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Autoblog Podcast #362

Episode #362 of the Autoblog podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth and Chris Paukert cover the year-end news, including the surprise resignation of Hyundai Motor North America CEO John Krafcik, strong early sales for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, and 2015 Ford F-150 rumors ahead of its expected Detroit Auto Show debut. Dan also had a chance to look back at 2013 and ahead to 2014 with Autoline's John McElroy. We start with what's in the garage and finish up with some of your questions, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Check out the new rundown below with times for topics, and you can follow along after the jump with our Q&A. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #362:
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Hyundai HND-12 Enduro Concept shows Seoul a motorcycle-inspired CUV

While the New York Auto Show is grabbing our attention with major debuts, Seoul, South Korea, is celebrating its own automotive event. There, Hyundai is showing off a new three-door crossover concept called the HND-12 Enduro that's inspired by long-distance, off-road motorcycles. Despite its rugged inspiration, this concept isn't made to get dirty, Instead, the Enduro is aimed at folks living in cities "with energetic, athletic lifestyles," according to Hyundai. The result looks like a Veloster after spending a lot of time at the gym that's mixed with a smaller take on the Intrado concept. To fit Hyundai's modern style, the Enduro wears a hexagonal grille but features a polished aluminum blade at the bottom that wraps around to a the muscular, black-cladded fenders. Even with its higher ride height, the concept looks a bit more like a sporty three-door hatch than a CUV in profile. The roof has just the slightest curve and leads to a tiny rear window, which is outlined almost completely by the taillights. To lend a little more utility, side steps near the rear wheels make it easier to load the top, but good luck finding much room up there to carry anything. Although, one neat feature is a sliding storage drawer hidden in the bumper just below the hatch. Inside, the Enduro is driver-focused with the center console and dashboard enveloping the pilot. Hyundai designers also try to bring in some motorcycle cues with a steering wheel inspired by the hand moldings of a road bike. While purely a concept for now, power from the Enduro comes from Hyundai's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and it's linked to a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. Related Video: HYUNDAI MOTOR INTRODUCES 'ENDURO' LIFESTYLE CUV CONCEPT AT 2015 SEOUL MOTOR SHOW Urban crossover utility vehicle harmonizes with energetic, athletic lifestyles 'The Professional Gear' for drivers wanting to escape the ordinary Design concept is expressed in rugged, versatile yet sophisticated form language April 2, 2015 - Hyundai Motor is celebrating the world premiere of its all-new design concept, the 'Enduro' lifestyle urban crossover utility vehicle (CUV), at the 11th Seoul Motor Show today (Thursday). The name 'Enduro' is derived from 'Endurance.' Also, Enduro visually combines SUV looks with rally motorcycles which compete in the world's toughest rally events. The Enduro is designed as the perfect partner for individuals living in the modern city with energetic, athletic lifestyles.

Next Hyundai Genesis to get HTRAC all-wheel drive

Hyundai's Genesis sedan has been quite the sales success since it first launched in 2008 as a 2009 model, but its rear-wheel drive nature has limited its sales appeal in cold-weather states versus competitors like Audi, BMW, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz, all of whom have offered all-wheel drive in their lineups for years now. We've been hearing that Hyundai has had plans to remedy this shortfall for some years now, and we finally have official confirmation that four-corners-driven traction is coming for the second-generation Genesis.
Dubbed "HTRAC," Hyundai isn't saying much about the new system, other than noting it will offer "select driving modes for a sophisticated and tailored driving experience" and that it will also electronically control the torque split between the car's front and rear axles. HTRAC was developed all over the world, including on the Nürburgring and on Korea's Yeongam Formula One circuit, as well as winter testing in Europe. Oh, and in case you didn't already figure it out for yourself, the "H" in the name stands for "Hyundai" and "TRAC" is short for "Traction."
No word yet on when the system will become available, but Hyundai promises that the second-generation Genesis will make its world debut in its home market later this year. Although no official images or further details have been revealed yet, an undisguised look at the 2015 sedan came to light yesterday, suggesting a reveal is imminent.