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Hyundai Genesis Coupe spotted with rumors of a V8 underhood

Our spy shooters have captured a Hyundai Genesis Coupe mule testing in Sweden. This is merely the current body cut-and-pasted to fit new internals, so don't be disappointed by its looks; we're looking forward to inspiration from the HCD-9 and perhaps grand touring inclinations on the production car whenever it appears. The photographers said they noticed the hood's been modified, perhaps to clear the 5.0-liter V8 from the Genesis sedan. That engine would be part of the plan to push further upscale said to be planned for the Genesis Coupe, along with the fender arch cutouts on this mule that push the wheels to the corners for a longer wheelbase that will make more room for passengers. Rumor has been that the next car will do a much better job of swallowing four adults. The company's HTRAC all-wheel drive is expected to be an option, Hyundai having said five years ago that the feature is being engineered into the Genesis family platform. A reveal probably won't come until sometime in 2016.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid starting price is $500 cheaper for 2018

Hyundai revealed its updated 2018 Sonata Hybrid and PHEV at the Chicago Auto Show this year. They feature freshened styling inside and out, and some mechanical updates that we expect will make the cars better to drive. Now we've learned that Hyundai has improved a couple of other things about the conventional Sonata Hybrid, one of which is the price. The starting price for the 2018 Sonata Hybrid in base SE trim is $500 less than the 2017 model. That means the SE starts at $26,385. In addition to the lower base price, the entry-level Sonata Hybrid also picks up standard blind-spot warning, lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The Sonata Hybrid Limited is a bit more expensive now. Its new base price of $31,385 is $400 more than the 2017 model. But to make up for it, Hyundai has made the panoramic sunroof a standard feature. The Limited's optional Ultimate Package is now $550 cheaper, too, and includes additional safety features not previously offered, specifically automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Two more convenience features new to the Ultimate Package are a wireless phone charger and a heated steering wheel. If these updates sound like enough to get you into a new Sonata Hybrid, the good news is you won't have to wait to pick one up. They're available now at a Hyundai dealer near you. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and PHEV View 22 Photos Image Credit: Hyundai Green Hyundai Hybrid Sedan hyundai sonata hybrid

NHTSA investigating 8 million airbags not made by Takata

In a shocking turn of events, we have a line of airbags under investigation that weren't made by Takata. Rather, Automotive News reports that 8,000,000 airbags made by ARC Automotive Inc. are under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to Automotive News, NHTSA is looking into ARC's airbags after two injuries and a recent death were attributed to the company's products. The two injuries occurred first and prompted the initial inquiry of 490,000 airbags, which then expanded after an airbag from a different line caused the death of a Canadian driver. The airbags in question are found in GM, FCA, Hyundai and Kia products, and all automakers are cooperating with the investigation, Automotive News reports. It is also important to note that these airbags have not been recalled, as NHTSA is trying to determine the issue and whether a recall is necessary. NHTSA also told the news outlet that the ARC inflators use a different design than those from Takata, instead using some pressurized gas and an ammonium nitrate charge. While the design may be different, the Takata inflators also used ammonium nitrate propellant, which other manufacturers have avoided. We will be watching this situation closely to see what develops. Here's hoping – for our collective safety and sanity – that we won't have to go through another airbag crisis like with the Takata recall. Related Video: News Source: Automotive NewsImage Credit: Shutterstock Government/Legal Hyundai Kia Safety FCA airbag fiat chrysler automobiles