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Hyundai ix35/Tucson replacement comes into view

Last week, we showed you some leaked images of the Hyundai Intrado Concept, a vehicle set for debut at next week's Geneva Motor Show. We suspect that the Intrado will act as the inspiration for the next Hyundai Tucson, known elsewhere in the world as the ix35. Now, we can bring you the first images of that car undergoing testing.
There is quite a lot of cladding on this prototype, although we can make out a set of slim headlights that are similar in shape to the Intrado. The two cars also share a similar shape in the greenhouse, although obviously the prototype wears an extra set of doors behind the B-pillar.
Don't be fooled by the heavy cladding on the rear hatch, either, as it's just there to disrupt the look of the profile. It's fairly easy to spot where the roofline starts its dive down.

Hyundai New Generation i20 WRC previews next year's rally weapon

With just three events left in the 2015 World Rally Championship season, Hyundai Motorsport is sitting in second place in the teams' championship behind Volkswagen Motorsport. The South Korean company is already looking forward to next season, though, when it debuts a new WRC car based on the latest i20. Those attending the Frankfurt Motor Show are getting a preview of the future rally machine in a pristine racing livery ahead of hitting the dirt. Dubbed the New Generation i20 WRC, the car replaces the current i20-based rally car. The competition-spec body sports some big, boxed fenders at the front and rear, and the double-decker wing looks great at the back. Hyundai claims that the latest version also has better aerodynamics, a more efficient powertrain, and improved weight distribution. It's still undergoing rigorous testing and debuts at the Rally Monte Carlo next year. The racer was originally supposed to be based on the latest three-door i20, but a delay caused the five-door body to become the basis for the machine. Beyond the aggressive shape, some of the most obvious visual touches on the New Generation i20 WRC are the massive N logo in the grille and smaller badges on the fenders and wheels. These are supposed to denote the rally car's connection to Hyundai's freshly launched performance sub-brand. The company claims that the lightweight materials, engine tech, tight handling, and aero bits developed for its racers could find their way to the road through these upcoming vehicles. Hyundai Motor Reveals Passion for High Performance with N Sub-brand at Frankfurt Motor Show • Hyundai Motor's high performance sub-brand N takes center stage at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show • A preview of the New Generation i20 WRC car is presented alongside N performance concepts • A vision of high performance technology in Hyundai vehicles is shown with two dynamic concepts – RM15 and Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo • Hyundai N Bobsleigh 2016, developed for the Korean national bobsleigh team, is displayed at the Motor Show September 15, 2015 - Hyundai Motor, the fastest growing automaker by brand value, showcases its high performance sub-brand N at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Built on the foundation of the company's intensive product development and motorsport experiences, Hyundai N ultimately aims to bring 'the most thrilling winding road fun' to customers who truly love cars.

Weekly Recap: Hyundai scores NFL sponsorship after GM exits

Hyundai replaced General Motors as the official automotive sponsor of the NFL with a four-season deal that was announced this week. Hyundai gets exclusive sponsorship rights for mainstream and luxury cars, though not for pickups – as it doesn't have one in its current portfolio. "There may be another automotive truck sponsor, but not one that competes with our vehicle lineup," a Hyundai spokesman said in an email. That leaves the door open for another truckmaker to enter the fray. GM used the NFL to promote its GMC division, which makes pickups and sport-utility vehicles. The Detroit automaker decided to quit the sponsorship, which it had held since 2001, a GM spokesman said. Financials were not released, but ESPN said the sponsorship will cost Hyundai $50 million a year, double what GM paid. It gives Hyundai access to NFL trademarks for use in its marketing and advertising, and Hyundai will provide promotional vehicles to the league for the Super Bowl and other events. Hyundai celebrated the agreement by lighting up its Fountain Valley, CA, headquarters this week with a football field and the NFL logo. Hyundai's sister company, Kia, is the official automotive sponsor of the NBA. "We are huge football fans at Hyundai and feel there is no better venue to reach consumers, increase consideration, and tell the Hyundai brand story," Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski said in a statement. Hyundai will officially kick off its sponsorship when the NFL season begins on Sept. 10 with a primetime game featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. OTHER NEWS & NOTES Toyota Mirai rated at 67 mpge, 312-mile range The Environmental Protection Agency gave the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric car a 67-miles-per-gallon-equivalent rating. The figure is for city, highway, and combined driving. The EPA also said the Mirai will have a 312-mile range. The sedan will arrive in dealerships in California this fall and will cost $57,500, though incentives can drop the price significantly. The Mirai will also be offered as a $499-per-month lease. Both come with three years or $15,000 worth of free fuel. Toyota plans to expand sales to the Northeast United States later. Toyota's top female exec resigns in wake of arrest Meanwhile, in other Toyota news, the automaker's communications chief and top female executive, Julie Hamp, resigned.