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Hyundai releases more Ioniq images, hybrid powertrain details

It doesn't look like Hyundai is tiring of releasing teasers for its upcoming Ioniq electrified vehicle. It's already released three batches of 'em, and now here's more – plus powertrain details. The vehicle pairs a 1.6-liter version of the company's Kappa engine – boasting thermal efficiency of 40 percent and good for 104 horsepower to an electric motor making another 43 hp. It's juiced by a lithium-ion polymer battery pack and transmitted by a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Hyundai promises the Ioniq will be more engaging to drive than its rivals. It's designed around a lightweight chassis with 53 percent high-strength steel. Non-structural body panels made of aluminum trim nearly 30 pounds off the curb weight. The South Korean automaker has also placed the batteries low in the body to drop the center of gravity and forward to optimize handling along with the multi-link rear suspension. For those who haven't been following the story, the Ioniq will be Korea's challenger to the likes of the Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius, and Nissan Leaf. Instead of offering one or two forms of electric propulsion, the Ioniq will offer three: gasoline-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full EV. More images and details are sure to follow as Hyundai prepares to introduce the new model later this month back home in Korea. After that, we should be seeing it at the Geneva Motor Show in March. IONIQ: A Leap Forward for Hybrid Vehicles - Hyundai Motor reveals technical innovations underpinning its evolved hybrid system - Lightweight, high-strength architecture delivers a fun, responsive drive - Next generation drivetrain efficiencies achieve class-leading fuel economy - Electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains available in a single body type, a world first January 7, 2015 – Following its unveiling to domestic media at Hyundai Motor's Namyang R&D Center in South Korea, details have been confirmed of the IONIQ - the next generation of hybrid vehicles. Rag Jung, Head of Project Management Division at Hyundai Motor R&D Center said, "IONIQ embodies Hyundai Motor's new thinking and bold ambitions for the future. This world-class dedicated hybrid will be the starting point of our future mobility." Lightweight engineering from a dedicated design Built on a chassis created specifically to carry the world's first choice of three efficient and ultra-low emission powertrains, the IONIQ boasts 53% Advanced High Strength Steel combined cleverly with lightweight aluminum.

Hyundai finally settles inflated fuel economy claims lawsuit for $41.2 million

Remember when Hyundai and Kia changed their claimed fuel economy numbers for a bunch of models? That happened back in 2012, and Hyundai has finally settled a lawsuit concerning the economy adjustment with a payment of $41.2 million. The lawsuit was filed by 33 state attorneys general, as well as one from Washington D.C. Each state will decide how to use its money from the settlement. According to Hyundai, this settlement was an "amicable agreement," and the company also denies any wrongdoing in changing claimed fuel economy numbers. Hyundai also reports that the agreement was reached, in part, due to the reimbursement program instituted after the economy adjustment. This program allows owners to be reimbursed the extra fuel cost, with payments determined by miles driven. The payments are sent after an owner has an affected car's odometer checked by a dealer. In addition, Hyundai also offered lump-sum payments as an option after the results of a class-action lawsuit. So far, the company reports about 75 percent of eligible owners have participated in the program. This isn't the only major payment Hyundai has made concerning the fuel economy issue. In 2014, Hyundai paid roughly $300 million in fines to the EPA. The company was also sued for inflated fuel economy claims in South Korea. In the US, models affected by the adjustment include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Accent, Veloster, Sonata Hybrid, Tucson, Genesis and Azera, along with the Kia Soul, Rio, Sorento, Sportage and Optima. Related Video: Image Credit: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images Government/Legal Green Hyundai Kia

Hyundai HCD-15 Santa Cruz might be the compact pickup we've been waiting for

The recent pickup truck renaissance and the dominance of the crossover has not been a great thing for car-heavy brands like Hyundai. That doesn't mean the Korean manufacturer is sitting on its hands, though, as it's taken the 2015 Detroit Auto Show to introduce the Hyundai HCD-15 Concept, also known as the Santa Cruz. The handsome trucklet heralds an eventual production model, and while the overall styling is likely to be softened by the time a sellable model arrives, there are a number of features present on this design-only concept that give us hints about the future Santa Cruz. Rear-hinged half-doors grant access to the back seats, while the cabin itself can seat five people without much shoehorning. The cargo area, while quite compact at first glance, can easily be expanded to space Hyundai describes as "similar to a mid-size pickup." Aesthetically, we're fans of the Santa Cruz's styling, which is more brutish than "fluidic sculpture 2.," without appearing brash. The hexagonal grille, upright front fascia, and fast C-pillar are all very nice touches, although the rear tailgate does appear somewhat awkward. The Santa Cruz's theoretical powertrain (it never moved while on stage, and it lacked a real interior) features at its heart a 2.-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder. With 190 horsepower, 300 pound-feet of torque and HTRAC all-wheel drive, we can only hope that Hyundai's powertrain claims see the light of day. Take a look at our full gallery of live images from the floor of the 2015 North American International Auto Show, and then head below for Hyundai's official statement on its latest concept truck. Hyundai's Fresh Take on the Sport Truck Concept Appeals to Trending "Urban Adventurer" Millennial Lifestyles Appeal of a Modern CUV with the Incremental Utility of an Expanding Truck Bed DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2015 – Today, Hyundai revealed its innovative Santa Cruz Crossover Truck Concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This fresh concept reflects a completely new interpretation of truck utility for a new generation of buyers, especially Millennials, who represent the second-largest population of car buyers. "The Santa Cruz crossover truck concept meets the unspoken needs of a growing Millennial lifestyle we call 'Urban Adventurers'," said Mark Dipko, director, corporate planning, Hyundai Motor America.