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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.

Hyundai Elantra's alleged unintended acceleration sends teen, police on a 113-mile ride

Back in December, one North Texas teenager received a quick lesson in car control at the hands of his 2011 Hyundai Elantra. Elez Lushaj called police, after he says his car accelerated to nearly 120 mph on Highway 183 unintentionally. Dispatchers urged the 16-year-old driver to try everything from turning the car off to standing on the brakes and putting the car in neutral, but Lushaj told them nothing was working. Flummoxed, police simply did their best to warn traffic away from the speeding compact with the hope that the car would eventually run out of fuel.
Before that could happen, Lushaj lost control on Interstate 30 after some 90 minutes as he attempted to avoid a semi truck. The Elantra rolled four times, leaving the driver conscious but with several broken bones. Police commended Lushaj for keeping the car on the road and away from population centers for as long as he did.
Hyundai, meanwhile, said that it hasn't heard anything on the case. Spokesperson Jim Trainor reported to WFAA that it was "extremely unlikely for simultaneous and spontaneous total system failures for the brakes, accelerator and transmission to occur at the same time" and notes that Hyundai would like to investigate, but this is the first they've heard of Lushaj's wild ride. You can watch a local news report on the incident below for more information.

Sketch teases next-gen Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai is giving us a good look at the next-gen Elantra in a teaser sketch, and the company is overhauling the sedan's styling for the new model. It sports a simple design that's devoid of much ornamentation, and you can just spot the corners of the hexagonal grille up front. The headlights now narrowly squint rather than rising up the fenders. The roof arches gracefully over the passenger compartment for a coupe-like shape, and a crease down the shoulders flows to the taillights, the tip of which you can barely see at the back. Hyundai already confirmed the new Elantra's debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show in November. A leak earlier this year also purported to show an actual photo of the 2016 model for the Korean market, but that vehicle had a significantly different front end than this one. That rumor also claimed the powertrain range would include a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, which makes 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque in the 2016 Tucson. Sleek All-New Elantra Reveals its Dynamic Impression - Style of All-new Elantra places Hyundai Motor compact sedan in a class of its own - Appealing active character lines and creatively designed wheel arches August 19, 2015 – Hyundai Motor is excited to provide customers a glimpse of the forthcoming All-new Elantra's modern looks and unique design ahead of the car's launch just around the corner. The new model's dynamic and sleek style received the approval of a recent consumer study, where the Elantra's striking appearance saw it ranked ahead of key rivals. Designers of the All-new Elantra identified a series of innovative design aspects that give the car an unrivalled status and unique presence. Clever use of active character lines evoke a dynamic, stylish and confident appearance, building on the global popularity of the model. Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer at Hyundai Motor Company said: "The All-new Elantra captures the car's unique design characteristics that really place this model in a class of its own. The subtle and innovative appearance enhancements reflect Hyundai Motor's vision for design. Furthermore, this car indicates a move from traditional to modern styling by communicating the new model's comfort, fashion and sporty feel." In the newly released exterior rendering, the car's innovative design points become clear.