2014 Hyundai Sonata Se on 2040-cars

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John Krafcik eyes Sonata, talks about his new role

As hundreds of people gathered to watch the unveiling of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata at the New York Auto Show on Wednesday, John Krafcik, a driving force behind the new vehicle, found himself in a peculiar position.
He stood far away from the car, away from the crowd. He watched from the Nissan stand as the covers were pulled off the Sonata.
If it was an awkward moment for Krafcik, whose tenure as Hyundai's chief executive officer ended on January 1, he didn't show it. He offered effusive praise of the Sonata. "It's a beautiful car," he said. "I think it's wonderful."

Carmakers ask Trump to revisit fuel efficiency rules

Car companies operating in the US are required to meet stringent fuel efficiency standards (a fleet average of 54.5MPG) through 2025, but they're hoping to loosen things now that President Trump is in town. Leaders from Fiat Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota and VW have sent a letter to Trump asking him to rethink the Obama administration's choice to lock in efficiency guidelines for the next several years. The car makers want to revisit the midterm review for the 2025 commitment in hopes of loosening the demands. They claim that the tougher requirements raise costs, don't match public buying habits and will supposedly put "as many a million" jobs up in the air. The Trump administration hasn't specifically responded to the letter, although Environmental Protection Agency nominee Scott Pruitt had said he would return to the Obama-era decision. The automakers' argument doesn't entirely hold up. While the EPA did estimate that the US would fall short of efficiency goals due to a shift toward SUVs and trucks, the job claims are questionable. Why would making more fuel efficient vehicles necessarily cost jobs instead of pushing companies to do better? As it is, even a successful attempt to loosen guidelines may only have a limited effect. All of the brands mentioned here are pushing for greater mainstream adoption of electric vehicles within the next few years -- they may meet the Obama administration's expectations just by shifting more drivers away from gas power. This article by Jon Fingas originally appeared on Engadget, your guide to this connected life. Related Video: News Source: ReutersImage Credit: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images Government/Legal Green Chrysler Fiat GM Honda Hyundai Nissan Toyota Volkswagen Fuel Efficiency CAFE standards Trump

Hyundai's new i30 is America's new Elantra GT

Hyundai pulled the wraps off of the European-designed i30 hatchback ahead of the Paris Motor Show, and the automaker confirmed that it will appear in the United States next spring under the Elantra GT name. The exaggerated curves and swoops from the previous model were discarded in favor of straighter, subtler lines. According to Hyundai, the i30 represents the future of the brand's design, and the "Cascading Grille" will be its signature. On the inside, the i30 features a wide dashboard that is slightly less driver-oriented than the Elantra sedan. Hyundai also uses a touchscreen set out from the dash, which is popular yet polarizing with consumers. In addition to being styled in Europe, other parts of the i30 were also developed and tested over there, and the car even spent some time at the Nurburgring. The chassis is 22-percent stiffer and steering that is 10-percent more direct, Hyundai says. The car also features a McPherson strut front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension. Europeans will get a variety of engine choices, but only one of them is likely to come here: a turbocharged 1.4-liter gas four-cylinder that makes about 140 horsepower. The other engines are smaller and less powerful gas engines and variations on a 1.6-liter diesel. It's also possible that it could get the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine in the Elantra, or the turbo 1.6-liter engine in the Veloster Turbo and other Hyundais. Hyundai also announced the i30 would spawn a few variants. It didn't give any specifics on body styles aside from saying the i30 would have a "family of unique products." The i30 will be the first Hyundai with an N version. For those out of the loop, N is the performance brand Hyundai has been preparing to launch. The company also said the i30 N would arrive in 2017. Hyundai only confirmed with us that the standard i30 would be coming to America, but it would make sense for Hyundai to bring the hot version as well, even if it comes a little later than in Europe and/or South Korea. We certainly wouldn't turn it down, especially if it sounds like the current prototype. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Hyundai i30: Paris 2016 View 12 Photos Related Gallery 2017 Hyundai i30 View 10 Photos Image Credit: Live photos copyright 2016 Drew Phillips / Autoblog Paris Motor Show Hyundai Hatchback hyundai elantra gt