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Hyundai reveals new Sonata Hybrid in Seoul

The wraps are off Hyundai's next-generation Sonata Hybrid after an unveiling in Seoul, South Korea, and the latest model brings an improved powertrain and slight styling tweaks. In the Korean domestic market, the Sonata Hybrid relies upon a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine producing 154 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque with a 51-hp electric motor providing the rest of the thrust. Hyundai isn't revealing net system output at the moment, and it isn't saying whether we will get this powertrain in the US yet. Company spokesperson Jim Trainor tells Autoblog that those details will likely be announced at the model's North American debut at Detroit Auto Show in January. Sales are expected to begin in the spring. In addition to the upgraded engine, there's an improved six-speed automatic that houses most of the hybrid components and uses a new clutch to reduce drag. The switch to an electric oil pump also removes some inefficiencies, and the battery pack underneath the trunk has been enlarged to 1.62 kilowatt hours, up from 1.43 kWh. Despite the capacity increase, Hyundai claims there's 10.5 percent more cargo room back there. The Sonata's design gets a slight rethink to improve fuel economy, too. Up front, the redone nose features a new mesh grille in a more rectilinear frame, and out back, there's a set of unique taillamps, a lip spoiler and a unique rear diffuser to go along with the full underbody cover that only the pavement sees. If anything, the new hybrid model looks more traditional to our eyes than the standard gas-powered Sonata, which comes as something of a surprise, especially as the previous-generation Sonata Hybrid was markedly more futuristic and divisive in its appearance. In any case, we expect the looks to remain largely the same for the US version, which will likely arrive wearing a 2016 model-year designation. All of the upgrades, boost fuel economy to 18.2 kilometers per liter on the Korean cycle, the equivalent of about 42.8 miles per gallon. Comparatively, the current Sonata Hybrid in Korea is rated at 16.8 km/l (39.5 mpg). Hyundai will also make a big expansion to its electrified slate next year. In addition to the standard Sonata Hybrid, a plug-in version will come later in 2015 – the automaker's first. More details will arrive about the model in Detroit.

2019 Hyundai Veloster will start at $19,385

Hyundai's 2019 Veloster hatchback will start at $19,385 for the 2.0-liter with a manual transmission when it arrives at dealers in the coming weeks. It'll also be available in Turbo and R-Spec trim configurations, which start at $23,785 for a manual and top out at a $29,035 starting price for the Turbo Ultimate fitted with a dual-clutch transmission. All prices are inclusive of Hyundai's $885 freight charge. Hyundai unveiled the 2019 Veloster as the car's second generation at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Production of the Veloster began in March in Ulsan, South Korea, while Hyundai says the hot hatch will come to U.S. showrooms in the second quarter, or before the calendar flips to July. Engine choices include a standard 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder, which makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, a slight uptick over its predecessor, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder that makes 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, the same as before. The former is coupled with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and three selectable driving modes, while the turbo is mated to a standard six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel. R-Spec manual-trans models will get a B&M Racing sport shifter later on. Fuel-economy numbers are in from the EPA and start at 25 miles per gallon in the city, 28 on the highway and 28 mpg combined for the 2.0-liter manual, and they top out at 28 mpg city, 34 highway and 30 combined for the automatic dual-clutch transmission found in the top-of-the-line Turbo Ultimate model. All models get lane-keeping assist and forward collision-avoidance assist, which helps apply braking when the front camera detects an imminent collision, plus available safety tech like high-beam assist and driver attention warning. A 7-inch LCD touchscreen is standard, as is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Upgrade to the 8-inch touchscreen and you get next-generation Blue Link remote safety and diagnostic service, traffic flow and incident data via HD radio and premium audio from Infinity. Related Video:

Kia design chief Peter Schreyer named Hyundai-Kia President

Automotive News reports Peter Schreyer has been appointed the first non-Korean president of Hyundai-Kia Motor Group. Schreyer is expected to retain his role as the chief designer for Kia, while also taking on new, high-level executive duties. He is now one of three presidents at the automaker.
The designer made a name for himself at Volkswagen, where he penned the 1998 New Beetle and lent his eye to the Audi TT. In 2006, Schreyer moved to Kia, where he quickly revised the brand's styling from bland, forgettable lines to bold, "tiger nose" creations. Analysts attribute much of the brand's recent sales success to Schreyer's influence.
Kia is expected to move 2.75 million units worldwide next year, while sister company Hyundai will likely beat its 2012 sales forecast of 4.29 million units, according to CFO Lee Won Hee.