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Albert Biermann, the man behind some of Hyundai's sportiest cars, retires

Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Kia and Genesis, made big news by announcing at the end of 2014 that it was bringing on Albert Biermann to its research and development division. He had spent just over 30 years at BMW and was in charge of the M division before he left. His time at Hyundai led to some of the company's best driving cars, which meet or beat the global competition. But now, the company has announced Biermann is retiring. At 65 years old, it's not entirely surprising that Biermann would be looking at retirement, and he seems to be leaving on good terms. "Korea will remain as my second home, and all of my colleagues at Hyundai Motor Group will always be considered part of my family. I would like to recognize that our success has always been based on the strong collective spirit of the many talented people at Hyundai, and I will value our unique achievements wherever I live," he said in a release from Hyundai. Fortunately, Biermann will still be an Executive Technical Advisor for the company. Specifically, he'll be advising on electrified performance cars. We say fortunately, because Biermann has been so involved in some of the company's best cars. He helped make the company's rear-drive-based cars such as the Kia Stinger and Genesis models so fun to drive. He also helped setup Hyundai's N sub-brand, and the N models are among the best sport compacts in the world. Assuming Hyundai has taken to heart many things from Biermann, and with his continued advising, the company should still be in a good position. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. 2022 Hyundai Kona N Short Cut

Next-gen Kia Sportage teased in sketches

Kia is providing an early peek at the fourth-gen Sportage ahead of the crossover's debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15. The latest design comes from Kia's European design center, which is also located in Frankfurt. While sketches like this can often embellish the details, everything here appears largely in line with previous spy shots. Up front, the latest Sportage wears a low-slung grille with the complicated shape of its brand sibling, but the new swept-back LED headlights along the hood are the major change. At least in these sketches, they give the CUV a very stylish shape. The roof arches back to give a coupe-like silhouette, and glass appears to hide the B-pillar for an airy look. At the rear, LED taillights stretch all the way across the hatch. The automaker promises the "most refined high-quality cabin yet" in the release of these sketches, and it looks like an uncluttered place to be. We look forward to seeing how Kia's designers translate these details from ink to metal in Germany. Related Video: DYNAMIC ENERGY: THE NEXT-GENERATION KIA SPORTAGE Frankfurt unveil of all-new Sportage Dynamic new styling Most refined high-quality cabin yet Kia Motors will reveal its all-new Kia Sportage for the first time globally on 15 September, at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Entering its fourth-generation, the all-new Sportage features a bold, progressive design, which exudes power and agility from every angle. The dynamic compact SUV styling creates visual harmony out of the tension between bold, precise feature lines and dramatically-sculptured bodywork. Inside, the all-new Sportage marries simple, modern style with rich material quality for Kia's most refined, highest-quality cabin to date. With the design of the new model led by the brand's European design centre – located in Frankfurt – the all-new Sportage represents the future face of Kia.

Kia teases Cross GT concept for Chicago debut

Kia is headed to the Chicago Auto Show with a new concept. Details are scarce on the Cross GT at the moment, but we know the machine was penned as a luxury crossover. Larger than the current Sorento, we would wager there's three rows of seating on board. And while it's unclear whether or not Kia plans to bring something similar to market, we like what we see in the shadowy teaser above. The Cross GT seems to wear the company's "tiger nose" styling well, and the familiar D-pillar upkick ties the machine in nicely with the rest of the company's people-movers.
The 2013 Chicago Auto Show kicks off on February 7th, and should feature a number of interesting reveals. Those include the upcoming Toyota Tundra and what could be a special version of the Dodge Dart. Stay tuned for our live coverage on the show floor.