2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Hatchback 3-door 1.6l on 2040-cars

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Genesis coupe getting 3.3T and all-wheel drive

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe looks to be getting a serious jolt of performance when the next-gen model hits the market. An example was recently spotted testing that wore the label "3.3T 8AT AWD," according to The Korean Car Blog citing Korean website Team Testdrive. That designation certainly didn't take much work to interpret. The turbocharged 3.3-liter engine under the hood was likely the twin-turbo V6 that Hyundai has been developing for the next-gen Genesis sedan for 2017 or 2018. With engineering still underway, the final specs for the turbocharged mill obviously haven't been published yet. However, Hyundai America's CEO previously suggested output in the neighborhood of the 420 horsepower from the company's current 5.0-liter V8. In addition, the V6 should weigh less and provide better fuel economy. According to The Korean Car Blog, the twin-turbo V6 would likely be for an N Performance variant of the Genesis Coupe. Given the rest of the test car's label, it would presumably pair the engine with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. With 348 hp from the 3.8-liter V6 in the current model, the new mill could be quite a potent upgrade. The next-gen Genesis Coupe is rumored to take styling inspiration from the Hyundai HND-9 Sports Coupe Concept (pictured above). While remaining a two-door, it can reportedly fit four adults more comfortably inside. Spy shots earlier this year showed one testing with the current model's body but modifications to the hood and fender arches. The engine was thought to be a V8 at the time, but perhaps this twin-turbo V6 was actually in there.

2020 Hyundai Sonata shows fresh shape among competitors

The Hyundai Sonata received a refresh for the 2018 model year, but it seems that version won't be around for long, because a 2020 Hyundai Sonata midsize family sedan has been spied testing. The new car was spotted in Las Vegas testing alongside the competition. This new Sonata also appears to be a complete redesign, since nothing appears to be shared with the current model. Up front, the new Sonata looks much wider than the current model. Part of this is due to the headlights being moved to sit inline with the top of the grille, as opposed to slightly above on the current model. And while we can't see it clearly, the grille will likely have a similar shape to that of the current model and other Hyundais. The fenders also wrap around the top of the car more, further contributing to the car's wide stance. The profile of this new Sonata is different, too. It's a bit more traditional in how the engine compartment area doesn't blend into windshield as much. The current Sonata blends the engine, passenger and trunk compartments more. There's also a curve to the bottom of the greenhouse on the new car that lends the car a more graceful, less upright appearance. There is still a fastback look to the rear of the Sonata, but it's stretched out more, again helping the car look less upright. This is the first time we've seen the next-generation Hyundai Sonata, but it does look as though it's pretty far in development. What we can see of it appears to be production ready. As such, we probably won't have long to wait to see the car revealed. It will probably show up sometime next year in time for the 2020 model year. Related Video:

Volvo leads and Mini fails in JD Power's Tech Experience Index

New cars are basically rolling computers. Everything from the engine to the infotainment runs on a series of ones and zeros, and a lot of that technology requires input from the driver. So it's no surprise that JD Power has a study designed specifically to discern which bits of tech drivers love and which bits they loathe. "New technology continues to be a primary factor in the vehicle purchase decision," says JD Power's Kristin Kolodge, executive director of driver interaction & human machine interface research. "However, it’s critical for automakers to offer features that owners find intuitive and reliable. The user experience plays a major role in whether an owner will use the technology on a regular basis or abandon it and feel like they wasted their money." The J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study found that Volvo owners are happiest with the technology packed inside their vehicles, followed by BMW and Cadillac, all brands that JD Power classifies as premium. The highest-rated mainstream brand is Hyundai, followed by Subaru and Kia. As was the case with the organization's Initial Quality and APEAL studies, Tesla's numbers aren't officially included because they are the only automaker that has not granted JD Power approval to contact its owners in states that require it. Tesla's projected score of 593 would have put it in second place, right behind Volvo's score of 617. The lowest-ranked brand in the TXI Study is Mini, with Porsche right behind. Diving a little bit deeper, JD Power's findings suggest that the technologies new car buyers care most about are related to helping them see their surroundings better. Camera systems, including rear-view mirror cameras and ground-view cameras, scored highest in five of the six satisfaction attributes measured in the study. The technology that owners could really do without? Gesture controls. Owners who answered JD Power's survey say they don't use gesture controls much at all after initially trying them, and they don't really care if their next vehicle has them. We have to wonder if those responses might be what kept BMW out of the top spot. The TXI Study also found that owners are split on automated driving helpers, like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking. JD Power suggests that owners may need more training on those systems before they learn to trust them. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences.