2014 Hyundai Elantra on 2040-cars

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Automakers teaming with Google to bring Android to cars this year

Remember how we mentioned that Hyundai would be offering a BlueLink infotainment app for Google Glass? And how last week, we told you about a rumored partnership between Audi and Google? Well, both of these things were just part of a much bigger deal.
Google has teamed up with Audi, General Motors, Hyundai and Honda to form the Open Automotive Alliance. With the help of chipmaker NVIDIA, the group aims to bring Google's Android operating system to the auto industry on a large scale. While the speed with which Android will be adopted by the industry remains unclear - the OAA's own press release says "timing for each automaker will vary" - we could see the first Android-equipped vehicle by year's end.
For those that keep their ear to the ground in the automotive tech world, this is a big deal for more than just one reason - Honda, GM and Hyundai are all partners in the Siri Eyes Free program from Apple. The future of that relationship now that three of its automakers are in bed with Apple's arch-rival, though, could be under threat.

Is Hyundai's conservative new Sonata struggling out of the gate?

"But so far, Sonata sales are up compared with last year even while we're still ramping up to full speed," - Jim Trainor
According to Reuters, the redesigned-for-2015 Hyundai Sonata is not enjoying the same degree of success in the early going as the previous sixth-gen model, which proved to be one of the most important models in the company's history and ushered in the company's so-called "Fluidic Sculpture" design language that we still see today. Citing a recent review from The New York Times that called the car's more conservative styling "bland" and "boring," Reuters also points to analysts who claim the higher price of the new Sonata, as well as smaller rebates and incentives, are hurting sales. Honda and Toyota both offered anywhere from $600 to $800 more on the hoods of their Accord and Camry sedans last month.

Hyundai Tucson 'The Walking Dead' special edition is real and wants braaaiiinnnnss

Hyundai's association with The Walking Dead is, for a lot of fans, limited to the spearmint-green Tucson that Rick, Darryl, Maggie and Herschel drive around on AMC's hit show. But the tie-up with the series extends beyond that, going right into the graphic novels that inspired the TV show.
In celebration of 10 years of Robert Kirkman's series of comics, Hyundai has built special edition Tucson that, unlike its previous zombie survival cars, is going to see production. "The Walking Dead" Special Edition Tucson uses the same 2.4-liter engine found in the standard CUV, with 182 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. In fact, this car is largely similar to your everyday Tucson, at least in terms of equipment.
It does add a few things which might be handy in the event of a zombie apocalypse, though. A Zombie Survival Kit, which Hyundai describes as a "Walking Dead 72-hour survivalist's backpack, a necessary item for any zombie 'prepper,'" is included, as are body decals for all four of the comic book's factions and a special splash screen on the navigation system. The exterior is finished in Ash Black and sports red accents, along with special edition badges. A cross-railed roof rack and mudguards round out the interior enhancements.