EXCLUSIVE: Refreshed 2011 Hyundai Genesis Undisguised

UPDATE: The Hyundai Genesis is scheduled for a major facelift for the 2012 model year, not the 2011 model year. -Ed.

Today we are the first to bring you exclusive images of the eagerly anticipated facelifted 2011 Hyundai Genesis, courtesy of Kevin who snapped these pictures in South Korea. It is remarkable to note that the Genesis has been on sale for merely 2 calendar years(summer 2008 release as MY2009), and from these images alone it is evident that Hyundai has several changes in store for the 2011 model year.

First and foremost, the exterior of the refreshed Genesis has received subtle modifications. Hyundai has added a new front bumper (with new lower air intakes), new LED headlamps, sportier front/side/rear skirts, rear chrome trim, and a refreshed rear fascia with integrated dual exhausts that resemble those of the Lexus LS.

Inside the new Genesis, no major changes are visible save for a new BMW-esque shift knob that likely operates the new 8-speed automatic transmission that has been announced to debut in the facelifted Genesis.

Also for the 2011 model year, there are reports of Hyundai fitting the new Genesis with its new 5.0L V8 that is touted to produce 429 horsepower. The new powertrain is also scheduled to debut under the hood of the upcoming Hyundai Equus. It is also likely that Hyundai will add new GDI (gasoline direct injection) engines to the line-up.

Continue reading to view more spy shots!

NOTE: Please link back to this article if you wish to post this on another website. Thanks. -Ed

Spied: 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

Take the fastest Gallardo available, remove the roof, and you have a LP570-4 Superleggera Spyder. Or is it?

The process appears to be making sense to Lamborghini, as the surrounding pictures indicate. Our spy photographers have caught what looks to be a drop-top version of the 562-horsepwer, all-wheel drive LP570-4 Superleggera as it briefly lapped the Nürburgring. On the other hand, it could very well be a 542-horsepower, two wheel-drive LP550-2 Valentino Balboni, sans roof.

Either way, the right bits are there; a large fascia, the big rear diffuser, and all the lines match up. The coupe's rear spoiler is absent, leading us to believe that a lower top speed is in store. Regardless of whether it's a Superleggera Spyder or a Valentino Balboni Spyder, we'll know more soon: Our photographer expects the car to debut at the Paris auto show in October.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Hot News: GMC Granite Gets Green Light

UPDATE: GM has contacted us and refuted this report. General Motors is hosting its first annual Global Business conference today at its Warren, Mich., technical center, where its senior leadership is outlining the near-term strategy for GM’s worldwide operations. One of the biggest product tidbits from the conference came from GM North America VP Tom Stephens, who confirmed the existence of a production intent vehicle based on the GMC Granite concept while outlining GM's future product portfolio for financial analysts.


Introduced at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, the Granite “urban utility vehicle” is reportedly underpinned by a version of GM's global Delta architecture also used by the Orlando small crossover. At 161.3 inches long, by 70.3 inches wide by 60.5 inches tall, the Granite concept is too wide, squat and short in length to be a minivan; too short in the nose and close to the ground to be an SUV.

The best bet at this point to propel the new vehicle is GM's new 1.4-liter turbo mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. We suspect the Granite concept’s B-pillarless coach-style "carriage doors" are not likely to survive, but the overall size and shape of the vehicle should remain fairly close to that of the concept.

No word yet on when to expect a production version of the vehicle. In other product news from the event, GM also reportedly showed off an image of its new Impala and offered further confirmation of its coming new small Buick crossover. It also revealed that the next Chevy Traverse crossover will have a "Camaro inspired" grille.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Hyundai Sonata Earns Top Marks from Consumer Reports

The redesigned Hyundai Sonata has earned an “excellent” score in testing by Consumer Reports, making it one of the top-rated family sedans and scoring just under the four-cylinder Nissan Altima.

The magazine said that the Sonata has “agile handling, a steady ride, good accommodations, easy-to-use controls, and impressive performance and fuel economy for the class.”

Two freshened versions of the Nissan Altima posted “excellent” overall scores, topping tests of four family sedans for the August 2010 issue. Also in the test group were the Suzuki Kizashi, which earned an “excellent” score overall, and the Chevrolet Impala, which earned “good.”

While both versions of the Altima are “recommended,” the Kizashi and Sonata were not recommended because they are too new for Consumer Reports to have reliability data, and the Impala scored too low in testing. Recommended vehicles must perform well in tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on the magazine’s annual auto survey, and perform at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Spied: 2012 Hyundai i40 Estate

Hyundai’s new i40 estate has been caught testing for the first time ahead of its official launch next March.

The i40, which will replace the Sonata, was previewed in saloon form with the i-flow concept at the Geneva motor show. That car, along with the ix35 crossover, showcased Hyundai’s striking new design language.

The heavy disguise of this test car covers up the i40’s hexagonal grille and sweeping lines over the front wheels.

The photos also show the i40 estate’s rakish roofline, indicating that some practicality may be sacrificed for style.

The i40 will sit on a new platform that will also underpin the upcoming Kia Magentis. Engines are expected to include 1.7, 2.0 and 2.2-litre diesel motors, plus 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrols.

Hyundai has used the Mazda 6 as a benchmark in developing the i40. The estate is likely to undercut that car at around £18,000. The saloon version will follow six months later, but a hatchback version has already been ruled out.

Thanks to: Autocar

New Car: 2011 Mini Cooper

It’s time for a MINI facelift. To keep its premium small car range on terms with the new Audi A1 and the Fiat 500, the MINI Clubman, Convertible and hatch have all been given a mild refresh.



Headline news is the addition of a new 1.6-litre diesel engine, which replaces the old PSA-sourced unit. The engine is effectively the same as that used in the 116d, and features BMW’s latest common rail injection and variable vane turbo.

There are two version of the same unit: In the Cooper D hatch, it produces 110bhp and 270Nm, and in the One D hatch, 89bhp and 215Nm. Both engines emit 74.3mpg and 99g/km of carbon dioxide, thanks to stop start, on-demand use of the alternator and regenerative brakes.



The engines will be fitted in the Clubman and, for the first time, the Convertible. BMW claims that the latter’s 70mpg and 105g/km make it the most efficient full convertible in the UK.



Despite the efficiency gains, performance remains impressive – the Cooper D accelerates from 0-62 mph in 9.7 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 123mph, while the One D sprints from 0-62mph in 11.4 seconds and hits 115 mph flat out.



To compliment the technical changes, there are new bumpers, lights and wheels on the outside, and revisions to the centre console on the inside to make it easier to use.



All cars except the MINI First get DAB digital radios as standard, and buyers can now opt for MINI’s improved Connected system. It lets iPhone owners stream web radio, which allows you to listen to any radio station that has a web address. The system can also receive RSS news feeds and use the on-dash screen to display their latest messages on Facebook and Twitter.



The revised MINI range goes on sale on 18th September with prices expected to be close to the current model, to take the fight to the Audi A1which arrives in the UK at a similar time. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2011 Aston Martin DB9

Aston Martin’s long-awaited update to the DB9, a car many consider to be as close to aesthetic perfection as any coupe or convertible can get these days, brings almost no changes to the exterior. How can we complain about that without sounding bratty? Although timelessness counts for a lot in this business, so does freshness.

So we sort of wish that the 2011 model changes, the most significant since the DB9’s 2004 introduction, went a little further than a new front fascia, brighter grillework, subtly reshaped side sills, and “new” headlamp bezels that we’re still struggling to see as different. (Where are the LED turn signals or DRLs, à la Rapide and Vantage, guys?) Diamond-turned 20-inch wheels, like those available on Aston’s other offerings, become DB9-isms for 2011 as well.

Under the skin, the only update of note is the fitment of Aston’s Active Damping System, which features Comfort and Sport settings, in place of last year’s passive (but hardly sloppy) system. Tire-pressure monitoring and Bluetooth connectivity have found their way into the DB9 for next year, and the options list has grown to include a new “Double Apex” alloy trim treatment and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, the latter also previously available throughout the rest of the Aston lineup. There are no changes to the sonorous, 470-hp, 5.9-liter V-12 under the hood, nor the six-speed manual or automatic transaxles. The engine and ZF automatic saw upgrades for the 2009 model year.

While the changes are limited in our eyes, Aston did have its hands full with development of the Rapide and One-77, so we’re willing to cut it some slack. Now, whether customers will bear that in mind as Aston asks them to hand over roughly $200K for a brand-new car that, while still aesthetically brilliant, nonetheless appears virtually identical to the last seven years of DB9s is a tougher call.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Rhys Millen Places Third in Pikes Peak Rally, 'Monster' Tajima Retains Record

With plenty of lead up to its introduction at the 88th annual Pikes Peak Hillclimb, the Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Genesis PM580 didn’t deliver on any of its promises and instead was overshadowed by the Suzuki of Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima. Rhys Millen had set out to break the 10 minute barrier on the treacherous mountain and reclaim the record for his family. (Rhys’ father Rod set a record of 10:04.06 in 1994, which Tajima topped in 2007 with a 10:01.41).

Tajima once again came out on top on the weekend’s race, claiming his 5th consecutive overall win at America’s second oldest race with a 10:11.490. In second was three-time hillclimb champion Paul Dallenbach with a 10:39.534 run. As for Millen, he placed a distance third with an 11:06.208 run after his purpose built 650-hp Hyundai race car suffered mechanical problems. “Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong today,” said Millen.

The Pikes Peak Hill Climb, which takes place annually on Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado, starts at an elevation of 9,300 feet and finishes at an elevation of 14,110 feet – where the air is so think drivers’ reaction times begin to slow and their race car engines lose 30 percent of their power. Drivers drift around 146 corners in 12.42 miles of track made up of dirt and asphalt, nearly missing guard rails and trees, while avoiding cliffs with 2,000-foot drop-offs.

[Source: The Associated Press]

All-New Hyundai Avante (Elantra) Pre-Orders Surpass 5000 in S. Korea

Hyundai Motor Company has announced that it has received over 5000 pre-orders for the all-new, redesigned Avante (Elantra) mid-size sedan in its domestic market of South Korea today. The automaker began taking orders on the 21st of June and has since amassed tremendous popularity for the newest addition to its line-up. The new Avante made its public debut at the Busan International Motor Show last April.

For the South Korean market, the Avante is available with a single powertrain: a 1.6L GDI (gasoline direct-injection) Gamma 4-cylinder engine that produces 140 horsepower and 129 lb. ft of torque. It is mated to either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an available 6-speed automatic. The new Avante is packed with a myriad of standard features such as six airbags and rear parking assist, as well as optional items including HID headlamps, segment-first rear heated seats, and a 10-way power adjustable driver seat.

Expect to see the redesigned Avante cross the Pacific to make its North American debut early next year.

[Source: Hyundai]

Kia Donates Borrego SUVs for Firefighter Training

In the last decade, wildfires have wrought considerable havoc in Southern California, often testing the limits of firefighting crews as well as requiring assistance from out of the state. In cases where the fires spread to urban environments, causing people to become trapped in buildings and cars, saving lives becomes crucial. That’s where facilities like the Rio Hondo Regional Truck Academy in Santa Fe Springs come in. Rio Hondo offers courses designed for professional firefighters to train and also educate emergency medical responders about saving lives in emergency situations, including vehicle accidents where time and techniques in rescuing occupants from stranded vehicles are critical .

Kia Motors recently aided Rio Hondo’s programs by donating 26 Borrego SUVs to the academy for instructional training. These vehicles will be used in a variety of scenarios that simulate real fire and emergency situations, plus as late-model vehicles they allow both students and instructors to learn about the latest in modern technology features such as airbags, while utilizing the right tools to remove the occupants quickly and safely. The donation also comes at a time when many states, particularly California are struggling with budget issues, including funding for emergency services.

“We know many government agencies are in need of support during these difficult times and providing Rio Hondo with these vehicles is an ideal fit,” stated VP Marketing, Kia Motors of America.

David Kang, Truck Academy instructor for Rio Hondo, added, “without this donation from Kia Motors, we would not be able to do this training. The use of these Kia SUVs will allow firefighters from all over Southern California to learn the latest in vehicle technologies and save lives.”

[Source: OC Metro]

New Car: 2011 Ford Mondeo

Ford has put the Mondeo under the knife! With styling updates, a more luxurious interior, new engines and technology, the blue oval’s family saloon – set to debut at the Moscow motor show in August – has been completely overhauled.

On the outside, the Mondeo gets new front and rear bumpers, a gaping lower trapezoid grille with chrome highlights and LED daytime running lights.

Ford is aiming for a premium feel on the inside, with new trim materials across the range, a new centre console design and LED courtesy lights. The Mondeo gets a new sat-nav system and a new sound system option with a 265-watt, eight-channel amp and 17-litre subwoofer.

There are big changes under the bonnet too, with Ford introducing new petrol and diesel engines. A 237bhp version of its 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol unit with CO2 emissions kept down to 179g/km and a tuned-up version of its 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi – with power up 12 per cent to 197bhp.

On top of those, there is Ford’s 200bhp 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and a range of 2.0-litre TDCi diesels available with 112, 137 or 160bhp. The firm’s dual-clutch Powershift transmission will come as standard on EcoBoost models and as an option for the 137 and 160bhp oil burners.

Too boost efficiency Ford is offering Smart Regenerative Breaking, Ford Eco Mode and an Active Grille Shutter System – which regulates airflow through the radiator and the engine compartment to reduce drag and help warm the engine up quicker.
A range of new driver assistance features will also be available, including Lane Departure Warning, Driver Alert, Auto High Beam, Blind Sport Information System and Rear View Camera.

UK specs, trim levels and pricing have yet to be confirmed but the new Mondeo is due to go on sale here in October. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Spied: 2011 Mini Countryman John Cooper Works

It's a Countryman, but with added attitude! The jury's still out on the MINI 4x4's challenging styling, but that hasn't stopped BMW from developing a sporty styling pack for its compact SUV. These images were leaked onto the web and clearly show an agressive new look for the Countryman and suggest a high-performance 4x4 variant is on the way.

Besides a more agressive splitter the front remains unchanged. Lower side sills with a trademark vent ahead of the rear wheel arch pump up the profile, while a lower rear bumper completely surround the twin exhausts.

And the kit's not all for show either. These leaked photos were taken in a wind tunnel during testing, suggesting the new bodywork has a positive effect on the car's aerodynamic performance.

The new look is virtually a carbon copy of the bodykit fitted to high-performance JCW versions of the hatch, cabriolet and Clubman - particularly the distinctive side sills. Larger diameter twin exhausts, and a taped-over 'ALL4' badge on the front wing - suggesting that this Countryman has some serious performance potential.

Expect the Countryman JCW to use the same 208bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine as other models in the range, and to hit 62mph from a standstill in under seven seconds. The sporty styling pack is also likely to be offered as an optional extra on the other models in the range. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

New Concept Car: Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell

It’s official. These are the first pictures of Mercedes’ electric-powered supercar, based on the SLS AMG. Resplendent in a lurid yellow paint scheme called AMG lumilectric magno, the SLS was always conceived with electric power in mind.

In order to make the switch from petrol to electric, AMG’s engineers haven’t had to make any changes to the SLS’s aluminium spaceframe chassis. However, the front suspension has been redesigned to accommodate the electric motors. The electric SLS is four-wheel drive, with a motor driving each wheel.

These are powered by lithium ion polymer batteries, developed especially for the car by Mercedes, located where the engine would be, and between and behind the seats.

Performance is impressive. The SLS E-Cell boasts 526bhp and 880Nm of torque available as soon as you press the throttle. Mercedes claims that the car will sprint from 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds, will hit 125mph in 11.0 seconds and will reach a top speed of 186mph. Range is currently at 100 miles, and charging takes an hour.

The car uses the optional ceramic brakes, which are 40 per cent lighter than the standard stoppers. The exterior design has been tweaked to include more vents, a different diffuser to account for the lack of exhausts, and a front splitter which extends at speeds of over 70mph, or can be controlled by the driver at any time.

On the inside, there’s a huge 10-inch touch screen on the centre console, which operates audio, climate, and navigation functions. There are new park, reverse, and drive buttons for selecting gears. The dash dials are changed too.

The car has been built as a halo model for AMG’s Performance Strategy 2015 which sees all the cars it produces go up in performance, but with reduced emissions. It will be built in limited numbers from 2013, where it will compete with the likes of the Audi R8 E-tron. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Rhys Millen's RMR Hyundai Genesis PM580 Unveiled Before Pikes Peak Run

Rhys Millen Racing announced that it plans to break the Pikes Peak Hill Climb record this year with help from the 2010 RMR Hyundai PM580 Genesis single-seater race car. The company has released several presentation videos of the 2010 RMR Hyundai PM580 that show the mad racer during private testing in preparation for the record run.

Here are the few facts about the 2010 RMR Hyundai PM580 released by the team up until this point. The car develops 775 hp and 750 lb-ft of torque. The weight of the car is 1900 lbs or 861 kg. This means the 2010 RMR Hyundai PM580 has a power-to-weight ratio of 900 hp per ton. To get an idea of just how mad this car is, the Veyron's power-to-weight ratio is 446.3 bhp per ton.

The current Pikes Peak time record is 10 minutes and 1.408 seconds set by Suzuki driver Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima. Millen hopes to break the 10-minute mark for the first time and set a new world record for this highly challenging run.

[Source: Rhys Millen Racing]

Continue reading for more images.

BMW X6 Cars 2010

BMW X6 Car

BMW X6

BMW X6 Wallpaper

BMW X6

Hyundai Equus, Genesis To Get 429-HP 5.0L Tau V8

Hyundai has just announced that after the market launch of its new flagship Equus luxury sedan, it will offer an engine option above the planned 4.6L Tau V8. The optional engine will be a new 5.0L Tau V8, making 429-hp. That same engine will then also find its way into the Genesis luxury sedan.

With a power increase of around 45-hp with the larger engine, torque will also jump from 333 ft-lbs to 376. And aiding in both power deliver and fuel consumption is a new 8-speed automatic – although it’s not yet clear if the Genesis will also get the 8-speed box.

The move is designed to keep Hyundai’s flagship competitive with the new twin-turbo motors from BMW and Mercedes, but as most buyers won’t see the Equus as a rival to the established marques, we have to think this is more of a shot across the bow of Lexus, with the larger Genesis motor offering far more power than what Lexus equips its LS models with.

[Source: TheCarConnection]

Spied Up Date: 2012 Saab 9-4x

It’s been a long time coming, but the SAAB 9-4X has finally been signed off and production of the Volvo XC90-sized SUV has begun at GM’s Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.

The car was originally previewed at the Detroit Auto Show at the beginning of 2008, and was slated to arrive in late 2009. However, the uncertainty surrounding the Swedish brand’s future has delayed the project until now.

With the 9-5 now on sale, bosses are keen to get the 9-4X into dealers, particularly in the US, where demand for SUVs of this type remain. The SAAB is built on the GM Theta platform, shared with the Cadillac SRX.

Despite its size, the 9-4X won’t be a seven-seater. Instead, it’ll offer more luxurious travel for up to five. A high level of standard kit is expected, with SAAB’s trademark night panel, green-on-black dials, intricate air vents and starter button mounted between the front seats all set to feature.

Under the bonnet, there’ll be a choice of two petrol units, a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a turbo 2.8-litre V6, and a 2.9-litre diesel co-developed by VW Motori in Italy. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Unofficial Picture: Infiniti EV

At the technical briefing for Nissan's revolutionary new Leaf electric vehicle in Japan last week, the press department flashed some images interspersed between reams of diagrams and figures expounding the Leaf's virtues. One of those images was a sketch the long rumored Infiniti EV the automaker is developing.

As far back as last October's Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn hinted that a stylish, compact, performance-oriented four-seat Infiniti with zero emissions was being developed in Japan. Expected to be based on a modified version of the Leaf platform but with a slightly more powerful motor, the Infiniti EV illustration at least looks to employ intriguing design elements -- like the C-pillar -- from the Infiniti Essence first seen at the Geneva show in 2009.

The vehicle is expected to be roughly in the same size class as the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, and may also have a gas-powered engine option in order to broaden its sales potential. Don't expect to see the Infiniti EV on the road for several years yet, but with its Leaf underpinnings, it shouldn't be that big of a stretch to bring it to market.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Hyundai Veloster to Hit 40 MPG, Topping Honda CR-Z Figures Without Hybrid Set-up

Hyundai is aiming to achieve an EPA rating of more than 40-mpg with its new Veloster model. The stubby hatchback has already been likened to the Honda CRX of old by Hyundai Motor America president John Krafcik, and now it seems Hyundai is planning to really steal Honda’s thunder, by besting the Japanese automaker’s reborn CRX, the CR-Z. That model, despite using a hybrid drivetrain, gets 36/39-mpg city/highway with a CVT, or a slightly lower 31/37-mpg with a 6-speed manual.

Better yet, Hyundai’s non-hybrid system, (believed to be a 140-hp, direct-injection 1.6-liter 4-cylinder), will keep both weight and cost to a minimum by keeping a heavy and expensive hybrid system out of the picture.

Krafcik has also let slip more details about the Veloster, including the fact that all models will come with a large in-dash screen – likely to show trip info and to manage things like iPods, etc.

[Source: AutoGuide.com]

Hyundai Sells 5 Million Sonatas Worldwide

“The five million mark is a testament to Hyundai’s continuous quality improvement, technological advancement and differentiated design,” said Steve S. Yang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor. “It’s Korea’s No. 1 sedan and now aims to be a game changer for the segment worldwide.”

Of the total, 2.7 million units were sold in Korea while 2.3 million were sold in overseas markets. The U.S. was the biggest market for Sonata outside Korea with 1.3 million cumulative sales. Sales of Sonata from overseas markets accounted for two-thirds of total sales this year, demonstrating the growing popularity of the latest version abroad.

When the cars are lined up bumper to bumper (overall length 4,820 mm), the length is equivalent to one round trip between Seoul and New York (one-way distance 11,000 km). When the cars are piled up (overall height 1,470 mm), the 5 million units are about 800 times the height of the Mount Everest (8,848m).

Sonata is now entering its sixth generation since its launch in 1985, gaining steady popularity worldwide as Hyundai’s leading sedan and competing head to head against Toyota’s Camry and Honda’s Accord.

[Source: Hyundai]

Audi A3 2009 New Cars

A new aerodynamic body-styling kit for the Audi A3 8L is being put on the market as from today by the tuning specialist RDX RACEDESIGN Automotive, Germany. It brushes up the first-generation A3 with rejuvenating body-styling at the same time giving it a really sporty appearance.

The aerodynamic kit comprises a front bumper spoiler (299.- euros), intended for use with a single-frame grille. It can be combined with the original Audi grille for the A3/8P Sportback as well es with various other single-frame grilles* supplied by RDX RACEDESIGN. In addition it can also be used on vehicles with or without headlight washing systems. The final detail, so-to-speak the “crowning” detail, is the chance to have Audi S6 day lights fitted, which can be ordered from Audi dealers.
Optical lowering and more side “muscles” are provided by a side skirt set (129.95 euros), which shows off the sporty air scoops on each side The new appearance is finished off by a new RDX RACEDESIGN rear apron fitted with an attractive design fold for 255.00 euros. The rear part is supplied without openings for the exhaust unit. They can be cut out to size as required.

Audi A3
Audi A3
Audi A3
Audi A3
Audi A3

Audi A4 2.8 Performance 2010

MPT Performance Chip (1996-97) Audi A4 with the 2.8L v6 A revised remapping of the ignition timing and fuel delivery curves contained within the chip

audi a4 2.8 performance
audi a4 2.8 performance
audi a4 2.8 performance
audi a4 2.8 performance
audi a4 2.8 performance

Hyundai Accent Tops Class in J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study

PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI ACCENT TOPS CLASS IN J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES INITIAL QUALITY STUDY

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 06/17/2010 - J.D. Power and Associates announced today that the Hyundai Accent topped the sub-compact segment in its 2010 Initial Quality Study (IQS). Owners of the economical and fun-to-drive 2010 Accent reported the fewest problems per 100 vehicles in its segment. Elantra also finished in the top three in the compact car segment.

Overall, Hyundai finished third among non-premium brands in the 2010 Initial Quality Study, holding a top-three position for the second consecutive year, well below the industry average for reported problems per 100 vehicles.

“Pursuit of industry-leading quality is Hyundai’s number one global priority,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “It’s fitting that our most economical model, the Accent, leads its class in initial quality. It demonstrates that quality and value can go hand-in-hand.”

The J.D. Power and Associates IQS measures 228 attributes, including the overall driving experience, engine and transmission, and a broad range of defect and design problems reported by vehicle owners. The 2010 study tallied over 82,000 responses from owners of new, 2010 model-year vehicles.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hot News: Honda to Fuse S2000 and Beat Into One?

The Honda S2000 was recently killed and the Honda Beat 660cc minicar of 1991 all but forgotten, but in a strange comeback story, they both may live again -- fused into the one car. We have just caught word from a source close to Honda that the company is busy at work 'molding' the two together in a radical new project that is taking shape inside the halls of Tochigi's R&D Centre just north of Tokyo. Dropped onto a modified Fit (Jazz) platform, the new roadster will apparently employ a rear mid-engined layout. An illustration of what the new car could become is depicted.

It's an intriguing new sports car plan from a company that doesn't really have much left in that genre short of the Civic Si and the hybrid CR-Z (the Civic Type R will cease production in August). We did some background research and discovered that Honda has lodged a patent pending in Japan to build a roadster using a subframe and parts from current cars but adding technology to lower curb weight and reduce production costs. The patent actually refers to the "engine being fitted to a center frame" which translates from Japanese to mid-engined and rear-wheel drive. So it will no doubt be lightweight and have good front-rear weight distribution at the same time.

But whether that "mid-engine" refers to a hybrid, fully electric or fuel cell is still unclear. In recent years, Honda has dabbled in all three alternative forms of propulsion, so it's anyone's guess which way they will lean. It's unlikely the automaker will build the car with a gasoline engine option as that would restrict its international application. And if there's anything the company wants, it's to make this car a global success. Don't expect to see this car on the road before 2014.

In other rear-wheel drive compact coupe news, as we've reported, Toyota too is in the process of developing a vehicle, but it will be a gas-powered, 1.5-liter two-door based on the hot hatch concept from GRMN that it debuted at last January's Tokyo Auto Salon. For those who haven't been paying attention to the company's racing exploits at Nurburgring recently, GRMN stands for Gazoo Racing - Meister of Nurburgring. Called a mini-FT-86 in Japan, the new compact coupe is expected in showrooms by early 2013.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2011 BMW M3 Frozen Gray

As the 25th anniversary of the M3 approaches—the car was introduced in Europe in 1986, but didn’t make its way to the U.S. until the middle of the following year—BMW is launching a limited-run version of the current coupe. Teased earlier this week, the Frozen Gray special edition, so named for its signature paint, is loaded with special appearance and equipment upgrades. There will be just 30 copies, all bound for America.

Both the namesake matte paint and red-and-black leather interior come from the BMW Individual catalog. For now, this is the only M3 in the U.S. to offer the combo, although we suspect the paint will become more widely available in the future. All the cars come with BMW’s seven-speed, dual-clutch M DCT transmission and are equipped with the new Competition package. The package provides lightweight 19-inch wheels that widen the track with a more dramatic offset, a 0.4-inch suspension drop, reprogrammed electronic damping, and a higher threshold for the stability control.

The special edition also bundles the Premium package (power folding mirrors, BMW Assist, garage-door opener, carbon-fiber-look leather trim) and the Technology package (M Drive, Comfort Access keyless ignition, iDrive navigation system with traffic information, and voice recognition). Heated front seats, parking sensors, and an upgraded sound system with satellite radio and iPod connectivity also are standard.

Though steep, the $78,900 price tag—including a $1300 gas-guzzler tax—is only about four grand more than a similarly loaded M3 coupe and includes one day’s admission to the BMW Performance Driving School in South Carolina. Orders can be placed by calling 1 (800) 245-4269 June 21 beginning at 11:30 a.m. EST. We expect all 30 to be sold well before 11:31.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

New Car: 2011 Honda Odyssey

It’s an exciting time in the minivan market—woo!—with a couple of the major players redesigning their people movers this year. Toyota recently deployed an all-new 2011 Sienna, and now Honda has pulled the 2011 Odyssey out of the oven, releasing photos and information on the van, which goes on sale this fall.

We first saw the 2011 Odyssey in concept form at this year’s Chicago auto show; as is the case with most Honda concepts, the production version differs little. A grille that’s nothing less than garish on the Accord Crosstour actually looks decent here, and the “lightning-bolt” window line breaks up what would otherwise be a lot of bland sheetmetal.

But styling takes a back seat to utility for minivan buyers. Honda added 1.4 inches of track versus the outgoing model, which it touts as increasing stability and space. Up front, the new Odyssey boasts a “media tray” that slides out from the lower dash to hold cell phones and other electronics. Below the tray sits a “cool box” that can store up to six beverage cans or four 20-ounce bottles. The removable center console, which Honda says is commodious enough to swallow purses, has cup holders designed to secure anything from a Red Bull can to an extra-large fountain drink. There are also newly padded door panels and armrests.

Moving to the second row, the two captain’s chairs have a so-called “wide mode” whereby they each move two inches toward the doors, creating four additional inches of shoulder room for the foldable seat between. Wide mode also allows three full-size infant seats to be anchored across the second row, while that middle position can slide forward for easier access to a child from the front seats. A new entertainment system is available with a 16.2-inch widescreen display with split-screen, two-source capability, similar to the Toyota Sienna’s.

The back of the bus is roomier, too, and Honda says three adults will fit comfortably. We’ll believe it when we sit in it; while the van is wider and third-row legroom has increased by an inch, it’s hard to imagine three adults remaining content for longer than it takes to make a Slurpee run. While they’re back there, though, they’ll have access to HDMI and RCA inputs, and a 110-volt outlet. The third row remains stowable, of course, and the overall cup-holder count sits at 15.

The Honda Odyssey has long been our favorite minivan, going beyond utility and practicality to inject a semblance of driving enjoyment into the segment. We’re eager to see if the love affair continues, but bigger brakes and the increase in stability we expect from a shorter (by 1.6 inches) and wider vehicle can’t hurt. The engine will again be a 3.5-liter V-6 with three-mode cylinder deactivation, and Honda says it expects the EPA to return 19-mpg city and 28-mpg highway ratings. Further details—including other trims; Honda only revealed the top-spec Touring Elite model—will follow soon.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Yamaha YZF-R15 launch pics

Today i had the opportunity to visit the launch event for the new YZF-R15 bike and i decided, in my usual way, to make a thread out of it. Hope you like the pics. The bike, by the way, costs INR 97,000.00 ex-showroom. Tell me what you think about the bike