2012 Hyundai Veloster Base on 2040-cars

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Hyundai Veloster facelift includes new 7-speed DCT, light cosmetics

Hyundai hasn't given the Veloster the exterior overhaul that we expected, but it has outfitted the quirky, oddly doored hatchback with some new tech, at least in the Korean market. The biggest change for the Veloster is confirmation that the previously rumored seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox will replace the current six-speed unit in the Turbo. It's mated to the same 1.6-liter, forced-induction four-cylinder featuring 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The exterior receives a few tiny tweaks, too, with new wheel designs and slightly different silver trim around the grille, but the bigger changes are found in the cabin. Those alterations aren't limited to new materials: Hyundai has included a new engine sound equalizer for the Veloster that lets drivers select from six different engine soundtracks. The instrument cluster also gets slightly altered, and there are new two-tone looks for the seats, as well. According to a blog post by Hyundai, the price for the Turbo with the seven-speed dual clutch starts at 23.7 million won ($22,000). Unfortunately, there's no official word whether these changes are going to make it across the Pacific to the US market. We've got an inquiry in with Hyundai Motor America, and will let you know if we hear more.

Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell gets massive 43% price cut in South Korea

Hyundai is soldiering on with its fuel-cell-powered Tucson, ordering an enormous cut in the zero-emission CUV's price in the company's home market. The 43-percent reduction, when combined with subsidies from the South Korean government, brings the cost of entry to a still-lofty $54,000, Ward's reports. While that's undeniably a lot of money, we need to explain just how wildly expensive the Tucson FCV was in the first place. Hyundai trimmed a total of $67,000 from the $144,000 starting price. Even with some very significant – and not unusual – subsidies, the fuel-cell model still cost $86,000. Considering where things started from, $54K seems like a relative bargain. Beyond South Korea, Hyundai is expected to announce some sort of price cut in Europe, where the Tucson is marketed as the ix35 FCV, but it's unclear at this point if the Euro model's price tag will get such a dramatic reduction. We haven't heard of any changes to the cost of the lease-only North American-market Tucson FCV, which is currently available in California for $499 per month with $2,999 down. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell View 29 Photos News Source: Ward's Auto Green Hyundai Alternative Fuels Crossover Hydrogen Cars hyundai tucson fcv hyundai ix35

Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid plus nitrous equals FIA speed record

As Hyundai prepares its trio of Ioniq electrified cars for sale in the US, the Korean automaker is taking the opportunity to showcase its strengths. One thing that definitely doesn't hurt its pre-launch standing in the eyes of potential customers is an FIA-ratified land speed record. As you'll see in the video above, Hyundai took a race-prepped Ioniq Hybrid prototype out to the Bonneville Salt Flats, where there are no speed limits or concrete barriers to hold it back. The result was a new record for a production-based hybrid, at 157.825 mph. The car also achieved a peak exit speed of 160.7 mph. To push the limits of the eco-focused Ioniq Hybrid, Hyundai boosted power and decreased resistance. In terms of output, the company's Engineering and Quality team added low-restriction intake and exhaust systems, minimized parasitic losses by removing the air conditioning and other systems, remapped the ECU, and added a freakin' nitrous injection system from Nitrous Express. They swapped the standard hybrid model grille for that of the all-electric Ioniq, tweaked the underbody and air dam for aero, and stripped or otherwise modified interior components for weight. The lowered ride height (thanks to a Progress Competition coil-over suspension) and Goodyear Eagle rubber wrapped around aero wheels were a final visual testament to this hybrid's singular purpose. For the sake of the driver, the Ioniq received a safety cage, racing seat, six-point harness, and fire suppression system. Finally – and while style points aren't part of the FIA record — the Ioniq was equipped with a racing parachute, which looks impressive on video, especially when you remember this car will be a fuel miser for the masses when it goes on sale later this year. "We couldn't be more proud in setting the FIA hybrid-category record with our new Ioniq hybrid," says Hyundai VP of Corporate and Product Planning Mike O'Brien. "Our engineering team really pushed the limits to set this new segment benchmark while demonstrating the impressive durability of the entire Ioniq vehicle platform. We expect this will be the first of many accolades for Ioniq." Related Video: Related Gallery Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Sets FIA Land Speed Record At Bonneville View 10 Photos News Source: Hyundai, YouTube: HyundaiUSA Green Motorsports Hyundai Hybrid Videos fia land speed record hyundai ioniq ioniq