2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4l on 2040-cars

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Hyundai, Kia launching dedicated hybrids in 2017

The currently weak green car market isn't stopping Hyundai and Kia from staging an ongoing electrified onslaught, and it's primed to just keep growing. Already familiar with the field thanks to vehicles like the Sonata Hybrid, Tucson Fuel Cell, and Kia Soul EV, for the 2017 model year the Korean siblings are launching their first dedicated hybrids, according to Automotive News. Since last year, the hybrids have been spotted testing several times while wearing heavy camouflage. Hyundai's version will reportedly be styled as a Chevrolet Volt-fighting sedan. Conversely, Kia will go for a more directly Prius-challenging hatchback. Underneath, they'll share a powertrain consisting of a direct-injected, 1.6-liter four-cylinder and electric motor. Both will use the same platform based on the next-gen Elantra and Forte, according to Automotive News. In addition, Hyundai will get a pure EV version of its model to launch in California in 2017, while Kia reportedly won't. According to Automotive News, the companies' strategy is reportedly to be ready when gas prices eventually rise again. "When they come back up and people start looking for hybrids again, it'll be very nice to be able to give buyers an option besides just the Prius," said Adam Kraushaar, president of a New Jersey Hyundai dealer. Further complimenting the electrified plans, a plug-in version of the Kia Optima Hybrid is also reportedly on the way. With its launch, the two brands would have a total of nine hybrid, EV or fuel cell vehicles on offer by the 2018 model year.

Automakers teaming with Google to bring Android to cars this year

Remember how we mentioned that Hyundai would be offering a BlueLink infotainment app for Google Glass? And how last week, we told you about a rumored partnership between Audi and Google? Well, both of these things were just part of a much bigger deal.
Google has teamed up with Audi, General Motors, Hyundai and Honda to form the Open Automotive Alliance. With the help of chipmaker NVIDIA, the group aims to bring Google's Android operating system to the auto industry on a large scale. While the speed with which Android will be adopted by the industry remains unclear - the OAA's own press release says "timing for each automaker will vary" - we could see the first Android-equipped vehicle by year's end.
For those that keep their ear to the ground in the automotive tech world, this is a big deal for more than just one reason - Honda, GM and Hyundai are all partners in the Siri Eyes Free program from Apple. The future of that relationship now that three of its automakers are in bed with Apple's arch-rival, though, could be under threat.

2014 Hyundai Accent gets updated styling, added convenience features

Integrated blind-spot mirrors are hardly a luxury item, but they're one of the simplest yet most welcome equipment developments we've seen in some time, and we're glad to see them beginning to spread throughout the industry's offerings. The 2014 Hyundai Accent is the latest car to get them, along with a host of other new features.
Chief among the changes to Hyundai's entry-level offering are new projector headlamps that combine LED accents with a welcome-light function, along with an available B&M Racing sport shifter on the five-door SE hatchback. Other small-but-useful standard-equipment updates include triple-flash turn signals and sliding sun visors, while uplevel SE models are treated to a tilt/telescope steering wheel, updated audio system with improved ergonomics and voice recognition, auto-up driver's side window and the aforementioned upgraded projector headlamps.
Mechanically speaking, the Accent appears unchanged, with the sole engine offering consisting of Hyundai's well-regarded 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder delivering 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque to go along with its fuel economy ratings of 27 miles per gallon city and 38 highway.