 2020, it'll be Hyundai's new flagship SUV with eight-passenger capability. For those counting, that's one more than the Santa Fe XL it will be replacing. Hyundai released one teaser image for us to check out, but it doesn't tell us much of anything about the big SUV. We've been seeing plenty of spy shots of the truck over the past few months that do give us an idea of what to expect, though. Based on the Grandmaster Concept, the three-row SUV looks like it has a luxurious interior. Spy shots show split headlight modules and a large, cascading grille too. It's going to be big. Hyundai tends to name its vehicles after exotic locations, and this one is no different. Palisade refers to the Pacific Palisades, an affluent neighborhood on the coast of Southern California. You might be more likely to see Bentleys and Range Rovers roaming the streets in this area, but Hyundai is adopting it nonetheless. We'll be able to say more come LA Auto Show time, but for now, Hyundai says the Palisade will be available in the summer of 2019 for the U.S. market. When the Palisade does arrive, it will be facing a crowded market of others all elbowing for the same piece of pie. Coming out with a large SUV never seems like a bad idea these days with how the market always receives them, but we'll see how well Hyundai can teach everybody to look for the Palisade nameplate instead of the Santa Fe XL now. Related video:

Hyundai Elantra Sport likely to get 201 hp, optional manual

The South Korean market often gives us a preview of what's coming soon from Hyundai and Kia in the US, usually with only the model name differing. That's what we thought when we saw the new Avante Sport being shown there, and Hyundai Motor America spokesman Jim Trainor confirms that it's basically what we should expect from the upcoming Elantra Sport. Hyundai previously confirmed the quicker sedan will arrive in the US by the end of the year. The Avante Sport uses the Veloster Turbo's 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, making the same 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque as it does in the funky hatch-coupe. Expect a choice between a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a six-speed manual to go with it. The sporty compact upgrades to a multi-link rear suspension, replacing the standard Elantra/Avante torsion-beam setup. South Korean customers can choose an optional Extreme package that includes upgraded stabilizer bars, different springs and shocks, and a rear spoiler. We're hoping the suspension upgrades will be standard on the Elantra Sport. Hyundai made some subtle visual tweaks to signal the Sport model's extra performance. Lower side sills, larger openings in the front fascia, and a rear diffuser with dual exhaust tips poking out get the speedy message across. Inside, the front seats get larger bolsters and there's a unique flat-bottom steering wheel. Carbon-fiber-esque trim completes the sporty look. Currently, the only Elantra available in the US uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder running on the Atkinson cycle that makes 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. An Eco trim will join the lineup this spring with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. With the Sport, Hyundai will have a family of models to appeal to a large portion of buyers in the segment. Related Video: