Hyundai recalls 882 Veloster sports cars in Australia

Hyundai is recalling 882 units of the Veloster in Australia because of a problem with the panoramic glass roof. The affected vehicles sold in Australia between November 1, 2011 and April 17, 2012.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission explains: "The panoramic sunroof glass may have been damaged when fitted to the vehicle. A damaged sunroof glass may fracture unexpectedly when the vehicle is parked or being driven. If the defect occurs, it may pose a laceration hazard to occupants of the vehicle."

Hyundai Australia public relations general manager Bill Thomas confirmed there have been seven reports of cracked sunroofs by local customers but no accidents or injuries linked to the defect.

The recall is expected to start soon but the South Korean carmaker didn't announce an exact date. Meanwhile, owners should contact the nearest Hyundai dealership as soon as possible to arrange an inspection of the sunroof. This work will be carried out free of charge.

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Hyundai to build test facility at the Nurburgring track

In an effort to become a top European carmaker, Hyundai has announced plans to build a new test center at the famous track in Nurburgring.

According to the South Korean carmaker, the 3,050 square-meter facility represents a €5.5 million ($7.3 million) investment and aims to develop the driving dynamics, reliability and durability through track-testing in the challenging track. Then feedback from the tests will be used by engineers at the company's existing R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany for the development of the models.

"The new Hyundai test centre at Nürburgring is an expression of our intention to focus on improving the customer experience of our vehicles, such as ride and handling - an important consideration for European drivers," said Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe. "The new centre represents a significant investment, and one we expect will significantly contribute to enhancing the perception of the Hyundai brand and our key competitive competence in Europe."

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2013 Detroit: Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis Concept

After last week's teaser, Hyundai has officially revealed the HCD-14 Genesis Concept at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. It is designed to preview the next-gen Genesis and features a 4-door coupe design.

"We instilled HCD-14 Genesis with a premium-sport 4-door coupe road presence," said chief designer of Hyundai Design North America Christopher Chapman. "Its sleek and lightweight silhouette does not punish the wind, but uses fluidic precision with dramatic surfacing that conveys natural restraint. Inside, a driver-centric cockpit prioritizes dramatic sculpture over infotainment button overload. Laminated and milled-wood detailing delivers a fresh, topographical map-like visual interest throughout the cabin-length center console."

Under the hood, the concept is powered by a 5.0-liter Tau V8 engine that features direct injection and dual continuously variable valve timing. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

"We’ve departed from industry convention in many of our premium product, marketing, sales and service approaches, and it’s worked out pretty well, with Genesis and Equus now delivering a nine percent retail market share in their premium segments, higher than the five percent retail share Hyundai brand achieves in the overall industry," said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "This success paves the way for a new generation of rear-wheel drive premium products. HCD-14 Genesis gives a hint of the design direction we’ll be taking, and an indication of the focus we’re placing on driving dynamics and technology."

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Hyundai HCD-14 concept teased for Detroit debut

Hyundai has just released the first teaser image of the HCD-14 concept, ahead of its debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show next week.

According to the South Korean carmaker, the concept "will give the automotive world a glimpse into future Hyundai premium vehicle design, advanced 3-D gesture-based technology controls, and spirited driving dynamics".

Details are limited, but we can see it will be a four-door coupe which draws inspiration from the BMW 6-Series GranCoupe and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

More details will be announced on January 14. Stay tuned!!!

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2012 Hyundai Veloster recalled for sunroof flaw

Hyundai is recalling 13,500 units of the 2012 Veloster due to a potential defect in the panoramic sunroof glass. The affected vehicles were built between November 1, 2011 and April 17, 2012.

"The panoramic sunroof assembly may be weakened during installation at the factory," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem. "If the assembly was weakened at the factory, the panoramic glass panel may break while the vehicle is in motion, leading to personal injury or a vehicle crash."

The Korean carmaker reports that it's not aware of any accidents related to the recall, but the company did receive five reports of minor cuts due to the broken glass.

The recall is expected to begin in January 2013 and dealers will replace the panoramic glass panel for free. For more information, owners can contact Hyundai at 800-633-5151 or NHTSA at 888-327-4236.

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Hyundai i30 3-door gets first promo video

Hyundai has recently released the first promo video for the three-door version of the i30.

According to the Korean carmaker, the three-door i30 features a more steeply raked beltline which gives it a much more aggressive and dynamic stance than the five-door i30. Meanwhile, the doors have also been lengthened to improve access to the rear seats.

Set togo on sale early next year, the three-door i30 will be offered in Europe with the same powertrains as the five-door version, including 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter diesel and gasoline engines ranging in output from 89 hp to 126 hp, together with six-speed manual and automatic gearbox options.

 

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Hyundai and Kia to offer more turbos, diesels

Hyundai Motor Group has announced Hyundai and Kia will offer more turbocharged gasoline engines and new transmissions in the United States. In addition, the company also said that it plans to expand its lineup of diesel-powered vehicles but did not indicate in which markets.

The Korean carmaker also didn’t confirm when the new engines and transmissions will be made available.

In 2011, Bloomberg reported that Hyundai was working on a ten-speed automatic transmission for luxury cars starting in 2014. For the mainstream vehicles, Hyundai provides six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, while the more premium cars, such as the Genesis and Equus, are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Source: Automotive News

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Hyundai i30 SR concept introduced in Sydney

Hyundai’s Australian division has just introduced the i30 SR concept at the Sydney Motor Show.

Based on the i30 Elite, the production-ready concept will be launched next year as a more powerful variant of the hatchback. It features an unique black sports grille, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lamps, a rear diffuser and partial leather/leatherette upholstery with red inserts, chrome and red SR badges.

Under the hood, the i30 SR will borrow the 2.0-liter gasoline engine from its larger i40 sibling. This unit produces 174 hp and 213 Nm of torque, which is 18 percent more power and 20 percent more torque than the i30’s standard 1.8-liter engine that generates 147 hp and 178 Nm, promising improved acceleration and performance.

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Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec Track Edition announced

Hyundai and ARK Performance have recently announced plans to introduce an "ultra-high-performance track edition" of the refreshed Genesis Coupe R-Spec at the SEMA Show, which will take place from October 30 to November 2 in Las Vegas.

According to the South Korean carmaker, the car features a carbon fiber hood, race-like flared over-fenders and a massive front splitter. There's also a sporty rear diffuser, a carbon fiber wing and Yokohama ADVAN RS2 wheels with Nitto NT05 tires.

Inside, the cabin gets a bespoke interior by JPM Coachworks. It will also have Sparco racing seats, a Sparco steering wheel and a chromoly roll cage.

Under the hood, the 3.8-liter V6 engine has been equipped with a performance intake system, a performance oil cooler, a lightweight pulley kit and a Brian Crower stroker kit. This allows it to produce 395 hp at 6,800 rpm and 460 Nm of torque at 5,400 rpm.

Other mechanical upgrades include a Cusco type RS 1.5/2-way limited-slip differential, six-piston brakes with carbon pads, a carbon plate clutch kit and a coilover suspension.

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Hyundai i30 3-door going to Paris Motor Show

Hyundai has recently announced the i30 3-door hatchback will make its debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

According the South Korean carmaker, the model comes with a redesigned lower front bumper, a redesigned grille with new black mesh insert. The car also gets new fog light clusters, new LED lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Under the bonnet, four engines with five power outputs are available, as well as 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Additional information is limited, but a 1.6-liter diesel unit can produce 126 hp and CO2 emissions of 97 g/km.

“The New Generation i30 three-door has been conceived solely for Europe, and will strengthen Hyundai’s presence further in the segment where we have seen our greatest success since 2007. Just as important, its sporty looks − offering a fresh interpretation of fluidic sculpture − will generate greater brand awareness and enhance consumer perceptions of Hyundai in Europe.” said senior vice president and COO of Hyundai's European division, Allan Rushforth.

More details will be released in France on September 29. Stay tuned!!!

 

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