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2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid starts at $26,825

The pieces are coming together for exactly what's on offer in the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrids. We were able to drive the regular gas-electric and plug-in hybrid versions and were impressed with the feel behind the wheel, but before you know the price, it's tough to tell if the car makes any real sense. While the price for the PHEV is still shrouded in mystery, we at least now know how much it'll cost for the non-plug Sonata hybrid: $26,825, including $825 for destination. That's the same as the 2015 hybrid model. For comparison, the 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid starts at $25,675 and the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid comes in at $30,125. That's the base cost, which gets you the cloth interior and projector headlights. The 2016 Sonata Hybrid Limited starts at $30,100 ($900 more than before), which ups the 16-inch alloy wheels to 17-inch alloys and magically turns the interior to leather and the headlights to HID Xenon. If you want 60/40 split-folding rear seats, you'll need to opt for the Limited version. You can also tack on the Limited Ultimate Package for $4,500. The Limited Ultimate Package further improves the car's safety (with lane departure warning and forward collision warning) and sound (with the Infinity premium audio system). The LUP also adds a panoramic sunroof and an eight-inch nav system. Overall, there are seven exterior colors and five interior options. The PHEV price has not yet been announced, but whatever it is, Hyundai has said it expects the car to qualify for a $4,919 tax credit from the federal government. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: First Drive View 25 Photos News Source: HyundaiImage Credit: Copyright 2015 Sebastian Blanco / AOL Green Hyundai Hybrid Sedan

Hyundai poaches BMW M engineering chief to lead new performance division

The Hyundai Motor Group may be getting more serious about its performance credentials, but in order to realize its goal of making more serious performance machinery, it's going to need the expertise to get there. Fortunately that's just what it's acquired in hiring Albert Biermann. The former chief engineer at BMW M GmbH, Biermann has been working for the Bavarian automaker for over three decades now, and since his appointment as Vice President of Engineering at the M division, was most recently responsible for developing the latest M3, M4 and M6 – not to mention bridging the gap between BMW's standard models and its M lineup with the M Performance range. But now the 57-year-old German has been named the Korean group's new head of Vehicle Test & High Performance Development. In his new job, Biermann will be based out of Hyundai's R&D center in Namyang, South Korea, and will be tasked with "the development of new high performance Hyundai and Kia models" while also working to improve the two brands' ride, handling, safety, reliability and NVH reductions. The appointment makes Biermann the second high-ranking German executive the Korean automaker brought on board, after chief designer Peter Schreyer. Although Hyundai recently shut down its US racing program with Rhys Millen Racing, it has embarked on an ambitious assault of the World Rally Championship, and recently opened a test center at the Nurburgring with an eye towards launching a new N performance line that sounds like it'll be right up Biermann's alley. News Source: Hyundai Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Hyundai Kia Performance Hyundai N albert biermann

7 major automakers to build open EV charging network

A new joint venture established by BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis will build a new North American electric vehicle charging network on a scale designed to compete with Tesla's industry-benchmark Supercharger network. The 30,000-plus planned new chargers will accommodate both Tesla's almost-standard North American Charging System (NACS) and existing automakers' Combined Charging System (CCS) options, effectively guaranteeing compatibility with the vast majority of current and upcoming electric models — whether they're from one of the involved automakers or not.  "With the generational investments in public charging being implemented on the Federal and State level, the joint venture will leverage public and private funds to accelerate the installation of high-powered charging for customers. The new charging stations will be accessible to all battery-powered electric vehicles from any automaker using Combined Charging System (CCS) or North American Charging Standard (NACS) and are expected to meet or exceed the spirit and requirements of the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program." Critically, the automakers involved will have a say in how the charging tech is implemented, guaranteeing that the hardware will play nicely with each automaker's in-house charging systems. Hyundai and Kia, for example, were hesitant to jump on board the Tesla NACS bandwagon earlier this year over concerns that the Supercharger network is insufficient for powering the two automakers' 800-volt charging systems; similar tech is used by Volkswagen and Porsche.  In addition to providing much-needed capacity and high-output charging for America's growing fleet of electric cars and trucks, the new network will integrate seamlessly with each automaker's in-app and in-vehicle features, rather than forcing customers to use third-party tools and payment systems, as is the case with some existing public charging infrastructure.  "The functions and services of the network will allow for seamless integration with participating automakersÂ’ in-vehicle and in-app experiences, including reservations, intelligent route planning and navigation, payment applications, transparent energy management and more. In addition, the network will leverage Plug & Charge technology to further enhance the customer experience," the announcement said.