No Reserve! Equus Signature, Nationwide Shipping And Financing Available! on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2015 Hyundai Sonata

Completely redesigning a vehicle competing in a fiercely contested segment requires delicately balancing styling, performance, safety, efficiency, innovation, passenger comfort and pricing, while simultaneously not alienating model loyalists. In other words, it's no simple task.
Automakers generally follow one of two paths. Some take a conservative approach and choose to raise each bar marginally, in an effort to appease all and estrange none. Others strategically take risks and focus on specific attributes in an attempt to shift perception about their vehicle.
With its all-new 2015 Sonata, Hyundai has taken the second approach when overhauling one of its best-selling vehicles. The Korean automaker has executed an impressive number of targeted improvements, yet it's also softened some of its predecessor's qualities in an attempt to demonstrate greater refinement and position its midsize sedan upscale. Whereas the outgoing car successfully aimed to establish itself as a credible contender in the midsize segment, the new model is gunning for customers that might otherwise be seeking entry-level models from luxury automakers.

Next Hyundai Santa Fe carries Kona cues

Last week we showed you Hyundai's newest and smallest crossover, the Kona. This week, we bring you the newest version of Hyundai's largest crossover, the Santa Fe, albeit beneath much camouflage. There's a bigger connection between these two vehicles than just timing and size contrast, though. They appear to share some styling cues. We can see through the vinyl draperies on the nose and tell that it has an aggressive version of the Hyundai cascading grille, much like the Kona. It also has the slender top headlight element combined with larger, separate elements lower in the fascia, again like the little crossover. The camouflage also fits closely enough to the body to reveal that the main grille will be flanked by large vents that encompass the lower headlamps. We also see some Recaro racing seats through the windshield, but we doubt those will make production. Prove us wrong, Hyundai! Moving to the sides and tail, there are fewer details to discern. The size looks similar to the current model, and the roofline and window lines also look similar. The rear taillights do look slimmer than those on the present Santa Fe. As for when we may see this updated Santa Fe, we wouldn't expect a reveal until next spring at the earliest, possibly next fall, as a 2019 model. The reason for this is primarily the fact that the current Santa Fe was just refreshed for 2017, so Hyundai will likely give that update a little bit of breathing room. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Spy Shots View 10 Photos Image Credit: CarPix Spy Photos Hyundai Crossover Economy Cars hyundai santa fe

Hyundai Ioniq launches in Korea before challenging Prius in US [w/video]

Enough with the teasers already: Hyundai has officially launched its first dedicated electrified vehicle. The Korean automaker is naturally rolling out the all-new model in its domestic market before sending it our way. But when it does arrive, it will offer a choice of three powertrains with decreasing levels of reliance on fossil fuels. Hyundai isn't saying how far or how fast the Ioniq hybrid will travel, but it will travel on electric mode at up to 75 miles per hour. Deriving its name from an amalgamation of "ion" and "unique," the new Ioniq bears a shape largely dictated by aerodynamic requirements, helping the Ioniq achieve a drag coefficient of just 0.24, and lending it a similar appearance to the Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius, and Honda Insight. Unlike those vehicles, Hyundai will offer a fully electric version of the Ioniq at some point in the future. For the time being, the manufacturer has only detailed the hybrid version. The powertrain is built around a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder Kappa engine rated at 104 horsepower and 108 pound-feet of torque. It's paired to an electric motor that's good for another 43 hp, giving the system a combined output of 139 hp and as much as 195 lb-ft, transmitting power through a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission with a lithium-ion polymer battery pack, hidden under the flat-folding rear seat to maximize passenger and cargo space, supplying the electric motor. Though the focus here is clearly on efficiency, Hyundai says it has also designed the Ioniq to behave in a sportier fashion than its rivals. Hyundai isn't saying how far or how fast the Ioniq hybrid will travel, but has disclosed that it will travel on electric mode at speeds of up to 75 miles per hour. To further its range, the automaker fitted an efficient HVAC system, mounted low-rolling resistance tires, and developed a system that predicts energy requirements based on the programmed route and on traffic patterns to optimize charging and required level of gas engine assistance. It also made the vehicle as light as possible, using high-strength steel for the structure and aluminum for non-structural panels. Even the cargo cover is 25 percent lighter than a conventional one, and the construction uses a variety of renewable and recycled materials like (sugar cane and soybean oil) that are both environmentally friendly and lighter.