Hyundai Tucson Awd Low Low Miles on 2040-cars

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Hyundai CVVD engine brings another dimension to valve timing

A new technology from Hyundai Motor Group places another marker on the march to more efficient internal combustion engines. Called Continuously Variable Valve Duration, the innovation permits two options for how long the intake valves remain open during the combustion cycle. The feature adds a third take on valve chicanery, atop variable valve timing that changes when valves open, and variable valve lift that changes how far valves open. Hyundai says the feature returns a 4% improvement in performance, a 5% increase in fuel economy, and lowers emissions by 12%. Hyundai applied for two patents on the valvetrain process in South Korea in 2011 and again in 2015. The altered valve duration in this latest iteration is made possible by two movable arms inside the camshaft. Each arm is anchored at its base to a pin at the center of the camshaft, while the end of each arm extends toward the edge of the camshaft. Changing the position of the pin in the center of the camshaft changes the angle of the arms relative to one another, which moves the camshaft along its mounting rod. Voila, a new intake cam profile that either lengthens or shortens valve overlap.   During low-speed spells at low load, CVVD opens the intake valve from the middle to the end of compression stroke. The weaker detonation isn't a factor at low load, and the reduced friction during compression improves fuel economy. During heavy engine loads, the intake valve closes at the beginning of the compression stroke to maximize the amount of air mixed for detonation, boosting torque. Four additional features enhance the benefits of CVVD. A more powerful direct injection system increases fuel spray pressure from 250 bar to 350 bar. Hyundai doesn't go into details on its Integrated Thermal Management System, but says the ITMS "quickly heats or cools the engine to the optimal temperature." Low-friction components lower overall engine friction by 34 percent. And a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation layout diverts low-pressure exhaust gas from the traditional EGR route to the turbocharger compressor under high load for better fuel efficiency.   The first engine to boast the new tech is the Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi four-cylinder, which produces 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It will appear in the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Turbo going on sale in South Korea later this year.

Hyundai's zombie obsession is just good business

In case you somehow missed it, Hyundai has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with The Walking Dead, the critically acclaimed zombie apocalypse show that entertains the masses while they're waiting for the next season of Game of Thrones. Fans of the show will recognize Rick, Michonne, Carol, Maggie and Glenn's mint green Hyundai Tucson, a staple vehicle for the crew of survivors, but the relationship between manufacturer and show goes far beyond that. There's a whole line of Zombie Survival Machines, as well as a special-edition production model (shown above). Heck, even Hyundai's post-LA Auto Show party featured actors staggering about as startlingly realistic walkers (TWD's name for zombies).
So what is it about the dead that quickens the pulse of Hyundai's marketing department? Ward's Auto has a great interview with Steve Shannon, the brand's US vice president of marketing. In it, Shannon describes the sudden nature of the tie-in between the show and the automaker, while describing how the company's corporate overlords in South Korea saw the results of the deal. It's an interesting insight into automotive product placement, as well as Hyundai's marketing philosophy and plans for the future (spoiler alert: the Tucson, which has had a role in the show for several seasons, was seemingly abandoned at the end of season four).
Head over to Ward's and have a look.

2017 Hyundai Elantra priced from $17,985

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra arrives at dealers in January with a new design and expanded range of tech for a starting price of $17,985 (including $835 destination), which gives buyers access to the latest vehicle's improvements for $100 less than the MSRP of the 2016 model. It also means the Hyundai comes in about $1,500 less than a base 2016 Honda Civic that just won the 2016 North American Car of the Year. The Elantra SE and Limited trims both use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder running on the Atkinson cycle that makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The company offers the base SE with a six-speed manual, but the six-speed automatic takes the model's price to $18,985. The SE doesn't come with too many frills, but the $800 Popular Equipment Package on the automatic adds features like a 7-inch Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a rearview camera, and cruise control. For another $1,300, the Tech Package provides LED running lights, blind spot detection, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and more. The Limited trim only comes with the six-speed automatic and starts $23,185. It gets expanded standard features like leather seats and LED taillights. A $2,500 Tech Package adds things like an 8-inch infotainment system with navigation, upgraded stereo, and sunroof. The $1,900 Ultimate Package then bundles HID headlights, memory seats, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and smart cruise control. Hyundai will announce pricing and details for the Eco trim closer to the launch this spring. The model will use a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to get an estimated 35 miles per gallon combined fuel economy. There will also be a Sport model later in the year, but the automaker hasn't announced any further details of that model yet. Related Video: X ALL-NEW 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA PRICED AT $100 LESS THAN THE AWARD-WINNING MODEL IT REPLACES - STARTS AT $17,150 Value-Packed Elantra Offers Leading Technology and Generous Amenities Including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Cruise Control and Dynamic Bending Light FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. Jan. 15, 2016 – Hyundai Motor America today announced pricing for the all-new 2017 Elantra starting at $17,150.