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Next Hyundai Genesis to get HTRAC all-wheel drive

Hyundai's Genesis sedan has been quite the sales success since it first launched in 2008 as a 2009 model, but its rear-wheel drive nature has limited its sales appeal in cold-weather states versus competitors like Audi, BMW, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz, all of whom have offered all-wheel drive in their lineups for years now. We've been hearing that Hyundai has had plans to remedy this shortfall for some years now, and we finally have official confirmation that four-corners-driven traction is coming for the second-generation Genesis.
Dubbed "HTRAC," Hyundai isn't saying much about the new system, other than noting it will offer "select driving modes for a sophisticated and tailored driving experience" and that it will also electronically control the torque split between the car's front and rear axles. HTRAC was developed all over the world, including on the Nürburgring and on Korea's Yeongam Formula One circuit, as well as winter testing in Europe. Oh, and in case you didn't already figure it out for yourself, the "H" in the name stands for "Hyundai" and "TRAC" is short for "Traction."
No word yet on when the system will become available, but Hyundai promises that the second-generation Genesis will make its world debut in its home market later this year. Although no official images or further details have been revealed yet, an undisguised look at the 2015 sedan came to light yesterday, suggesting a reveal is imminent.

Carmakers ask Trump to revisit fuel efficiency rules

Car companies operating in the US are required to meet stringent fuel efficiency standards (a fleet average of 54.5MPG) through 2025, but they're hoping to loosen things now that President Trump is in town. Leaders from Fiat Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota and VW have sent a letter to Trump asking him to rethink the Obama administration's choice to lock in efficiency guidelines for the next several years. The car makers want to revisit the midterm review for the 2025 commitment in hopes of loosening the demands. They claim that the tougher requirements raise costs, don't match public buying habits and will supposedly put "as many a million" jobs up in the air. The Trump administration hasn't specifically responded to the letter, although Environmental Protection Agency nominee Scott Pruitt had said he would return to the Obama-era decision. The automakers' argument doesn't entirely hold up. While the EPA did estimate that the US would fall short of efficiency goals due to a shift toward SUVs and trucks, the job claims are questionable. Why would making more fuel efficient vehicles necessarily cost jobs instead of pushing companies to do better? As it is, even a successful attempt to loosen guidelines may only have a limited effect. All of the brands mentioned here are pushing for greater mainstream adoption of electric vehicles within the next few years -- they may meet the Obama administration's expectations just by shifting more drivers away from gas power. This article by Jon Fingas originally appeared on Engadget, your guide to this connected life. Related Video: News Source: ReutersImage Credit: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images Government/Legal Green Chrysler Fiat GM Honda Hyundai Nissan Toyota Volkswagen Fuel Efficiency CAFE standards Trump

2016 Hyundai Tucson starts at $23,595, rated up to 33 mpg

The latest generation of the Hyundai Tucson had its all-new hexagonal face revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor show earlier this year. But we're finally getting a much better idea of what the North America version of the crossover offers. The 2016 model arrives at Hyundai dealers in July with a base price of $23,595, after the $895 charge for all trims. That's a jump from the current post-destination MSRP of $22,525, but customers get more modern styling and a new powertrain option with the update. In addition to its handsome new styling, the 2016 Tucson grows slightly in length and width for greater cargo space inside. The base SE trim carries over the previous 2.0-liter four-cylinder, six-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive combo with 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy jumps slightly to 23 miles per gallon city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined – up from the 2015's 23/29/25. However, the real gains start showing up with the Eco, Sport and Limited trims. Those models share a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to replace the previous 2.4-liter four and six-speed auto. The boosted engine is rated at 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, which is 7 less ponies but 18 lb-ft more torque than the outgoing mill. In the Eco trim starting at $25,045, the powertrain is rated at 26/33/29 with front-wheel drive. Sport goes for $27,045 and Limited for $30,795, but the turbo engine is rated at 25/30/27 in those latter two guises. All-wheel drive adds $1,400 to any version and knocks one or two mpg from the combined fuel economy figures. Beyond the powertrain improvement, Tucsons are available with an alphabet soup of safety systems to let drivers feel more secure. Inside, a five-inch touchscreen infotainment display is standard and comes with a rearview camera. An optional eight-inch system with navigation is also optional. ALL-NEW 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON STARTS AT $22,700 Well-Equipped Tucson Features Sporty Styling, Outstanding Efficiency and Leading Safety Technologies FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 14, 2015 – Hyundai's all-new 2016 Tucson compact crossover offers an unmatched combination of a modern design, enhanced driving dynamics, increased utility and the latest in safety and entertainment technologies, all with a starting price of $22,700.