2007 Hyundai Entourage Limited on 2040-cars

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Frankfurt Motor Show Notes: Why Jaguar decided to build an SUV

It was inevitable. Jaguar had to make an SUV, and that notion became reality this week with the debut of the F-Pace, an all-wheel-drive five-seater that will launch in the United States next spring. Some purists may cringe. But in an era when Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, and other traditional luxury brands are all building or (planning to build) SUVs, Jaguar had to evolve. While it seems like a leap for Jaguar to make an SUV, longtime design director Ian Callum said it's been in the works for years. "The first time I was asked the question was when I arrived 16 years ago," he said. So in 1999 (and probably well before that), Jaguar was already thinking SUV. What took so long? "It wasn't a priority," Callum said. Jaguar was concentrating on fixing its existing lineup, which was pockmarked with holes and poorly selling products, like the X-Type. Along the way, Jaguar and sister brand Land Rover were sold by Ford to Indian conglomerate Tata Motors. Flash forward several years, and Jaguar and Land Rover are both experiencing a resurgence in the United States and around the world. Jaguar's lineup is flush with the E-Type's modern successor, the F-Type, plus a new version of the XF. The XJ received a 2016 freshening, and the smaller XE sedan is on the way. Jaguar put its house in order as other factors conspired to make a crossover timely. Fuel prices stayed relatively low, and consumers in the US and China remained steadfast in their love for utility vehicles of all stripes. Making a Jaguar SUV became a priority. "The world was telling us in no uncertain terms this is what they wanted," Callum said. "Not to be in the sector would be a little naive for the sake of purity." Jaguar proved its intent two years ago when it revealed the C-X17 crossover concept at Frankfurt, and the final production model is close to the prototype's striking looks. "I thought we managed to maintain that spirit," Callum said. It's a true Jaguar, with cues from the F-Type, 1968 XJ, and other famous models. Who would have thought Jaguar would make an SUV? "I certainly didn't," Callum admitted. But the F-Pace is here. If Callum is okay with it, purists can be, too. Quick Hits Opel retrenches for 2016 and beyond Opel used the Frankfurt show to display its new generation of the Astra, a critical vehicle line for the German division of General Motors.

Hyundai Ioniq 6, Genesis GV70e continue EV product blitz through 2022

A Hyundai presentation to investors has revealed an onslaught of competitive-looking products coming in the next couple of years. It includes more electric variants of existing vehicles, as well as dedicated EVs for the Ioniq sub-brand, as well as updates for popular existing models that have to ensure they don't get stale. Perhaps the biggest news is the fact that Ioniq 6 is sedan will follow the retro-cool Ioniq 5 hatchback, hitting the road by 2022. With styling flowing from the stunning Prophecy concept revealed last year, it will help bolster the Ioniq sub-brand as an exciting choice for mainstream EVs. It's classified as a C-segment sedan, meaning it will be about the size of a Honda Civic. But before the Ioniq 6 arrives, a yet-unnamed CUV will also join the lineup in 2021. It's not clear whether that model will be for foreign markets or the U.S., but either way Ioniq is shaping up to be a strong nameplate. However, that doesn't mean it will be the sole source of EVs in the Hyundai empire. Following the launch of the battery-electric G80 later this year, Genesis will in 2022 offer an battery-electric version of its GV70. These will be named the G80e and GV70e, if trademark filings discovered earlier this year are any indication. Unlike the Ioniq 5 and 6, it will likely take the shape of their gasoline-powered counterparts with only minor styling changes. In 2022, updates to both the Sonata and Palisade will hit the market. Both vehicles were all-new in 2020, and their strong designs still appear fresh. However, Hyundai clearly understands the importance of keeping its bread-and-butter offerings fresh in a competitive market, unlike some Japanese and American automakers we could mention. Nowhere in the presentation was Kia mentioned, as the company is trying to keep the brands separate. However, Kia's boss has said it is going full steam ahead in the EV push, trying to outdo even Hyundai. The Hyundai juggernaut shows no signs of slowing down, and other automakers should take note (or be very afraid). Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Hyundai reveals the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai offers three free years of Blue Link safety tech [w/videos]

As of now, the Assurance Connected Care service that Hyundai introduced at the New York Auto Show with the 2014 Genesis sedan is complimentary for three years on any vehicle equipped with the company's Blue Link telematic systems. It's the third service package to join the Blue Link suite, after Essentials and Guidance.
Assurance Connected Car provides owners with monthly vehicle reports, maintenance alerts, notification of diagnostic trouble codes and safety features like SOS emergency assistance and automatic collision notification sent to Blue Link agents. The service can also be transferred to new owners within the three-year timeframe. Owners who already have Blue Link can add Assurance Connected Care "at a reduced price," but Hyundai hasn't said what that price is yet.
There's a press release below with more details and four commercials to show you just what you could be missing out on.