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Hyundai preps an off-road shredder for SEMA

Hyundai is teaming with Rockstar Performance Garage to bring a nitrous-powered Santa Fe to the SEMA Show later this month. It will share space with the Hyundai's collaboration with tuner Bisimoto, which spawned a wicked 1,040-horsepower rear-wheel drive Santa Fe. Where the Bisimoto concept was all about on-road performance, this new Santa Fe was built to handle the trails. It starts with the basic, 3.3-liter V6 Hyundai Santa Fe. Rockstar then thoroughly re-worked the crossover, adding an AEM cold air intake, Mishimoto cooling system, and a nitrous-oxide injection system. Big R1 six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes were also fitted along with King coilovers up front and shocks in the rear. Much of the rest of the suspension is custom, including tie-rods and control arms. Rockstar also added 17-inch KMC XD 301 Turbine bead-lock wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson Baja Claw 35-inch off-road tires. The engine exhales through a custom Magnaflow exhaust. The Santa Fe also gets bespoke bumpers and rock-sliders. A Warn winch, Bulldog LED lighting, and a roof rack add style and function to the exterior. Inside, passengers get new leather pieces and a Kicker audio system. Related Video:

Hyundai recalls about 980,000 Sonatas for seat belt detachments

The Basics: Hyundai is recalling 977,778 Hyundai Sonatas and Sonata Hybrids for seat belts that could detach from their anchor pretensioners, which could lead to an injury. The recall affects 2010- cars including 2011-2014 standard Sonatas built from December 11, 2009 to May 29, 2014 and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrids built from December 2, 2010 to January 9, 2015. The Problem: During manufacturing, some Sonatas may not have had the seat belt properly attached to the anchor pretensioner. According to NHTSA recall information, the seat belt is connected to the anchor after the latter has been installed, and it is possible that the seat belt didn't completely latch onto the anchor during assembly. If the seat belt was not properly attached, it can separate from the anchor during a collision, potentially leading to an injury. Injuries/Deaths: Hyundai has reported one injury to NHTSA. No deaths related to the recall have been reported. The Fix: Owners are asked to bring in their vehicles to dealerships to have the seat belt assembly inspected to make sure the belt is correctly latched. If not, the dealer will reattach it properly at no cost to the owner. If you own one: Hyundai will alert owners to the recall by mail starting April 7. Owners can also call Hyundai's customer service directly to ask about the recall at 1-855-371-9460. They can also enter their VINs at the NHTSA website to check if their car is included in the recall. Related Video:

Weekly Recap: Hyundai scores NFL sponsorship after GM exits

Hyundai replaced General Motors as the official automotive sponsor of the NFL with a four-season deal that was announced this week. Hyundai gets exclusive sponsorship rights for mainstream and luxury cars, though not for pickups – as it doesn't have one in its current portfolio. "There may be another automotive truck sponsor, but not one that competes with our vehicle lineup," a Hyundai spokesman said in an email. That leaves the door open for another truckmaker to enter the fray. GM used the NFL to promote its GMC division, which makes pickups and sport-utility vehicles. The Detroit automaker decided to quit the sponsorship, which it had held since 2001, a GM spokesman said. Financials were not released, but ESPN said the sponsorship will cost Hyundai $50 million a year, double what GM paid. It gives Hyundai access to NFL trademarks for use in its marketing and advertising, and Hyundai will provide promotional vehicles to the league for the Super Bowl and other events. Hyundai celebrated the agreement by lighting up its Fountain Valley, CA, headquarters this week with a football field and the NFL logo. Hyundai's sister company, Kia, is the official automotive sponsor of the NBA. "We are huge football fans at Hyundai and feel there is no better venue to reach consumers, increase consideration, and tell the Hyundai brand story," Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski said in a statement. Hyundai will officially kick off its sponsorship when the NFL season begins on Sept. 10 with a primetime game featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. OTHER NEWS & NOTES Toyota Mirai rated at 67 mpge, 312-mile range The Environmental Protection Agency gave the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric car a 67-miles-per-gallon-equivalent rating. The figure is for city, highway, and combined driving. The EPA also said the Mirai will have a 312-mile range. The sedan will arrive in dealerships in California this fall and will cost $57,500, though incentives can drop the price significantly. The Mirai will also be offered as a $499-per-month lease. Both come with three years or $15,000 worth of free fuel. Toyota plans to expand sales to the Northeast United States later. Toyota's top female exec resigns in wake of arrest Meanwhile, in other Toyota news, the automaker's communications chief and top female executive, Julie Hamp, resigned.