Auto blog

Hyundai, ARK Performance combine for SEMA-bound Legato Genesis Coupe

The latest body-kitted Hyundai Genesis Coupe scheduled to appear at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas is the ARK Performance Legato Concept. In a nod to performance fiends, Hyundai built a stroker V6 good for 400 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque to really set the coupe off.
The extra power is a very good thing when one considers how fast the Legato Coupe looks. Speaking of the Italian musical term "legato," it translates to "tied together," and it was the theme ARK adhered to when it designed the car. In ARK's words, the the Legato conveys "the seamless integration of exotic design, tuned performance and luxury coupe interior ambience."
ARK's body kit includes front and rear bumpers, side skirts, deck lid and "wide-body cues." The 3.8-liter V6 was stroked to 4.0 liters courtesy of JE pistons, connecting rods and a billet steel crankshaft. ARK supplied an intake system and headers, and bolted on a lightweight pulley kit. An ARK oil cooler keeps the engine running at the right temperature. The tuning company also bolted on one of its dual-mass flywheels and carbon clutch kit to handle the extra power.

Google's new Android Autos OS unveiled, will be in cars this year [w/video]

Connected cars are coming en-masse. We know this much. How, though, remains something of an open question, especially as two of the world's largest tech companies are preparing to battle for control of your car's dashboard. On the one hand, we have Apple and its CarPlay system. And now, we know what Google has been working on with Auto Link.
Its new name is Android Auto, and yes, it's based off the Android architecture that is the primary challenger to Apple's iOS mobile operating system. Announced at Google's I/O conference today, Android Auto functions similarly to CarPlay - owners will need to plug their smartphones into their cars to access the full breadth of capability.
In Android Auto's case, that means a wealth of voice controls to limit distracted driving. Google's marquee apps will be available when the interface arrives in production models later this year, including Google Play Music, Google Maps and voice-activated texting and text playback. Meanwhile, developers will be able to begin designing custom apps for the new system via an upcoming software development kit.

Hyundai to build test facility at N"urburgring

It looks as if Hyundai is set to build a test facility at the famous Nürburgring. Carscoop reports the Korean automaker has commenced construction on a 10,000-square-foot test center with access to the lengthy German track. Hyundai says the $7.3 million facility will help the company focus on improving the ride and handling of its vehicles through extensive research and development.
Sounds like a plan to us. While we've seen Hyundai vehicles improve on many fronts over the past few years, the company continues to struggle with suspension refinement compared to its Japanese, German and domestic rivals.
Automakers routinely flock to the Nürburgring for testing and development thanks to the track's unusual attributes. With a variety of surfaces, banking, turns, elevation and even weather, the circuit offers engineers the ability to put a vehicle through its paces in a wider range of conditions than most facilities.