2012 Hyundai Tucson Gls on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Hyundai Santa Cruze pickup is a when, not an if

A production version Hyundai HCD-15 Santa Cruz concept looks all but certain to arrive in showrooms to compete in the growing small truck field, and Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski claims the official announcement is now just a matter of scheduling. "Our timing is not crossing our fingers and waiting for approval, it's trying to figure out when we're going to announce it," he said to Motoring. According to Zuchowski, the people at Hyundai's headquarters in South Korea have a say when the announcement comes, but he didn't indicate exactly how soon the model's production could be official. Zuchowski suggested Hyundai intended to ship the truck to places outside the US, too. "I'm not clear on the other markets, but from our perspective it's a vehicle that will be exported to other markets," he said to Motoring. The Santa Cruz was one of the most popular concept debuts at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, and Hyundai execs in the US quickly started working to get a green light for production from headquarters. As of late December 2015, the automaker reportedly had the engineering feasibility and business case complete for the truck, and the bosses just needed to give final approval. Hyundai would reportedly use the Tucson for the Santa Cruz's underpinnings, and the model might be the company's first with a diesel engine in the US. The production version would enter a booming market for smaller pickups like the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Toyota Tacoma, and newly unveiled second-generation Honda Ridgeline. However, Hyundai's entry would likely be the smallest among them and target young crossover customers who want a little more hauling capability. Related Video:

Recharge Wrap-up: Hyundai and Kia rethinking diesel for US, BMW i partners with Soho House

Hyundai and Kia are once again considering bringing diesel vehicles to the US. "It's something that's a strong consideration for us at this point," says John Juriga of Hyundai/Kia America. Diesel would help the group meet future fuel economy standards. While the obstacles that previously kept the brands from bringing diesel to the US in the past still exist, Juriga says they see a "more direct path" to making diesel work for them. Hyundai and Kia are also considering introducing cylinder deactivation, plug-in hybrids and 9- and 10-speed transmissions to reach fuel economy targets. Read more at Wards Auto. BMW's i division is teaming up with Soho House as its official automotive partner. BMW will provide i3 EVs for the private club's members and guests to use. The two groups will also host events together focused on art, design and innovation, beginning with an art talk called, "The Naked Truth? Nudity, fashion, and the photographic image today." According to BMW's Steven Althaus, the two brands are a great match. "BMW i and Soho House share a common mindset: both brands strive for innovation, creativity as well as a special sense for aesthetic setting new design standards," Althaus says, "What I look forward to most about our partnership is our determination to create memorable and sophisticated experiences together." Read more in the press release below. Foodlogica aims to reduce the environmental impact of food transport in Amsterdam using solar powered electric trikes. The trikes deliver food to local businesses and restaurants, a job usually done by air-polluting diesel trucks. The electric trikes feature cargo boxes that can hold 47 cubic feet or about 660 pounds of food. The trikes are stored in a shipping container fitted with solar panels, which charges them when they're not in use. By delivering food using solar and human power, Foodlogica is helping taking pollution and traffic congestion out of the "last mile" of food transport in Amsterdam. Get hungry and read more at Treehugger. An organization called Ten9 wants to get 1 billion people using sustainable transportation by 2025. Ten9 is a coalition of organizations that are trying to get transportation to that "tipping point" through technology, policy and good ideas. Ten9 wants to get Tesla CEO Elon Musk on board, as well as other business and technology leaders and world leaders.

2017 Hyundai Elantra arrives with a host of upgrades [w/video]

We got a great idea of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra's styling when the company revealed it for the South Korean market a few months ago. Now, the US-spec car arrives at the LA Auto Show. The shape is just as expected, but Hyundai has new powertrains and tech in store, too. Hyundai designers simplified the Elantra's look for the latest generation. The sedan's nose now flows down to a hexagonal grille with horizontal slats, and squinting headlights flank it on each side with vertical LED running lights underneath. The new lower air dam leads air to wheel curtains that help lower wind resistance. The profile lacks the heavy sculpting of the current model, but a subtle character line sweeps up across the side for some visual interest. Narrow taillights stretch horizontally across the trunk. Even with the aesthetic changes, the overall size only expands slightly: length grows 0.8 inches to 179.9 inches, width increases an inch to 70.9 inches, and the wheelbase remains 106.3 inches. The interior features a more horizontal layout with metallic trim that runs across the dashboard. There are two infotainment choices beyond the base stereo. A seven-inch Display Audio system includes a rearview camera, and an eight-inch setup also has navigation. Both support Android Auto. Most trims of the 2017 Elantra feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that runs on the Atkinson cycle, and it produces an estimated 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Hyundai expects fuel economy ratings of 29 miles per gallon city, 38 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined with the six-speed automatic. The company also offers a six-speed manual only on the SE trim. The Elantra Eco arrives in spring 2016 with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder with 128 hp and 156 lb-ft and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The brand estimates 35 mpg combined with that combo. A much stronger platform is beneath the upgraded design. The Elantra now uses 53 percent advanced high strength steel compared to 21 percent before, and the change allows torsional rigidity to increase 29.5 percent. The engineers also work to improve NVH wherever possible with improvements like a hood insulator, thicker glass, sound-absorbing material, and plastic and rubber bushings for the front subframe. Drivers can order a plethora of driver assistance and safety tech for the 2017 Elantra including Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, adaptive cruise control and Blind Spot Detection.