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2016 Hyundai Elantra gets new Value Edition [UPDATE]

Update: Hyundai informs us the 2016 Elantra Value Edition actually collects $1,550 in equipment together for $550 more than the Elantra SE with the Popular Equipment Package. The next-generation Hyundai Elantra reportedly debuts at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, but there's still quite a while before the updated model arrives at dealers. To keep the sedan somewhat fresh among a crowded fielded of competitors, Hyundai is giving the 2016 model year a new Value Edition and some small tweaks to other trims. The 2016 Elantra Value Edition rings up for $19,700, plus $825 destination, and all of them come with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 145 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque along with a six-speed automatic. To earn its budget-friendly name, Hyundai claims the new trim bundles $1,000 in features for $550 more than the Elantra SE with the Popular Equipment Package. On the outside, these models get a sunroof, chrome beltline molding, and turn signals in the side mirrors. The improvements are a little more extensive inside with a tilt-and-telescoping, leather-covered steering wheel, push-button start with proximity key, and heated seats. In addition to the Value Edition, the Elantra Limited now gets standard push-button start with a proximity key and dual climate zones. Hyundai claims that it's a $600 value, but the $21,700 price is the same as last year. Finally, the Elantra Sport is losing some features to lower its price. The trim now retails for $1,350 less than last year at $20,250 with the 173-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder and six-speed manual or $21,250 with a six-speed automatic. However, to make that savings possible, the leather seats and power sunroof are no longer standard features. The interior now has cloth upholstery. The 2016 model year Elantras should arrive at dealers in May. 2016 ELANTRA ADDS NEW TRIM LEVEL AND MORE VALUE 15/05/15 from Hyundai New Elantra Value Edition provides $1,000 in value savings; Elantra Limited gets more standard features FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., May 11, 2015 – Today, Hyundai Motor America announced the 2016 Elantra, featuring product improvements and new value-focused packaging updates. Elantra continues its high value proposition as a strong choice for shoppers in this highly-competitive segment, validated by several coveted accolades over the model's lifecycle. Elantra ranked highest in its segment for initial quality in the influential J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS).

Hyundai files patent for smartphone feature disabler in proximity to steering wheel

Combatting driver distraction continues to be a hot topic in automotive safety, especially when it comes to young motorists. While simply not using a smartphone behind the wheel would fix much of the problem, automakers are trying to work out complicated ways to make people safer. For example, GM is experimenting with head and eye tracking to make sure folks are paying attention to the road. Now, Hyundai might have come up with a technology that offers a very simple fix: disable the phones. The Korean automaker explains the idea in explicit detail in a recently published patent. The tech specifically "limits or disables the use of some of mobile device features which could cause distraction to the user," according to the abstract. Depending on variables like the vehicle's speed, the system determines what smartphone functions are safe to use, including texting or voice calls. Based on a plethora of permutations in the document, these restrictions could only be for the area around the driver's seat or for the whole vehicle. The key to the patent is placing antennas around the vehicle and monitoring for cellular signals. When the system detects them, it can begin selectively deciding what features to allow on the device. The tech isn't a simple on/off switch either, and can possibly detect the time of day or importance of the caller to let messages though. The major downside to all of this is the phone would need to run a specific program or firmware for all of this to work. With such a recently published patent, it might be years before the tech arrives in Hyundai vehicles, if at all. Still, this is an interesting solution. Of course, it would be far simpler if people just put down their phones. You can read the full description of the automaker's concept, here. News Source: Free Patens Online via US Patent and Trademark Office Auto News Hyundai Technology Emerging Technologies Smartphone distracted driving patent cell phone driver distraction

Hyundai and Kia introduce new predictive transmission tech

Hyundai and Kia have announced that the two have developed a new transmission control system that optimizes shift logic to both improve efficiency and reduce "gear hunting." The system utilizes real-time traffic data, built-in 3D navigation and the same sensors that feed the cars' advanced safety and driver assist tech to proactively choose the right gear — even neutral in some cases — to reduce both fuel consumption and wear-and-tear. The Korean sister brands call it the "Information Communication Technology Connected Shift System," or "ICT" for short, and Hyundai says it delivers not just improved frugality, but a better all-around driving experience. ICT programming allows the transmission control unit to collect and interpret traffic, camera, sensor, navigation route, elevation and topographical data.  "Using all of these inputs, the TCU predicts the optimal shift scenario for real-time driving situations through an artificial intelligence algorithm and shifts the gears accordingly," the announcement said. "For example, when a relatively long slow down is expected and radar detects no speed irregularities with the car ahead, the transmission clutch temporarily switches to neutral mode to improve fuel efficiency." While this sounds like a primarily green play, there are quality-of-life improvements too. For example, ICT can also optimize gear selection and shift points for safer highway merges, effectively implementing the equivalent of a "Sport Mode" driving profile when a little extra punch is called for.  Hyundai says the resulting decrease in shifts was significant; in some test scenarios, such as roads with lots of curves, the number of shifts executed by the transmission was reduced by almost half. As an added bonus, these vehicles also utilized their brakes less often (11%), which would reduce wear (and accompanying maintenance costs) over time.  ICT is somewhat future-proof, too, as it was developed to incorporate vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) data should such networks improve down the line.  The announcement did not say when the new tech would reach customers, committing only to introducing the technology "on future vehicles." If we're betting, the smart money says it will probably on a new Genesis model and trickle down from there. Related Video: