2014 Hyundai Sonata Se 2.0t on 2040-cars

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Next-gen Hyundai Genesis reveals new skin on 'Ring

The launch of the next-generation Hyundai Genesis is drawing closer and closer, and this latest set of spy shots gives us our best look yet at the Korean automaker's new sedan. Caught testing on the Nürburgring, we're not only getting a better look at the finer details of the Hyundai's exterior, but this set of photos gives us a clear view inside the cockpit, as well.
For its new generation, the Hyundai Genesis appears to be moving a bit more upmarket in terms of materials and layout, with a redesigned steering wheel, gauge cluster and center stack. The current car's analog clock appears to be left intact, smack dab in the middle of the heating and cooling controls, but the rest of the updates look decidedly more modern and, if we're honest, a bit German.
Outside, it's obvious that the new Hyundai will wear a more aggressive front fascia, along with what appears to be a more rakish rear deck. Earlier reports have stated that the next Genesis will be much lighter than the current car, and with a much more sporty tune to the suspension. We'll know more when the car is officially revealed, though it's still unclear exactly when that will be.

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."

10 automakers sued over keyless ignitions

Keyless ignition has rapidly proliferated throughout the auto industry to become a fairly normal feature on new cars. It's supposed to offer the convenience of keeping the fob in your pocket and just pressing a button to drive away. However, ten major automakers are now being sued in US District Court over claims that the system is dangerous, Reuters reports. The suit alleges that people are forgetting to shut off the engine, and the lack of an idle timer is the cause for 13 deaths by carbon monoxide poisoning and multiple injuries. The suit currently includes 28 plaintiffs, according to Reuters, but the lawyers are asking for class-action status to potentially add many more. The case goes after a major swath of the industry, including BMW, Daimler, FCA, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen, plus their related brands like Acura, Infiniti, Mini, and Lexus. In all, over five million vehicles are affected. The assertion here is that people walk away from their vehicle without shutting it off because they believe the engine shuts off automatically. If parked in a garage, carbon monoxide can build up, leading to poisoning. The lawyers claim automakers know this is a problem and also cite 27 complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the issue, according to Reuters. The plaintiffs are asking for an automatic shut-off and damages from the companies. These concerns have come up before, though. Toyota previously faced a lawsuit over a carbon monoxide death after a woman accidentally left her Lexus running. Also earlier this year, GM recalled 64,186 examples of the 2011-2013 Chevrolet Volt because owners weren't shutting them off. The problem resulted in two injuries, and the company released a software update to limit the idling time.