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Hyundai promises brand new EV for US within three years

The big and official news from Hyundai at the Washington Auto Show this week was that a bunch of people went to the website for the Tucson Fuel Cell CUV. But as Michael O'Brien, the vice president of corporate and product planning for Hyundai Motor America, was announcing that bit of news, an off-hand mention of something more battery-powered caught our ear. Hyundai calls the hydrogen Tucson the "next-generation EV," but in the US, that H2 vehicle will actually beat an EV to the company's showrooms. There have been hints about a Hyundai EV in the US before – and the Korean company has shown off the BlueOn EV (pictured), based on the i10 – but O'Brien was willing to give a little bit more information on the still-nebulous EV plans. "It will be a new product, that's all we can say right now" The i10 electric vehicles have been in service since they were used at the G20 summit in Seoul, Korea in 2010 O'Brien said, but the EV that's coming to the US will be completely different. It will be a compact-class EV wearing the Hyundai badge (so, not the Soul EV from sister brand Kia) that could, based on demand, be sold in more locations than the Tucson Fuel Cell, which is going to be limited to places like California where there are hydrogen fueling stations. "It will be a new product, that's all we can say right now," O'Brien said. "It will be within the next three years. Not a firm production date, but soon." In general, Hyundai is still more confident in hydrogen as the preferred zero-emission solution, and O'Brien cited range anxiety as the number one obstacle to EV adoption, with the slow recharge rate in second place. Still, strict emissions regulations mean that automakers will need to look at many options, and Hyundai is more ready than ever to dip its toes in the plug-in side of the pool. Featured Gallery Hyundai Blueon unveiled in South Korea News Source: Hyundai Green Misc. Auto Shows Hyundai AutoblogGreen Exclusive Electric dc auto show washington auto show hyundai ev i10

Hyundai Elantra Sport likely to get 201 hp, optional manual

The South Korean market often gives us a preview of what's coming soon from Hyundai and Kia in the US, usually with only the model name differing. That's what we thought when we saw the new Avante Sport being shown there, and Hyundai Motor America spokesman Jim Trainor confirms that it's basically what we should expect from the upcoming Elantra Sport. Hyundai previously confirmed the quicker sedan will arrive in the US by the end of the year. The Avante Sport uses the Veloster Turbo's 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, making the same 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque as it does in the funky hatch-coupe. Expect a choice between a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a six-speed manual to go with it. The sporty compact upgrades to a multi-link rear suspension, replacing the standard Elantra/Avante torsion-beam setup. South Korean customers can choose an optional Extreme package that includes upgraded stabilizer bars, different springs and shocks, and a rear spoiler. We're hoping the suspension upgrades will be standard on the Elantra Sport. Hyundai made some subtle visual tweaks to signal the Sport model's extra performance. Lower side sills, larger openings in the front fascia, and a rear diffuser with dual exhaust tips poking out get the speedy message across. Inside, the front seats get larger bolsters and there's a unique flat-bottom steering wheel. Carbon-fiber-esque trim completes the sporty look. Currently, the only Elantra available in the US uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder running on the Atkinson cycle that makes 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. An Eco trim will join the lineup this spring with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. With the Sport, Hyundai will have a family of models to appeal to a large portion of buyers in the segment. Related Video:

Race Recap: The Lion roars at 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

The 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is in the books, and so are a lot of new records. It was a 16-hour workday for drivers and spectators, and we spent almost 12 of that at 14,110 feet trying to stay hydrated and sane. The biggest news has already made it around the world, that being Sébastien Loeb's run of 8:13, one most people are convinced will stand for some time unless another manufacturer wants to shower money on the mountain.
As always, however, a million other things took place on that sliver of road named for Lt. Zebulon Pike. For the complete race results you can still catch the live timing info here. For our report on the day, read on...