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Hyundai’s N division will tune electrics, steer clear of Genesis

At Hyundai's Namyang proving ground in a small garage emblazoned with a giant "N," Albert Biermann, the ex-BMW engineer who now heads up vehicle development for the Korean brand, recently provided a few hints about what to expect from Hyundai's nascent performance sub-brand — and that includes EVs. "We are looking for the right ideas of how to transfer the craziness of N into electrification," he said. That could be "a full EV [and] also could be a hybrid." To date, we've seen the Veloster N introduced last fall in the United States, followed by the recently announced Elantra GT N Line. Europe has the i30 N in hatchback and fastback body styles. Biermann says, "We will expand also into segments we are not in now," including "something a little bit smaller," as well as into "a different type of vehicle." Biermann also said we can expect a more powerful version of the new 2020 Hyundai Sonata — which we've just reviewed, and which will launch in the United States with a 180-hp 1.6-liter turbo and a 191-hp 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four. But he stopped short of saying whether it would be an N or an N Line model. And it appears that the N expansion will not extend to Genesis. "There are no plans yet to make a sub-label for Genesis like we did with N for Hyundai," Biermann said. This despite the fact that nearly all of its rivals have branched out in that direction. For now, it seems, the G70 Sport is as sporty as it will get over at Genesis.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco priced from $21,485

Hyundai announced base price for the 2017 Elantra Eco. $21,485 (including destination fee) gets you a sedan with a 1.4-liter turbo swapped in place of the Elanta's standard 1.8-liter or optional 2.0-liter four cylinder engines. EPA fuel economy figures of 40 highway, 32 city, 35 combined represent increases of 2, 4, and 3 over the 1.8-liter Elantra. The Elantra Eco gets mixed scores compared to the competition but the figures are misleading. The Hyundai's numbers reflect the updated 2017 fuel economy numbers, which are generally lower than 2016. Starting next year, automakers will change the way they adjust test figures to come up with the window sticker numbers. Comparing 2017 Elantra Eco apples to the 2016 competition's oranges, the Elantra is close to even. The Honda Civic (both turbo and naturally aspirated engines), Chevrolet Cruze, and Toyota Corolla Eco rate the same 35 combined mpg. The Hyundai's city number is one to two better than the field, but the highway figure is the same difference behind. In terms of pricing, the Elantra Eco costs around $1000 to $1500 more than base grade versions from the competition, but comes with a decent level of standard features. Keyless entry and ignition, blind-spot warning with cross traffic alert, dual-zone climate control, and heated seats are all included in the base price. A seven-speed dual clutch automatic is the only available transmission.Related Video: Fountain Valley, Calif., May 5, 2016 – Hyundai Motor America today announced pricing for the all-new 2017 Elantra Eco starting at $20,650. Elantra Eco is the most fuel efficient Elantra, delivering an EPA estimated 40 mpg on the highway and 35 mpg in combined city and highway driving. These mpg ratings could result in an average annual fuel cost of just $900 (source: fueleconomy.gov). 2017 Elantra Eco Pricing MSRP (excluding freight): $20,650 MPG (City / Highway / Combined): 32 / 40 / 35 Annual Fuel Cost*: $900 Engine: 1.4-liter turbo GDI 4-cylinder Transmission: Seven-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission with Shiftronic® *Data from Fueleconomy.gov (4/21/2016) Pricing above excludes $835 freight charge Elantra Eco's LED daytime running lights flank a bold hexagonal grille. On the inside, there is a standard seven-inch Display Audio touchscreen with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ support.

Hyundai invests in solid-state battery developer from America

The race to develop and offer solid-state batteries in cars is heating up some more. Hyundai announced that it is investing in a company based in Massachusetts called Ionic Materials. The company is developing the solid electrolyte polymer that would replace the liquid electrolytes used in current lithium-ion batteries. This investment by Hyundai indicates a ramping up of its efforts to produce solid-state batteries. Last year, the Korea Herald reported that the company was working on the technology in-house. It is interesting that the company would partner with a smaller company based in America rather than a large battery developer from Hyundai's home country such as LG. Hyundai is also one of several companies working hard to bring solid-state batteries to the masses' cars. Toyota says it will have them in cars by 2022. Fisker is also aiming for early 2020s for its own solid-state batteries. Honda, Nissan, BMW and VW are all reportedly working on solid-state batteries, too. Perhaps what's most surprising is that there aren't more companies openly developing the technology, since solid-state batteries eliminate flammable liquid electrolytes, and they promise the potential of more capacity and faster charging times. Related Video: