2013 Hyundai Sonata Gls Sedan 4-door 2.4l With Warranty on 2040-cars

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South Korea island of Jeju becoming an EV-incentive heaven

When it comes to providing some island EV love, we can point to Hawaii, which has been pushing hard for greater electric-vehicle adoption through subsidies and a broader charging network. Now, South Korea has Jeju. We're not sure if the surf is as good. Like Hawaii, Jeju is focusing on a "carbon-free" existence and lowered fossil-fuel dependency as a way to help the environment while addressing the extra expenses involved in providing fuel locally, Wards Auto says. Jeju, which is about 720 square miles, provides about $7,000 worth of EV incentives on top of those provided by the South Korean government. As a result, the cost of buying an EV can be cut in half. In the case of a Chevrolet Spark EV, going electric actually has a lower out-of-pocket price tag than buying a gas-powered counterpart on the island. South Korea's Ministry of Environment has earmarked about $14,000 in subsidies for each EV purchase, while 10 South Korean cities are adding on incentives anywhere from about $2,800 to $7,400 per vehicle. South Korean automaker Hyundai and affiliate Kia are just starting to do their part to boost the country's EV sales, which didn't even break the 800-unit mark last year. Kia recently said it will start making its 2015 model-year Soul EV in April, with sales debuting in South Korea by the end of the year. Hyundai is said to start selling its own EV starting in 2016. News Source: Wards AutoImage Credit: Korean Tourism Organization Government/Legal Green Hyundai Kia Electric incentives tax incentives island

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.

Hyundai i20 gets Active for Frankfurt

Hyundai has a raft of new debuts to showcase at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month, and what's caught our eye here is the new i20 Active. It's a more rugged version of the supermini hatchback that replaced the Getz in 2008. Now in its second generation, the i20 is already offered in three- and five-door guises, and is now expanding even further with the introduction of this pseudo-crossover soft-roader. The new Hyundai i20 Active is based on the five-door model, but offers the better part of an inch more ground clearance thanks to a revised suspension. It also benefits from skid plates under the front and back, beefed-up wheel arches, and a higher seating position. All of which promise to make the little hatchback feel just a little bit better prepared to venture off the beaten path – or at least the smooth pavement. European buyers will be able to choose between a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine in two states of tune that will now be introduced across the i20 range. The more efficient of the two produces 99 horsepower, while a slightly more potent version offers 118 hp. The new i20 Active will be featured on Hyundai's show stand alongside the new Santa Fe, the Vision G concept we saw in Monterey, and the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept that's slated to launch the company's new N performance sub-brand. HYUNDAI MOTOR INTRODUCES TWO NEW MODELS TO YOUNGEST-EVER RANGE - New i20 Active and New Santa Fe enhance crossover and SUV range - New i40 introduces Android Auto in Europe - Vision G concept car shows inspiration for future premium products At the Frankfurt International Motor Show 2015 Hyundai Motor is showcasing the passion of its brand, with new models, visionary concept cars and innovative technologies. The New i20 Active and New Santa Fe both premiere on the Hyundai stand, joining the company's youngest-ever line-up in Europe, with all models being less than two years old. The Android Auto smartphone mirroring technology debuts in the New i40, placing Hyundai among the first in Europe to offer this feature. The company's passion for design is presented in the Vision G coupe concept car, making its motor show debut, offering a glimpse of Hyundai's design evolution and future premium products. Passion for performance is envisioned through the new Hyundai N sub-brand and exciting concept cars such as N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo.