2012 Kia Optima Sx on 2040-cars

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Hyundai, Kia launching dedicated hybrids in 2017

The currently weak green car market isn't stopping Hyundai and Kia from staging an ongoing electrified onslaught, and it's primed to just keep growing. Already familiar with the field thanks to vehicles like the Sonata Hybrid, Tucson Fuel Cell, and Kia Soul EV, for the 2017 model year the Korean siblings are launching their first dedicated hybrids, according to Automotive News. Since last year, the hybrids have been spotted testing several times while wearing heavy camouflage. Hyundai's version will reportedly be styled as a Chevrolet Volt-fighting sedan. Conversely, Kia will go for a more directly Prius-challenging hatchback. Underneath, they'll share a powertrain consisting of a direct-injected, 1.6-liter four-cylinder and electric motor. Both will use the same platform based on the next-gen Elantra and Forte, according to Automotive News. In addition, Hyundai will get a pure EV version of its model to launch in California in 2017, while Kia reportedly won't. According to Automotive News, the companies' strategy is reportedly to be ready when gas prices eventually rise again. "When they come back up and people start looking for hybrids again, it'll be very nice to be able to give buyers an option besides just the Prius," said Adam Kraushaar, president of a New Jersey Hyundai dealer. Further complimenting the electrified plans, a plug-in version of the Kia Optima Hybrid is also reportedly on the way. With its launch, the two brands would have a total of nine hybrid, EV or fuel cell vehicles on offer by the 2018 model year.

Kia pushes back production GT to 2017

A production version of the 2011 Kia GT concept has been delayed a year until 2017, according to a report from Auto Express. Insiders tell the website that the still-unnamed vehicle's styling already has the blessing of design boss Peter Schreyer, and the four-door's shape is similar to the concept, minus the suicide doors. The production version might share a rear-wheel drive platform with the Hyundai Genesis and could include four- and six-cylinder options, plus a V8 at the top of the range. Previous reports suggested that the model would be aimed primarily at the US market with upscale targets like the Audi A7 and Porsche Panamera. Another rear-drive concept from Kia might also actually see the road, because the company is again considering building the GT4 Stinger. "We have very high intentions to put these models into production – we're working on it," Spencer Cho, the South Korean brand's head of overseas marketing, said to Auto Express. No firm plans are in place yet, but if it gets the thumbs up, the sports coupe could come a year or two after the GT. Earlier information indicated that that the two-door was out of favor at the company because sedans offered a rosier sales prognosis. Related Video:

2023 New York Auto Show Editors' Picks

The New York Auto Show has typically marked the end of the auto show season. That's arguable now that shows have been shuffling around, but if we stick with it, that means that show season wrapped up with a modest bang. While the number of reveals were a bit modest, some of them were some seriously big deals for the car industry. Some of them were also literally big. And these are the reveals that were our favorites. They range from updated classics to the latest EVs. Read on to see what topped the list. 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe View 22 Photos 5. 2024 Jeep Wrangler The 2024 Wrangler is impressive as mid-cycle updates go. It's both a reflection of the longevity of the Wrangler's product cycles (we get a redesign once a decade, almost on the dot) and the Ford Bronco toppling Jeep's once firm monopoly on soft-top off-roaders. The cheaper 4xe entry is a welcome addition, and the ongoing one-upmanship between Ford and Jeep will continue to serve enthusiasts who want the best of the best. This is why competition matters, folks. — Associate Editor Byron Hurd Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept View 9 Photos 3. (Tie) Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept Even though it was far from the most important vehicle at the show, the Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept weirdly stole NY for me. IÂ’ve been largely unimpressed or neutral on most SUV coupes, but now thereÂ’s finally one that I love. Genesis design in general has been on fire lately, and the fact that it can turn out a crossover coupe that actually looks good is more evidence of its excellence. The stunning interior with those orange-backed seats and sporty-looking orange accents everywhere probably wonÂ’t make it into production, but IÂ’d love to see Genesis really amp up the performance angle with the coupe version of the GV80. Oh, and please offer the conceptÂ’s orange paint in the production carÂ’s palette, too. — Road Test Editor Zac Palmer 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric View 21 Photos 3. (Tie) 2024 Hyundai Kona The Hyundai Kona has been a favorite mini-crossover of ours for a while, but it has had some foibles. Most notably, it's been almost too small in some areas. That's been fixed and then some with this new one. It also doesn't lose any of the funkiness that made the model so distinct in the first place, while also gaining some fun styling cues from its bigger siblings.