2014 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0t on 2040-cars

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Hyundai CEO touts new EV platform with mention of a pickup

A couple of years ago, one of the prominent concerns about a saturated EV auto-scape was how carmakers would accentuate brand differences among vehicles converging on a frightening sameness. The cars wouldn't make any noise, they would all emphasize aerodynamics, and they would all basically ride on a battery pancake. So far, the fears have been avoided; a Volvo XC40 Recharge won't be confused for a Ford Mustang Mach-E, for instance, and the Ford won't be confused for a Tesla Model Y. Not only that, but automakers are developing platform strategies that heighten the sameness among vehicle architectures because the architecture is where the expenditure and the profit are greatest. Hyundai's the latest to outline its plans for investors. And part of Hyundai's plan could include adding a full-size electric pickup to the range. The mid- to long-term roadmap is called the Hyundai Motor Way, recently revised with higher targets thanks to the swift uptick in EV sales globally. Business Korea wrote Hyundai Motor Group (HMG includes Kia and Genesis) sold 510,000 battery-electric vehicles in 2022. The conglomerate says it now plans to sell two million EVs annually by 2030, up from a previous estimate of 1.87 million.      The platform that will help make this possible is called eM, an evolution of the current Electric Global Modular Platform (e-GMP) platform under HMG's current EVs. The eM architecture's been rumored to launch under a Kia sedan that might be a spiritual successor to the Stinger. So far, eM is planned for 13 models across the HMG portfolio, using the Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA) that can plug-and-play with more than 80 common modules serving different vehicle segments and sizes. HMG president and CEO Jaehoon Chang said, "In the second-generation platform, the scope of vehicle development extends beyond the mid-sized SUVs covered by the current E-GMP system. It encompasses nearly all vehicle classes, ranging from small and large SUVs to pickup trucks, along with the flagship models of the Genesis brand." Sure, Chang could have been merely noting the eM's potential use cases when he mentioned "pickup trucks." That's not how observers are reading the line. At Kia's investor day last year, the brand said it planned two electric pickups. There have already been reports that Kia's working on a body-on-frame pickup for the Australian market, perhaps called Tasman, utilizing gas and electric powertrains.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid starts at $26,825

The pieces are coming together for exactly what's on offer in the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrids. We were able to drive the regular gas-electric and plug-in hybrid versions and were impressed with the feel behind the wheel, but before you know the price, it's tough to tell if the car makes any real sense. While the price for the PHEV is still shrouded in mystery, we at least now know how much it'll cost for the non-plug Sonata hybrid: $26,825, including $825 for destination. That's the same as the 2015 hybrid model. For comparison, the 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid starts at $25,675 and the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid comes in at $30,125. That's the base cost, which gets you the cloth interior and projector headlights. The 2016 Sonata Hybrid Limited starts at $30,100 ($900 more than before), which ups the 16-inch alloy wheels to 17-inch alloys and magically turns the interior to leather and the headlights to HID Xenon. If you want 60/40 split-folding rear seats, you'll need to opt for the Limited version. You can also tack on the Limited Ultimate Package for $4,500. The Limited Ultimate Package further improves the car's safety (with lane departure warning and forward collision warning) and sound (with the Infinity premium audio system). The LUP also adds a panoramic sunroof and an eight-inch nav system. Overall, there are seven exterior colors and five interior options. The PHEV price has not yet been announced, but whatever it is, Hyundai has said it expects the car to qualify for a $4,919 tax credit from the federal government. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: First Drive View 25 Photos News Source: HyundaiImage Credit: Copyright 2015 Sebastian Blanco / AOL Green Hyundai Hybrid Sedan

Hyundai i20 gets Active for Frankfurt

Hyundai has a raft of new debuts to showcase at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month, and what's caught our eye here is the new i20 Active. It's a more rugged version of the supermini hatchback that replaced the Getz in 2008. Now in its second generation, the i20 is already offered in three- and five-door guises, and is now expanding even further with the introduction of this pseudo-crossover soft-roader. The new Hyundai i20 Active is based on the five-door model, but offers the better part of an inch more ground clearance thanks to a revised suspension. It also benefits from skid plates under the front and back, beefed-up wheel arches, and a higher seating position. All of which promise to make the little hatchback feel just a little bit better prepared to venture off the beaten path – or at least the smooth pavement. European buyers will be able to choose between a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine in two states of tune that will now be introduced across the i20 range. The more efficient of the two produces 99 horsepower, while a slightly more potent version offers 118 hp. The new i20 Active will be featured on Hyundai's show stand alongside the new Santa Fe, the Vision G concept we saw in Monterey, and the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept that's slated to launch the company's new N performance sub-brand. HYUNDAI MOTOR INTRODUCES TWO NEW MODELS TO YOUNGEST-EVER RANGE - New i20 Active and New Santa Fe enhance crossover and SUV range - New i40 introduces Android Auto in Europe - Vision G concept car shows inspiration for future premium products At the Frankfurt International Motor Show 2015 Hyundai Motor is showcasing the passion of its brand, with new models, visionary concept cars and innovative technologies. The New i20 Active and New Santa Fe both premiere on the Hyundai stand, joining the company's youngest-ever line-up in Europe, with all models being less than two years old. The Android Auto smartphone mirroring technology debuts in the New i40, placing Hyundai among the first in Europe to offer this feature. The company's passion for design is presented in the Vision G coupe concept car, making its motor show debut, offering a glimpse of Hyundai's design evolution and future premium products. Passion for performance is envisioned through the new Hyundai N sub-brand and exciting concept cars such as N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo.