The Hyundai i40 sedan reserved exclusively for the European market

This is the first time the Koreans pipped the Japanese car maker since they entered Germany back in 1999. By doing so they have secured the title of the 10th most popular car brand. Hyundai was helped along by Toyota’s misfortunes as the Japanese company had to grapple with recalls and the ecological disasters that shut down part of its operations in Japan early last year.

Hyundai will hope to repeat this in 2012 with the help of new dealerships selling the latest generation i30 and i40 models.

[Source - English.yonhapnews.co.kr]

You can read more about the exteriors and engine options here- http://indianautosblog.com/2011/12/hyundai-hb

What we have found meanwhile is the first rendering of HB’s interiors.

One can see traces of the Verna and Avante in this dashboard

First thing that catches the eye is funky layout of the dash. As we have seen in the new Verna, i20 or even the low-budget Eon, Hyundai’s strive for quality interiors has taken a massive leap ahead. They are much nicer place to be in than the competition at same price band. With the HB’s interiors (though a rendering) it seems the designers have only bettered it.

The 4-spoke steering wheel looks chunkier along with the very handy steering-mounted controls. Faux aluminum/titanium inserts with black theme surely add sportiness to the dash. Swanky shaped air-vents on either sides are a very nice-touch indeed. The protruding centre air-vents is stylish yet subtle. Two-pod instrument console with a LCD display in between looks neat and well-spaced.

The whole dash is flowing towards the centre, providing the passenger side storage bin more space (note the bulge) for knick-knacks. Thanks to the designing team there aren’t much control knobs/buttons on the dash causing overkill.

What really drew my attention at first is the gear lever; it’s an auto-tranny. And then when you check the tachometer you find the red-line at around 4.5k rpm – That’s the only slip up in this rendering!

[Source - RevistaAutoEsporte.globo.com]

Hyundai Verna/Accent turns up the heat with Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy

The competition is judged by a panel of experienced journalists, enthusiasts and motoring experts and is not affiliated to an automotive magazine or publication. The Elantra was announced the winner based on its style, fuel economy and standard safety features while the Accent stood above the rest for its space, safety and best in class fuel efficiency.

But when a top-ranked official from a competitor brand says he walked away impressed from your product, that’s the highest compliment you can possibly receive.

American market Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

In a conversation on electric cars Chinese publication The Dong-a Libo two weeks ago, Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota Motor Corporation’s executive vice president for research and development said -

“I had a chance to drive the Sonata Hybrid, and I think it`s very well designed in fuel economy and driving performance,” but added, “I think Toyota still has a slight lead over Hyundai in technology.”

Uchiyamada san engineered the world’s first mass production hybrid car Prius, which is the world’s best selling in its category. A remark from a man of his stature might have evoked smiles on the Hyundai R&D team engineers.

[Source - English.Donga.com]

Designed in California, the mini SUV will base itself on the Curb concept shown at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year. Hyundai will take a gamble with the ix25 providing it distinct looks.

The stance will be sporty and it will be about exuding confidence like an executive should while attending a promotion interview. Despite the heavy interest in making it look unique and gambling with the design, Hyundai will put in a generous amount of cabin space.

The Curb was presented in Detroit with a turbocharged 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine mated to Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) developing 175 horsepower. Hyundai promised that the Curb would deliver 30+ mpg in the city and 40+ mpg on the highway.

Like all future Hyundai models, fuel efficiency is the keyword on the ix25. Features such as start-stop, upshift indicator, brake energy recovery, demand-driven auxiliary units, backup battery and thermal management will be standard on this five-seater.

[Source - AutoBILD.de]

The styling is inspired by the “Grand Glide” philosophy which creates the image of a “powerful, elegant flight.” On the mechanical front, the car is powered by 2 new engines:

Lambda II 3.0 GDI, developing a 266 hp and a fuel economy of 11.6 km/l

Theta II 2.4-liter GDI developing a 198 hp which is rated at 12.8 km/l

2012 Hyundai Azera

2012 Hyundai Grandeur in Korea

Of course, being luxury sedan, it is loaded with electronic wizardry like:

* VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control)
* VSM (Vehicle Stability Management)
* TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
* ESS (Emergency Stop Signal)
* Advanced Smart Cruise Control
* A nine-airbag system, including a driver’s knee airbag

It will be priced between approximately US$28,000 to US$35,000. The aim is to sell 100,000 Grandeur units this year, of which 80,000 in the domestic market and 20,000 internationally

This is one the best interiors (leave alone the best of Hyundai) we have seen in an mid-size sedan.

The present Azera is slightly wider and longer than the Sonata and its  interiors are well appointed. Based on the Sonata’s platform, the top-end variant comes with a 3.8-liter V6 petrol engine.

The shifter is derived from a manual transmission's cabin, while the buttons have grown in size

One can also buy the Azera with a 2.2-liter CRDI engine also found on the Sonata.

2012 Hyundai Azera Interior shots recall the Sonata YF

The 2012 Azera features an extremely wide grill which will probably be chrome plated and a more coupe like body. The 2012 Azera is expected to be powered by 2 different V6s – a 263-hp 3.8-liter or a 234-hp 3.3-liter mated to a 6 speed automatic.

Steering mounted controls, a chunky steering wheel and futuristic twin dial cockpit is good

Now we can certainly wait no more for the final announcement. Bring it on Hyundai!

Source – Noticias Automotivas

Hyundai Veloster's steering wheel is borrowed from newer Hyundais

It is expected to have a 140hp 4-cylinder engine mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox. The car has been under testing since the past 3 years and has been spotted all across the globe.

Hyundai Veloster's center console is straight of the new Sonata/Avante

But Autohome.cn is, for the first time, reporting the spyshots of the interior of this car and it does remind us a little bit of Chevy Cruze.

Hyundai Veloster will be capable of doing high speeds

Although, there is certainly nothing wrong with that as the Cruze has a fantastic interior in the first place. In truth, much of the interior bits have been lifted off the new Hyundai Sonata. Have a look and do tell us what you think.

Source – Autohome.cn

The 2012 Azera sports the bold connected stop lamp

The front features a very bold face with a massive grille done up in chrome along with sleek looking headlamps and bulges and curves that are reminiscent of the Sonata YF and in line with Hyundai’s Fluidic sculpture design.

The rear looks bulky yet attractive with smart looking tail lamps running the width of the boot. The car looks very muscular and gives a feel of solidity.

The front end of the 2012 Azera recalls the new Sonata

No more details are available as of now on the Azera although we know that two V6’s will make it under the hood- a 263-hp 3.8-liter & a 234-hp 3.3-liter mated to a 6 speed automatic.

The Azera is based on the Sonata platform and will sit between the Sonata and the Genesis . It debuts in 2011 as a 2012 model.

The 2012 Hyundai Azera can be mistaken for a minimized Hyundai Equus

The car is based on the Sonata’s platform and it will come with a pair of new V6 engines – a 263-hp 3.8-liter or a 234-hp 3.3-liter mated to a 6 speed automatic.

The massive Hyundai Equus could be its inspiration

The Azera’s wide grille and massive headlamps is so reminiscent of the Equus.