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Hyundai i20 WRC gets shakedown in Finland

It's always a good day when we get to post a video about rally racing. It's even better when that video is of a new WRC competitor undergoing testing. This spy video shows Hyundai's i20 WRC, a car that debuted nearly one year ago at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. It's set to usher in Hyundai's return to top-flight motorsports, and will do battle with the cars from Citroen, Ford and Volkswagen that are currently contesting the 2013 season.
This video, which shows the i20 testing on the notoriously tough Finnish rally stages, gives the impression that progress on the new WRC contender is going well. It certainly looks fast, and as with the vast majority of rally cars, it sounds absolutely wonderful (listen to some of those gun-shot-like backfires). Take a look below for the whole, glorious three minutes and 20 seconds of unadulterated rally noise, flying dirt and jumping.

Recharge Wrap-Up: LAPD gets Zero MMX, Chevy's new inverter, Hyundai Tucson's new powertrains

Some police in Los Angeles will be riding Zero MMX electric motorcycles on duty. The LAPD is adding the fully electric police/military all-terrain bikes to its patrol fleet. According to Officer Steve Carbajal of the department's off-road unit, "It costs less than 50 cents to charge compared to using gallons of gas, maintenance is simple, and the community appreciates how quiet they are." The electric bikes, with their lack of noise and a headlight the rider can turn off, also have the benefit of stealth, giving the officers what Carbajal calls "an added tactical advantage." The MMX also has swappable batteries, is designed for quick ignition and has power reserve capabilities so the rider won't be caught with a dead battery while chasing down a perp. Read more at Ride Apart. Remember when it seemed like we'd never run out of oil, and giving your buddy five bucks for gas was actually a worthwhile gesture? Drivers of classic cars in Detroit were able to fill up their tanks at gas prices corresponding to their model year, thanks to a promotion by Hagerty Insurance for National Collector Car Appreciation Day on July 11. That meant prices from 21 to 90 cents a gallon, as the cars that showed up ranged from the years 1929 to 1989. That's about as affordable as charging your EV. Head over to Autoweek for more details and some photos from the event. The next-generation Chevrolet Volt will likely benefit from a new inverter being developed by General Motors. GM is about two-thirds of the way through the development of the new inverter, which should be ready in January 2016. The inverter, which has a peak output of 55 kilowatts a continuous output of 33 kilowatts, will be adaptable for use in other GM vehicles. Chevrolet is working to reduce the Volt's production costs by $10,000 per vehicle, which should make it more affordable, and the new inverter could help reach that goal should it make its way into the car. Read more at Green Car Reports. Hyundai is likely planning some interesting powertrain changes for the 2016 Tucson, says Green Car Reports. Plug-in hybrid? Maybe. Diesel? Probably not. "We are covering the waterfront on all alternative fuel strategies, from standard hybrid, to plug-in, battery-electric, and fuel cell," says Hyundai's US Chief Dave Zuchowski.

Hyundai launches Blue Link update for smartwatches

Hyundai released an update for its Blue Link app last week that makes it work through smartwatches. The app is downloaded through Google Play and works with Android Wear watches. A version that's compatible with Apple smartwatches is under development, and Hyundai expects to launch it soon after the Apple Watch launches April 24, a spokesman said. The Blue Link smartwatch app was revealed this year at the Consumer Electronics Show. Features include remote engine start and stop capabilities, remote door locking and unlocking, the ability to honk the horn and flash the lights and a function to call roadside assistance. All of the features can be done through voice commands. Hyundai's smartwatch app will work with cars equipped with first and second generations of Blue Link. The smartwatch app is a companion feature, and it needs to be paired to the owner's smartphone that has the Blue Link app. Blue Link launched on the 2012 Sonata and rolled out across Hyundai's lineup in 2013. The second-generation system is available on the 2015 Genesis, Sonata and Azera. "Blue Link subscribers and gadget lovers will appreciate a more convenient way to interact with their Hyundai vehicles," Frank Ferrara, executive vice president, customer satisfaction, Hyundai Motor America, said in a statement. HYUNDAI BLUE LINK SMARTWATCH APP AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ON GOOGLE PLAY Android Wear Can Remote Start Your Hyundai * Smartwatch App Compatible with First and Second Generation Blue Link Equipped Hyundai Models * Commands Work with Voice Recognition FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Mar. 4, 2015 – Today Hyundai owners no longer need to fish out a phone from a pocket or purse to remote start, lock or unlock their car using Blue Link(tm). They also won't need to look down at a phone to find their car in a crowded parking lot if they can't remember where they parked after a sold out sporting event or a business trip. This is because Hyundai has launched its Blue Link smartwatch companion app to help owners with these tasks. The latest Blue Link app update on Google Play now includes the smartwatch companion app for Android Wear. The Blue Link smartwatch app will be available for the Apple Watch shortly after its release. "Blue Link subscribers and gadget lovers will appreciate a more convenient way to interact with their Hyundai vehicles," said Frank Ferrara, executive vice president, customer satisfaction, Hyundai Motor America.