2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Review

Hyundai Genesis coupe is more primitive than prim

"The sports car certainly has some asphalt chops and a solid rear-wheel drive. That said, there's room for improvement. Let's start with its unattractive look, shall we?"

Hyundai Elantra ahead of Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla in Quality per J.D. Power

J.D. Power and Associates announced that Hyundai is the highest ranked non-premium nameplate in the 2009 Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) and is ranked fourth among all nameplates.

Hyundai owners had fewer problems with their vehicles than any other non-premium car or truck brand.

In addition to Hyundai’s strong overall showing, the Hyundai Elantra earned the award for the highest initial quality in the compact car segment. The all-new Hyundai Genesis significantly outperforms the average midsize premium car.

This year’s ranking marks the second time Hyundai has been the highest-ranked non-premium nameplate in the last four years, and the second time it finished among the top four overall nameplates, having also achieved these levels in 2006. Highlights this year include a top ranking for the Hyundai Elantra in the compact segment, and a top three segment performance for the Hyundai Accent, which ranked second in the highly competitive sub-compact car segment.

The IQS study measures 228 attributes, including the overall driving experience, engine and transmission, and a broad range of defect and design problems reported by vehicle owners.

“Outperforming all of our competitors once again is a reflection of the dedication of all Hyundai team members,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai's President and CEO. “We’re particularly delighted with the strong launch of Genesis, the North American Car of the Year, which surpassed several luxury competitors. We are also thrilled with how well the fuel-efficient Elantra and Accent scored.”


Source: Hyundai

Hyundai Sonata Chrome Door Handle Recall - 91,000 2002-2003s Affected

Hyundai is recalling over 91,000 MY 2002-2003 Sonatas due to a door handle problem which may pose an injury risk

Repeated use of the interior door handles may cause wear of the chrome plating, and apparently, the top portion of the plating is very thin and wears more easily than the thicker plated areas on the bottom. Hence, the chrome plating on the upper edge of the handle may wear away resulting in a thin and sharp little separation of the chrome plating which may cut you. Seems pretty quirky and a rare happening to us, but nevertheless, Hyundai is issuing a recall.

Dealers will fix the issue free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in June. Vehicle owners can reach Hyundai at (800) 633-5151.

Source: NHTSA

2010 Hyundai Genesis. An Affordable Mercedes Benz S-Class

NEW YORK – Conspicuous consumption has taken a back seat during these hard times, and an apparent beneficiary of that is the Hyundai Genesis, introduced last year as an affordable upscale sedan.

Starting at $32,250, it has drawn buyers who until recently might have opted for more costly prestige cars, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (stickered at $89,350 and up), says John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America.

Such a downshifting in consumer preferences may be tied to today’s public disdain of perceived excesses, from Wall Street bonuses to corporate jets. If there’s a time for flaunting it, it’s not now.

So, the Genesis becomes an understated luxury for many affluent consumers who want to avoid overt displays of extravagance and status, Krafcik says.

“A huge number of Genesis buyers are coming from premium brands,” he says at the auto show here, where Hyundai unveils its Nuvis concept cross/utility vehicle. It also displays the Equus, a costlier car than the Genesis, but only sold in South Korea, Hyundai’s homeland. Ward’s has reported Hyundai hopes to sell the Equus in the U.S. in about two years.


Read More at WardsAutoWorld.com

2009 Hyundai Veracruz, Santa Fe are "Best Bets" for 2009 among Crossovers, SUV

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 04/06/2009 The Hyundai Veracruz and Hyundai Santa Fe were named 2009 “Best Bets” in the SUV and Crossover category by Cars.com, the leading destination for online car shoppers.

“Both the Hyundai Veracruz and Santa Fe are exactly what value car buyers are looking for,” said Mike Hanley, an editor at Cars.com. “They offer stylish features, quiet cabins, leading safety features and are backed by the best warranty in the industry. These are vehicles our editors would love to drive.”

To qualify as a Cars.com “Best Bet,” models must meet three quantified criteria: a “Good” rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests; average or higher reliability ratings; and average or higher gas mileage within their class.

“It’s an honor to have Cars.com editors recognize the Veracruz and Santa Fe on their list of vehicles to buy in 2009,” said Scott Margason, director, Product & Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Both of these models offer industry-leading safety technologies, top-tier quality and a host of luxury and convenience features that offer more value to today’s car shopper than our competitors.”


Source: Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Tucson LM New Look since the 2009 Geneva Auto Show

The 2010 Hyundai Tucson -LM rendering. Could this be the final shape? Its exterior shape looks pretty close to the ix-onic concept we have seen debuting at Geneva Auto Show earlier this year.

Read More at Hyundai-Blog.com

Hyundai Genesis joins BMW 3-Series, Acura TL on Most Popular Luxury Car List

Some people purchase luxury rides for their plush interiors, slick exteriors and high-tech amenities. Others do it for the status. Either way, they have purchased a vehicle in a segment known for refined cosmetics, top-shelf build materials, gadgets galore and ultracomfortable ride characteristics.

Unfortunately, luxe cars are also known for their high sticker prices — a fact that consumers haven't overlooked. The luxury market was down 16.6 percent in 2008, compared with 2007. However, with the exception of the most expensive entries, the overall luxury segment's share of the U.S. car market actually increased slightly, so people are still interested in plush performance.

MSN Autos separates the luxury segment into three categories: near luxury, luxury and ultraluxury. Not surprisingly, the lesser-priced near-luxury category (prices start in the low to mid $30Ks) is the most researched group on MSN Autos. Regardless of its popularity, sales in this subcategory are down around 13 percent in 2008, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

Is there a silver lining here? Sure. What hasn't been hurt by this topsy-turvy economy is the quality and selection of luxury cars available to buyers today, which is reflected in this year's list of the top 10 most researched luxury cars on MSN Autos.


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Hyundai Hybrid Cars may also use Liquid Petroleum Gas for Fuel

The South Korean carmaker Hyundai is prepping to introduce the first in the world hybrid vehicle powered by advanced lithium-polymer batteries and is able to run on liquid petroleum gas (LPG), but the carmaker is already having its sights on the next-generation of plug-in hybrid transports.

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Video: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe drifts Fast & Furious Style

Drifting defines adolescent ridiculousness, and man do we dig it!

How else can a driver have so much fun going absolutely nowhere while destroying tires and torturing the powertrain? This video was shot at the press launch for the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe that is on sale now.


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Hyundai Concept Car Crossover -- Spied!

Hyundai's got a concept hatch in store for New York, and Autoblog reader Aaron spotted it on the street and was kind enough to snap a few photos for us.

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Devil drives Prada. Hyundai Genesis Prada, that is

Should the devil drive Prada, perhaps this could be his ride.

The Hyundai Genesis Prada model, unveiled at this week’s Seoul motor show in South Korea, is reportedly modified to suit the tastes of Prada’s CEO, Patrizio Bertelli.



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Future Hyundai Tiburon (Coupe) to be Small, Lightweight. Reminiscent of old CRX

With the new, rear-wheel drive Genesis Coupe already available on the market, Hyundai is now concentrating on the successor of the Tiburon (called Hyundai Coupe in Europe and other markets) that is scheduled to be introduced in 2011. Speaking with Autoweek magazine, John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, revealed that the firm's new coupe will be positioned below the current Tiburon in terms of size and more importantly, in price. If you're thinking in the likes of the long-gone Honda CRX, you're probably right.

Details

2010 Hyundai HND-4 Hybrid Concept to be unveiled at 2009 Seoul Motor Show

Hybrid is the word of the year in the auto industry, which is moving to develop automobiles that use eco-friendly technology.

The Lee Myung-bak administration is emphasizing the importance of “green growth” and consumers the world over are growing more aware of the benefits of fuel-efficient products, which is why companies are rushing to develop hybrid vehicles.

With Korea’s largest domestic auto exposition, the Seoul Motor Show, scheduled to start later this week, Hyundai Motor, the largest car supplier in the country, unveiled its futuristic hybrid concept car, the HND-4.

The slim and sporty vehicle is equipped with a 1,600 cc GDI (gasoline direction injection) engine and a 100-kilowatt engine or 154 horse power capacity. The vehicle also runs on a lithium polymer battery, meaning it could go for up to 64 kilometers (39.7 miles) on a single charge.


Read More at JoongAngDaily.com

Plug-In Hyundai HND-4 Blue-Will Hybrid Possible for US Market

Hyundai is moving into the hybrid business quickly, with its first petrol-electric model expected to debut in South Korea this July and the U.S. by next year. Now, the carmaker’s American chief, John Krafcik, has revealed that management is considering building a more advanced plug-in hybrid sports car.

If given the go ahead, the vehicle would be based around the upcoming Blue-Will concept planned for next month’s Seoul Motor Show but no timeline has been suggested.

Krafcik went on to reveal that any production car based on the Blue-Will should "be a dedicated hybrid like the Prius and Insight", but unlike those cars it shouldn't be boring. He also told Automotive News that such a car has a “very good possibility” of coming to North America.


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Hyundai's Assurance (Returnable Car) Program Apparently Not Once Used Yet

Apparently, the recession is all in our heads. Hyundai motors has largely escaped the fate of its competitors in recent months, posting narrow sales losses or small sales gains each month while its competitors often saw sales slip by a third. Many analysts credit the automaker's unique Assurance Plus program for the success. The program allows buyers to return their new Hyundai, with no negative impact on their credit report, if they lose their income in the first year of ownership. In some circumstances, Hyundai will also make up to three payments on the buyer's behalf while the buyer searches for a new job.

So far, no one has taken advantage of the benefit.

2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring Wagon aimed at the Toyota Matrix and Honda Fit

Buyers looking for a small wagon just got a boost to their choices with the introduction of the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring. It joins the Honda Fit, Toyota Matrix, Dodge Caliber and Mazda3 Sport in the compact wagon segment.

Canadians have always had more of an affinity for small hatchbacks and wagons than their cousins south of the border, who have traditionally preferred SUVs. Maybe it's our more thrifty ways as compact wagons usually cost less to buy, use less fuel but generally hold just as much cargo as a compact SUV. So the introduction of a wagon into the vehicle line is a safe bet for Hyundai.

To cover the broadest spectrum of buyers, Hyundai is offering the Elantra Touring in four different trim levels starting at $14,995 and going all the way up to $22,395. We drove a GL model with an automatic transmission.

The Touring is slightly longer and wider than Toyota's Matrix. Hyundai claims the Touring has the most passenger and cargo space in its class, with 2,866 litres of passenger volume and 689 litres of cargo capacity. It also boasts a longer wheelbase, which helps ride and rear legroom.


Read More at Canada.com

Hyundai above Average in J.D. Power and Associates Dependability Study

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 03/19/2009 Hyundai increased its lead over the industry average in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) released today.

Hyundai ranked No. 13 among nameplates in the long-term quality study, four rank positions better than industry average. The Hyundai overall score was 161 problems per 100 vehicles, nine problems better than the industry average of 170. In the 2008 Vehicle Dependability StudySM, Hyundai was three rank positions and six problems better than the industry average. The Elantra sedan had the highest levels of dependability in the Hyundai lineup.

“Customers deserve and expect the highest levels of quality when they purchase a vehicle, and expect it will remain reliable over its lifetime,” said Barry Ratzlaff, Hyundai Motor America Director of Product Quality. “Our improvements in overall dependability demonstrate our efforts to build on the foundation of our 10 year, 100,000-mile warranty. Throughout the enterprise, from our suppliers through our dealers, we continue to aggressively strive and innovate for Hyundai vehicles to be in the top tier for vehicle quality and reliability.”

J.D. Power and Associates changed methodology for the 2009 VDS, so results from past years are not directly comparable. The highly regarded study measures problems experienced by original owners and lessees of three-year-old (2006 model year) vehicles. The study is based on the responses of more than 46,000 owners of new vehicles bought between September 2005 and February 2006. The 2009 VDS measures problem symptoms in categories such as vehicle exterior, driving experience, features/controls/displays, audio/entertainment/navigation, seats, HVAC, interior, engine and transmission. The VDS is one of three J.D. Power and Associates quality studies, along with the Initial Quality Study (IQS) that measures quality after 90 days of ownership, and the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study that measures customer perceptions on the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles.


Source: Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - This Turbocharged Affordable Car is Smoking!

There is no doubt that the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe has been one of the most-anticipated cars to hit U.S. dealerships this year. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is available with a 210-hp 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder and a 306-hp 3.8L V6 with prices starting at $22,000 and $25,000 respectively.

According to Hyundai USA CEO John Krafcik, sales of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe have been “simply smoking.” Krafcik told Motor Trend that initial sales of the Genesis Coupe are beating the Genesis sedan figures with “significantly less” advertising.

Dealers currently have many Genesis Coupe 2.0T models on hand. Since the 3.8L is still in transit, it’s hard to say which powertrain options customers will pick most. Nonetheless, word is that 50 percent of those showing interest in the Genesis Coupe are going for the Grand Touring model.


Read More at eGmcarTech.com

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Review by Motor Trend

Just a year ago, Hyundai pulled out the red carpet to launch the Genesis, a rear-drive, V-8-motivated luxury car with power and grace akin to that of a Lexus LS 460. Its pricetag, however, resembled the one dangling from the rearview of a Chrysler 300C. And wouldn't you know it, just as the original Lexus LS did 20 years ago, the Genesis garnered much attention, plenty of love, and due respect.

It certainly got ours.