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Hyundai announces upcoming Creta sub-compact crossover

The market for subcompact SUVs is booming, and the next automaker to get in on the action will be Hyundai. The Korean automaker has not only announced the imminent arrival of its first subcompact crossover, but has given it a name, as well. Like some of its other crossovers, Hyundai's forthcoming baby high-rider takes its name from a geographical place – but unlike the Tucson and Santa Fe, the discontinued Veracruz, or the conceptual Santa Cruz, that place isn't in North America. The name Creta is derived from the Greek isle of Crete, and is meant to evoke the notion of creativity, says Hyundai. (The marketing team is evidently hoping people don't associate it with the term "cretin" in the process.) The model is slated to launch in India sometime in the second half of this year, but whether it makes its little way to US showrooms remains to be seen. Wherever it is sold, however, the Hyundai Creta will ostensibly take on the likes of the Chevy Trax, Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Juke and Honda HR-V/Vezel in this burgeoning segment. Hyundai Motor Reveals Name Of New Global Sub-compact SUV: 'Creta' - Creta is the first sub-compact SUV model to be developed by Hyundai Motor - Global launch will start in India, in second half of 2015 June 2, 2015 - Hyundai Motor Company has today announced the name of its first sub-compact SUV: 'Creta'. The global roll-out of this all-new model will start in the second half of 2015 in India. The name 'Creta' derives primarily from the name for Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. Situated in the Mediterranean Sea, Crete was the focal point for Greece's global prowess in trade and culture, in its heyday connecting Europe, Asia and Africa. Creta will be an influential global model for the Hyundai Motor brand in one of the fastest-growing vehicle segments, helping the company to reach out to many more consumers in new and established international markets. Consistent with the core concepts underpinning Hyundai Motor's Modern Premium brand direction – SIMPLE, CREATIVE, CARING – the 'Creta' name is simple and easy to remember. Pronunciation of Creta deliberately evokes welcome similarities with the term 'creative', and draws on positive associations with the Mediterranean island of Crete, which is famed for combining a relaxed and tranquil environment with a vibrant, energetic approach to outdoor activities.

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:

Hyundai launches crate engine program with 2.0L four and 3.8L V6

With all the commotion about the aftermarket going on at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Hyundai's timing for this announcement is just perfect - the South Korean brand will launch its first crate engine program.
Starting with the 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.8-liter V6 from the Genesis Coupe, the program should push Hyundai even further in to the performance realm. Two versions of the 2.0-liter will be available at first - a $4,500 version, that's ready for its owner to bolt on a turbo of their choosing, or a $6,000 version, which includes the turbo and all its plumbing. Hyundai claims the cheaper version was designed with the aftermarket specifically in mind, as it allows tuners to easily fit larger turbos while spending less coin for parts that will just be tossed. The 3.8-liter V6 will cost $9,000.
"As more Genesis Coupes have entered the pre-owned enthusiast market since its 2009 launch, we've witnessed strong interest in leveraging the low cost potential of this rear-drive platform and its powertrains for the tuner market and motorsports. Now, with our new crate engine program, Hyundai is making it more affordable for these same enthusiasts to modify their Genesis Coupe, or perhaps inject some high-value horsepower into other platforms," said Hyundai's North American president and CEO, John Krafcik.