2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited on 2040-cars

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Hyundai releases more Ioniq images, hybrid powertrain details

It doesn't look like Hyundai is tiring of releasing teasers for its upcoming Ioniq electrified vehicle. It's already released three batches of 'em, and now here's more – plus powertrain details. The vehicle pairs a 1.6-liter version of the company's Kappa engine – boasting thermal efficiency of 40 percent and good for 104 horsepower to an electric motor making another 43 hp. It's juiced by a lithium-ion polymer battery pack and transmitted by a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Hyundai promises the Ioniq will be more engaging to drive than its rivals. It's designed around a lightweight chassis with 53 percent high-strength steel. Non-structural body panels made of aluminum trim nearly 30 pounds off the curb weight. The South Korean automaker has also placed the batteries low in the body to drop the center of gravity and forward to optimize handling along with the multi-link rear suspension. For those who haven't been following the story, the Ioniq will be Korea's challenger to the likes of the Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius, and Nissan Leaf. Instead of offering one or two forms of electric propulsion, the Ioniq will offer three: gasoline-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full EV. More images and details are sure to follow as Hyundai prepares to introduce the new model later this month back home in Korea. After that, we should be seeing it at the Geneva Motor Show in March. IONIQ: A Leap Forward for Hybrid Vehicles - Hyundai Motor reveals technical innovations underpinning its evolved hybrid system - Lightweight, high-strength architecture delivers a fun, responsive drive - Next generation drivetrain efficiencies achieve class-leading fuel economy - Electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains available in a single body type, a world first January 7, 2015 – Following its unveiling to domestic media at Hyundai Motor's Namyang R&D Center in South Korea, details have been confirmed of the IONIQ - the next generation of hybrid vehicles. Rag Jung, Head of Project Management Division at Hyundai Motor R&D Center said, "IONIQ embodies Hyundai Motor's new thinking and bold ambitions for the future. This world-class dedicated hybrid will be the starting point of our future mobility." Lightweight engineering from a dedicated design Built on a chassis created specifically to carry the world's first choice of three efficient and ultra-low emission powertrains, the IONIQ boasts 53% Advanced High Strength Steel combined cleverly with lightweight aluminum.

Hyundai i20 shows what brown can do for you [w/video]

With the latest generation of the i20 at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, Hyundai continues to shake off its old image in Europe as a maker of cheap, unstylish little penalty boxes. This five-door hatch has to fit into the crowded, compact hatch market over there against popular entries like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo - a high bar for success. But the Korean automaker claims that its latest vehicle is up to the task because it's designed in Europe specifically with European buyers in mind.
The new i20 takes a small step a bit more upmarket with features like LED front and rear lighting and a rearview camera. However, the biggest change is the jump in interior room, though. The wheelbase is two-inches longer than before, and the growth gives the hatch best-in-class legroom and cargo capacity with the rear seats up, according to Hyundai. Rounding out the improvements is an available panoramic sunroof that the company also believes is unique for the segment.
For the Paris show, Hyundai made the i20 extra sweet by covering it in a chocolaty shade of brown to look like a little French confection on the show floor. Scroll down for all of the details about it, and for the impossibly epic launch video.

Who can really claim first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle delivery in US?

Last month, Hyundai said that the initial deliveries of the Tucson Fuel Cell vehicles in California meant that, "For the first time, retail consumers can now put a mass-produced, federally-certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in their driveways." But try telling that to Jon Spallino. In 2005, Honda leased a hydrogen fuel cell FCX, a small hatchback, to the Spallino family (as far as we know, he parked it in his driveway). The company did the same thing again in 2008 with the FCX Clarity, a sleek new design based on the FCX Concept, and others signed for the H2 ride as well, including celebrities. No matter how you slice it, Honda has been in the fuel cell delivery market for almost a decade now. Just look at this. Or this. Or this. Oh, and other automakers (General Motors in Project Driveway in 2006 and Mercdes-Benz with the F-Cell in 2010, for example) have delivered fuel cell vehicles in the US as part of short-term test programs. But let's get back to Hyundai's claim. There's little question that the first delivery of a "fuel cell vehicle for the US market" has already taken place (and they were federally certified, too), which means that the debate revolves around the definition of mass-produced and whether "mass production" is about a number or about the process? Let's investigate below. First, lets review Honda's bona fides. We can start with the official version of Honda's fuel cell history, which is missing the pertinent detail that Honda build the Clarity on a dedicated assembly line and established a small network of three dealerships to lease the FCX Clarity in 2008. All of the FCX Clarity vehicles in customer hands in the US were leased through these dealerships. Sure, Honda started with hand-built stacks in its hydrogen vehicles, but went to automated control of some parts and components with series production. "It is good to see others doing today what we've been doing since 2008" – Steve Ellis, Honda Or, as Honda's Steve Elllis put it to AutoblogGreen regarding Hyundai's fuel cell deliveries: "This was exactly as prescribed by the creation of the California Fuel Cell Partnership. It's the very essence of 'co-op-itition.' We at Honda, as do many others, continue to push forward on many technologies, both the battery and the fuel cell. And society is the beneficiary." Then he added, "It is good to see others doing today what we've been doing since 2008." Now, how does Hyundai compare?