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Hyundai considering upscale Genesis-based crossover

Hyundai already offers upscale entries in its lineup such as the Equus and Genesis (pictured above), but unlike many brands in North America, the company lacks a luxury crossover to further compliment the sedans. The latest signs suggest that hole in the lineup might be filled in the near future, though. According to four, unnamed company insiders speaking to Reuters, the Korean automaker might build a posh CUV on the Genesis' platform. "We are considering developing premium, large SUVs based on customers' needs. We plan to respond to the fast-changing market centered around SUVs by beefing up our SUV line-up," said a statement from Hyundai to Reuters. The idea stems from a proposal last year to pounce on the booming luxury CUV market. However, this strategy doesn't have a green light yet, and it could be years before the crossover sees showrooms. Potentially holding things back is the brand's concern about its power in the luxury market. "We are timid when it comes to bigger SUVs," a source said to Reuters. Hyundai also remembers the struggles of the Veracruz in North America, and the vehicle was eventually replaced by the three-row Santa Fe. Finally, there's a worry that higher gas prices around the time of the proposed debut could be a problem, too. Even if the plans for the luxury model don't pan out, this is hardly the end of Hyundai's upcoming crossover plans. A compact CUV is reportedly under consideration for North America, and there's the much-rumored Santa Cruz unibody pickup potentially on the way, too.

2016 Hyundai Elantra gets new Value Edition [UPDATE]

Update: Hyundai informs us the 2016 Elantra Value Edition actually collects $1,550 in equipment together for $550 more than the Elantra SE with the Popular Equipment Package. The next-generation Hyundai Elantra reportedly debuts at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, but there's still quite a while before the updated model arrives at dealers. To keep the sedan somewhat fresh among a crowded fielded of competitors, Hyundai is giving the 2016 model year a new Value Edition and some small tweaks to other trims. The 2016 Elantra Value Edition rings up for $19,700, plus $825 destination, and all of them come with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 145 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque along with a six-speed automatic. To earn its budget-friendly name, Hyundai claims the new trim bundles $1,000 in features for $550 more than the Elantra SE with the Popular Equipment Package. On the outside, these models get a sunroof, chrome beltline molding, and turn signals in the side mirrors. The improvements are a little more extensive inside with a tilt-and-telescoping, leather-covered steering wheel, push-button start with proximity key, and heated seats. In addition to the Value Edition, the Elantra Limited now gets standard push-button start with a proximity key and dual climate zones. Hyundai claims that it's a $600 value, but the $21,700 price is the same as last year. Finally, the Elantra Sport is losing some features to lower its price. The trim now retails for $1,350 less than last year at $20,250 with the 173-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder and six-speed manual or $21,250 with a six-speed automatic. However, to make that savings possible, the leather seats and power sunroof are no longer standard features. The interior now has cloth upholstery. The 2016 model year Elantras should arrive at dealers in May. 2016 ELANTRA ADDS NEW TRIM LEVEL AND MORE VALUE 15/05/15 from Hyundai New Elantra Value Edition provides $1,000 in value savings; Elantra Limited gets more standard features FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., May 11, 2015 – Today, Hyundai Motor America announced the 2016 Elantra, featuring product improvements and new value-focused packaging updates. Elantra continues its high value proposition as a strong choice for shoppers in this highly-competitive segment, validated by several coveted accolades over the model's lifecycle. Elantra ranked highest in its segment for initial quality in the influential J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS).

Hyundai’s N division will tune electrics, steer clear of Genesis

At Hyundai's Namyang proving ground in a small garage emblazoned with a giant "N," Albert Biermann, the ex-BMW engineer who now heads up vehicle development for the Korean brand, recently provided a few hints about what to expect from Hyundai's nascent performance sub-brand — and that includes EVs. "We are looking for the right ideas of how to transfer the craziness of N into electrification," he said. That could be "a full EV [and] also could be a hybrid." To date, we've seen the Veloster N introduced last fall in the United States, followed by the recently announced Elantra GT N Line. Europe has the i30 N in hatchback and fastback body styles. Biermann says, "We will expand also into segments we are not in now," including "something a little bit smaller," as well as into "a different type of vehicle." Biermann also said we can expect a more powerful version of the new 2020 Hyundai Sonata — which we've just reviewed, and which will launch in the United States with a 180-hp 1.6-liter turbo and a 191-hp 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four. But he stopped short of saying whether it would be an N or an N Line model. And it appears that the N expansion will not extend to Genesis. "There are no plans yet to make a sub-label for Genesis like we did with N for Hyundai," Biermann said. This despite the fact that nearly all of its rivals have branched out in that direction. For now, it seems, the G70 Sport is as sporty as it will get over at Genesis.