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2017 Hyundai Ioniq takes three-pronged approach to electrification

The Geneva Motor Show may be dominated by super/hypercars, but there is some more sensible metal on display. And one of the most reasonable cars might be the trifecta of Hyundai Ioniq models. This three-prong approach to electrification is a very aggressive move for Hyundai. A hybrid wouldn't be a big deal. Nor would a plug-in-electric model. But launching both of those vehicles alongside a pure EV is a very bold decision. In fact, if the full Ioniq range were to launch in the United States – which still isn't a certainty – Hyundai would be one of the only brands to offer all three branches of electrification in the same showroom. The hybrid model outguns the 121-system-horsepower Toyota Prius. Thanks to its 1.6-liter Kappa four-cylinder, 43-hp electric motor, and 1.56-kWh battery pack, there's a total of 139 hp and up to 195 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in model makes some changes to that formula, significantly increasing the size of the battery pack to a larger 8.9 kWh and increasing the power of the electric motor to an even 60 hp. Hyundai hasn't said if system output has been changed, but we do know the PHV will cover 31 miles on pure electricity. View 14 Photos As we covered in our original post, the EV Ioniq is something of an unknown quantity. Hyundai's lips loosened slightly in Geneva, though, revealing that the electric motor will produce up to 218 lb-ft of torque. That's in addition to 118 horsepower and an estimated range of 155 miles. And not that EV drivers are known speed demons, but Hyundai claims its newest EV will hit 103 miles per hour. This estimated range and torque output best America's two most notable EVs, the Ford Focus Electric and Nissan Leaf, although it's fair to point out that this duo is relatively long in the tooth. While it seems plausible that Hyundai will at least offer part of the Ioniq range in America, at this point it's just too early to be certain of anything.

Hyundai Fined $17.35 Million For Delayed Recall

Hyundai has agreed to pay a $17.35 million fine for delayed reporting of a brake defect affecting Genesis luxury cars, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday. The defect involves corrosion in critical brake system components that can reduce braking effectiveness and increase the risk of a crash, NHTSA said. Hyundai was aware in 2012 that brake fluids used in the model year 2009-2012 Genesis cars did not sufficiently inhibit corrosion in key components of the vehicle's brake system, the agency said. But rather than issue a recall, Hyundai instructed dealers to change the brake fluid in affected vehicles without explaining the consequences that failure to take that action might have, NHTSA said. Hyundai also did not inform Genesis owners of the potential safety consequences, the agency said. Hyundai recalled 27,500 of the cars in October 2012 just hours before the government opened an investigation. "Hyundai failed to act to protect their customers and others that were harmed in an accident, and must change the way they deal with all safety related defects," David Friedman, head of the safety administration, said in a statement. About 70 percent of the affected Genesis cars have been repaired so far, the safety administration said. Hyundai is committed to ensuring immediate action in response to potential safety concerns, including the prompt reporting of safety defects, said Jim Trainor, a senior group manager for Hyundai Motor America. "In order to mitigate a situation like this in the future, Hyundai is instituting new organizational and process improvements, and enhancing the ability of its U.S. leadership team to readily respond to regulatory reporting requirements," he said in an email. In May, the safety administration slapped General Motors with a record $35 million fine Friday for taking more than a decade to disclose an ignition-switch defect in millions of cars that has been linked to at least 13 deaths. Earlier this year, after a four-year criminal investigation, the Justice Department made Toyota pay $1.2 billion for concealing unintended acceleration problems from NHTSA. No individuals were charged with a crime. Related Gallery Safest Crossovers For The Budget-Conscious Family View 10 Photos Recalls Genesis Hyundai NHTSA brakes

Albert Biermann, the man behind some of Hyundai's sportiest cars, retires

Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Kia and Genesis, made big news by announcing at the end of 2014 that it was bringing on Albert Biermann to its research and development division. He had spent just over 30 years at BMW and was in charge of the M division before he left. His time at Hyundai led to some of the company's best driving cars, which meet or beat the global competition. But now, the company has announced Biermann is retiring. At 65 years old, it's not entirely surprising that Biermann would be looking at retirement, and he seems to be leaving on good terms. "Korea will remain as my second home, and all of my colleagues at Hyundai Motor Group will always be considered part of my family. I would like to recognize that our success has always been based on the strong collective spirit of the many talented people at Hyundai, and I will value our unique achievements wherever I live," he said in a release from Hyundai. Fortunately, Biermann will still be an Executive Technical Advisor for the company. Specifically, he'll be advising on electrified performance cars. We say fortunately, because Biermann has been so involved in some of the company's best cars. He helped make the company's rear-drive-based cars such as the Kia Stinger and Genesis models so fun to drive. He also helped setup Hyundai's N sub-brand, and the N models are among the best sport compacts in the world. Assuming Hyundai has taken to heart many things from Biermann, and with his continued advising, the company should still be in a good position. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. 2022 Hyundai Kona N Short Cut