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Hyundai mulling new Lexus-fighting upscale crossover

The idea of Hyundai marketing a luxury automobile might have seemed ridiculous a decade ago, but that was before the Genesis sedan, Genesis coupe and Equus came along. Now that buyers seem more accustomed to the notion of an upscale Hyundai, the Korean automaker is said to be considering launching a luxury crossover to take on the likes of the Lexus RX and Cadillac SRX.
The report comes from our compatriots at Edmunds, who spoke to Dave Zuchowski, head of Hyundai's North American unit, who said that the project is not yet part of the company's plan, but that "it is something under consideration."
The last time Hyundai entered that territory was with the Veracruz (pictured above), a model that was sometimes compared to but ultimately failed to compete with the Lexus RX when it was sold between 2006 and 2011. The Veracruz was effectively replaced by the seven-passenger Santa Fe with which it shared its underpinnings. This new project being considered would similarly be based on the latest Santa Fe, and the challenge Hyundai is facing once again would be to position it as a sufficiently upscale product to warrant a premium sticker price.

Hyundai Tucson 'The Walking Dead' special edition is real and wants braaaiiinnnnss

Hyundai's association with The Walking Dead is, for a lot of fans, limited to the spearmint-green Tucson that Rick, Darryl, Maggie and Herschel drive around on AMC's hit show. But the tie-up with the series extends beyond that, going right into the graphic novels that inspired the TV show.
In celebration of 10 years of Robert Kirkman's series of comics, Hyundai has built special edition Tucson that, unlike its previous zombie survival cars, is going to see production. "The Walking Dead" Special Edition Tucson uses the same 2.4-liter engine found in the standard CUV, with 182 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. In fact, this car is largely similar to your everyday Tucson, at least in terms of equipment.
It does add a few things which might be handy in the event of a zombie apocalypse, though. A Zombie Survival Kit, which Hyundai describes as a "Walking Dead 72-hour survivalist's backpack, a necessary item for any zombie 'prepper,'" is included, as are body decals for all four of the comic book's factions and a special splash screen on the navigation system. The exterior is finished in Ash Black and sports red accents, along with special edition badges. A cross-railed roof rack and mudguards round out the interior enhancements.

Automakers teaming with Google to bring Android to cars this year

Remember how we mentioned that Hyundai would be offering a BlueLink infotainment app for Google Glass? And how last week, we told you about a rumored partnership between Audi and Google? Well, both of these things were just part of a much bigger deal.
Google has teamed up with Audi, General Motors, Hyundai and Honda to form the Open Automotive Alliance. With the help of chipmaker NVIDIA, the group aims to bring Google's Android operating system to the auto industry on a large scale. While the speed with which Android will be adopted by the industry remains unclear - the OAA's own press release says "timing for each automaker will vary" - we could see the first Android-equipped vehicle by year's end.
For those that keep their ear to the ground in the automotive tech world, this is a big deal for more than just one reason - Honda, GM and Hyundai are all partners in the Siri Eyes Free program from Apple. The future of that relationship now that three of its automakers are in bed with Apple's arch-rival, though, could be under threat.