2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Modestly Refreshed in Australia

While Hyundai's engineers are working on the development of the next generation of the Santa Fe, which may carry the iX45 moniker in select regions, the Korea firm is presenting a 2012 model year version of the crossover with some very subtle cosmetic and equipment upgrades in Australia.

On the outside, the 2012MY Santa Fe gains a front skid plate with matching rear skid plate, both painted in silver, and a chrome tailgate garnish. In addition, on the Elite and Highlander trim models, the roof racks and the fog lamp surrounds are now finished in a black piano color, while the Highlander also gets perforated leather seats and redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels.

The discrete styling changes are accompanied by the addition of the Down-Hill Brake Control (DBC), which helps the driver to maintain vehicle control on steep downhill descent, on all versions sans the entry SLX manual.

And that about sums up all the miniscule changes to the Australian market 2012MY Santa Fe which continues with two powertrain options, the 2.2-litre CRDi diesel engine with all-wheel drive, and the 3.5-litre V6 Lambda petrol engine with front-wheel drive only.

There are no changes in pricing with the 3.5L FWD starting from AU$36,990 and the 2.2L AWD diesel from AU$37,990.

 

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Fisker Karma Rated For Only 52 MPGe EPA, The First Record Of Sales

Although Fisker delivered the first examples of new Karma sedan last month, shall be used only as vehicles for long distance demonstration plug-in hybrid Fisker has not received the necessary environmental protection agency (EPA) certification.

This last hurdle now behind Fisker announced today that it has sold the first $ 97,000 Karma. "With the receipt of EPA certification in hand, we have reached an important milestone in the book of first sale of the Karma sedan decisive," said the exuberant, Henrik Fisker, who is the CEO and founder of the company.

According to EPA tests, the Karma is an all-electric range 32 miles, and an average combined fuel consumption of 52 MPGe (4.5 km lt/100). It is almost half the MPGe 100 (lt/100 2.3 km) consumption promised when the project was announced, but recommended for a luxury sedan with a range of extended-range engines.

But Consumer Reports said that when the petrol engine 2.0-liter turbo kicks in power, it is estimated at only 20mpg Karma.

Fisker says that based on a full charge takes less than six hours using a 240V outlet, Karma only use 9 liters of gasoline per month and gas station visits in 1000 miles to complete the series expansion of 2.0 - liter gasoline engine when the driver made a daily commute of 40 miles on average.

Following the announcement, the CEO also said: "The increase in production and we have a strong dealer network in place so that we can provide many of these incredible cars to customers throughout the remainder of 2011 and for many years to come. "

PHOTO GALLERY

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Hyundai Announces New 1.6-liter Turbo Gasoline 2.0 And Euro 6 Diesel Engines

They were long in the making, but the Hyundai Motor Group has finally made its long awaited 1.6 t-GDI Gamma petrol and Euro 6 R-2.0 diesel engines today.

Were presented at the "Powertrain 11thHyundai-Kia International Conference", held October 19 and 20 at the Rolling Hills Hotel, which is close to the Hyundai-Kia Motors R & D center in Korea.

The newest member of the family Hyundai range petrol engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine uses a twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler air guide system of direct fuel injection and dual CVVT, to produce a maximum power of 204 horsepower at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 27.0 kgf.m (265 nm or 195 lb-ft) at 1750 rpm. These figures differ slightly depending on the market.

This engine meets strict California ULEV-2 standards (Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle), as well as the Euro 5 standard, and should be used for a variety of Hyundai and Kia vehicles, including, of course, Veloster sport hatch, which should be the first half of 2012.

Hyundai said the Gamma 1.6 T-GDI was developed over a period of 52 months and cost ₩ 69.5 billion (U.S. $ € 61400000 / 44400000).

At the conference, Hyundai Motor has also launched its new 2.0 diesel R-engine. The 2.0 liter four-cylinder is rated at 150 hp and 39.0kgf.m (382Nm or 282 lbs-ft) and complies with strict Euro 6. It is also used throughout the range of Hyundai and Kia, including the successor to come from Santa Fe

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