2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Photos on the Loose

There's no end to the automotive leaks today with the latest victim of "someone, somewhere did it, but it wasn't me" being the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, photos of which "somehow" made it online several hours ahead of its world premiere at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

We were the first to bring you the low down on Hyundai's 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline unit in the beginning of 2011, while the South Korean automaker officially revealed details on the engine last October.

We'll have to wait until tomorrow for the full details but in KDM form, the 1.6-liter unit that makes use of a twin-scroll turbocharger and a direct fuel injection system produces 204-horses at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 265Nm (195 lb-ft) at 1,750 rpm. Hyundai has said that the performance numbers will differ only slightly between markets (the U.S. version is rumored to be rated at 201HP and 196 lb-ft).

The Veloster Turbo will be available with both a six-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels.

The photos reveal that the Turbo model receives some styling changes to differentiate it from the 138HP base version, including a full face front grille, a redesigned front bumper with new fog lamp surrounds and protruding wings on both corners, widened front fenders, side skirts and a new rear bumper with oval tailpipes.

Interior goodies include a pair of body-hugging front seats and bespoke trim.

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Hyundai Debuts Hexa Space HND-7 Concept at New Delhi Auto Show

Hyundai is leaving no stone unturned in promoting its brand across the world and with India's car market on the high boom, the South Korean automaker couldn’t be absent from this week's Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi where it rolled out a new concept model named the Hexa Space.

The concept features Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language, though we can't see the exterior winning any beauty contests, and that's probably an understatement…

The small minivan, which also carries the HND-7 codename, shares its platform with Hyundai’s compact ix20 and measures 4,300 mm long, 1,820 mm wide and 1,647 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,570mm.

The study is powered by Hyundai’s Kappa 1.2-liter turbo GDI petrol engine, which is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The South Korean brand says that the Hexa Space is targeted at young urban families in their 30s and 40s searching for a vehicle that serves many roles. The futuristic-looking interior offers seating for eight in three rows in a 3+3+2 layout with the center seat in the first two rows positioned slightly behind the corner seats.

The Hexa Space also features sliding rear doors, which combined with the absence of a center column, create a wide-open entry on either side of the vehicle.

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Hyundai's 40mpg 2012 Sonata Hybrid Priced at $26,610

Hyundai has released pricing information for its 2012 model year Sonata Hybrid sedan, which starts at $25,850, or $26,610 if you include a $760 delivery fee*. That's a $55 increase over the 2011 model.

While there are no cosmetic or mechanical changes for the 2012MY, Hyundai has added its Blue Link telematics system the car's standard equipment.

In addition, there's a new optional Leather Package that offers leather seating surfaces, steering wheel and shift knob, plus heated front and rear seats, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink and compass. Hyundai says that these features were previously available only on the higher trim level of the Sonata Hybrid.

For the 2012MY, the most fuel efficient model of the Sonata series continues with a hybrid powertrain that combines a 169HP 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission, a 30kW electric motor and a lithium polymer battery.

The Sonata Hybrid delivers an EPA estimated 40mpg [5.9lt/100km] on the highway, 35mpg [6.7lt/100km] in the city and 37mpg [6.4lt/100km] combined.

Sonata Hybrid

· 2.4L Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder hybrid engine

· Hybrid starter-generator (HSG)

· Permanent magnet high-power density motor

· 270V lithium polymer battery

· 6-speed automatic transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC

· Electronic stability control with traction control system

· ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist

· Front active head restraints

· Front and front seat side and curtain airbags

· 16-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels

· Headlight LED accents

· LED taillights

· Front fog lights

· Side mirror-mounted turn signal indicators

· Unique, tinted chrome front grille

· Bodyside molding tinted chrome inserts

· Chrome exterior door handles

· Proximity entry with push-button start

· Remote keyless entry, alarm and immobilizer

· Electroluminescent instrument cluster (Supervision)

· 4.2-inch TFT multi-function trip computer with hybrid technology display

· Steering Wheel Mounted Cruise, Audio & Phone Controls

· Dual automatic temperature control

· Floor console mounted rear vents

· Power driver seat with lumbar support

· Chrome interior door handles

· Leatherette interior door panel inserts

· Tilt & telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls

· Metalgrain interior accents

· AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 with iPod/USB & Aux input jacks

· Power windows, locks, heated mirrors

· Integrated Bluetooth® with phonebook transfer

· Hyundai Blue Link Telematics system

· Automatic light control

· Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS)

· Solar control glass

Leather Package ($1,500 MSRP):

· Leather seating surfaces

· Heated front seats and rear seat bottom cushions

· Leather-wrapped steering wheel & shift knob

· Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass

Ultimate Package ($5,500 MSRP) - Includes Leather package contents plus the following:

· Panoramic sunroof with tilt & slide

· 17-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels with unique finish

· Navigation system with high-resolution touch-screen display

· Rear backup camera

· Infinity premium speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier (400-watt)

· HD Radio Technology with multicasting

· SiriusXM, NavTraffic, NavWeather and Sports & Stocks w/ 90-Day Trial

· HVAC multi-mode button

· Premium door sill plates

· Glossy black door surround and outside mirror housing

 

 

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Hyundai America Nabs BMW Designer Christopher Chapman

If there's one thing that Hyundai and Kia can lay claim to, is that both companies eventually understood the importance of design and made significant efforts to improve the styling of their vehicles in the past few years.

To achieve their goal, the Koreans didn't hesitate to bring in experienced designers from other brands, with the most notable transfer being that of Peter Schreyer from Audi who took over and revolutionized Kia's design language.

The South Korean group continues to inject its brands with foreign designers, with its latest hire being Christopher Chapman of former BMW fame. Chapman was named chief designer of the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, California, and will be responsible for new vehicle and concept design for Hyundai.

“With over 22 years of experience in the industry working on esteemed automotive brands, Chris provides a level of talent that will help further our design portfolio,” said SukGeun Oh, Head of Design, Senior Executive Vice President Hyundai Design Center. “We are thrilled to have Christopher Chapman as chief designer for Hyundai and look forward to continuing the strong momentum of our vehicle designs.”

Chapman started his career at the Isuzu Technical Center of America in Cerritos, California, in 1989 and was the designer chosen for the exterior of the XU-1 show car, which won Best Concept at the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show.

In 1994, he joined the BMW Group at DesignworksUSA in California, where he designed the exteriors of the X5 Sport Activity Vehicle and X Coupe concept car before he moved to Germany to design the CS1 concept shown at the Geneva Auto Salon in 2002, followed by the first generation 1 Series production Coupe and its derivatives.

In 2002, Chapman was appointed Director of Automotive Design and has been responsible for leading several conceptual and production vehicles including the new X5, X3, Z4 and the first BMW 1-series E87.

“Christopher Chapman is an outstanding addition to the design team at HATCI,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “We are proud to add such a talented individual to lead the team of dedicated designers at HATCI that will continue to develop innovative vehicles for both the United States and global auto markets.”

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New Hyundai i-oniq Concept Going Geneva

Hyundai has rolled out a teaser sketch of a new concept car named 'i-oniq' that will be revealed in a world premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Designed and developed at the company’s European R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the i-oniq concept is said to preview the next evolution of Hyundai's ‘fluidic sculpture’ form language, which is featured on the brand's recent production models like the Sonata, the i40 and the Veloster.

Thomas Bürkle, Hyundai’s European Chief Designer described the new design language thusly: “Two strong arched curves define the silhouette of i-oniq, creating a playful contrast between the sharp character lines and soft but muscular features.”

Hyundai said that it would reveal more information as well as pictures on its new design concept in the forthcoming weeks.

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New Hyundai Elantra Sales Soar to 216,331 Units in the U.S. and Canada in 2011

While the economic climate may not be ideal, Hyundai is enjoying a success this year in North America as it has eclipsed the 600,000 annual sales mark for the first time in its 25-year U.S. history.

Leading the way in both Canada and the USA, is the redesigned Elantra that saw its sales increase by 43 percent, from 151,735 deliveries in 2010 to 216,331 this year, setting an all-time record for the model series.

"[The] Elantra has been an absolute phenomenon in the compact car segment," says John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America President and CEO. "In November, Elantra retail sales were up 37 percent, in spite of significant competition from all-new entries such as the Chevy Cruze, Ford Focus and Honda Civic."

The new Elantra has also proven to be successful in Canada. Steve Kelleher, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp, commented: "The Elantra continues to fuel record sales in Canada. The Elantra's Fluidic Sculpture design, advanced safety features and fuel efficiency make it the perfect car in our market."

Hyundai's future plans for the Elantra include the presentation of a two-door coupe model that one of our readers recently spied in California and which is expected to launch next February at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

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