Cars, Car Insurance, Auto Purchase

Hyundai Genesis
Hyundai aims to shatter premium automobile paradigms with the North American International Auto Show introduction of its new flagship, the all-new Hyundai Genesis sports sedan. With capabilities and features comparable to $60,000 premium sedans, Hyundai Genesis will be offered at a starting price under $30,000 when it goes on sale this summer.

Genesis is built on Hyundai’s all-new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture. It offers three powertrains, including 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V6 engines, and Hyundai’s all-new 4.6-liter Tau V8. Tau will produce an estimated 368 horsepower on regular fuel, and lead all its competitors in specific output with 80 horsepower per liter. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, Hyundai Genesis showcases features such as XM NavTraffic, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Smart Cruise Control, Lexicon® audio systems and electronic active head restraints. Read the rest of this entry »

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Concept
Hyundai unveiled its highly anticipated Concept Genesis Coupe during a press conference at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The concept car heralds the introduction of an all-new, rear-wheel drive 2+2 sports coupe scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009. Following the introduction earlier this year of the Concept Genesis sedan, Concept Genesis Coupe signals Hyundai’s second step in broadening its appeal to driving enthusiasts.

The Sonic Orange concept is complemented by a Ballistic Black carbon fiber hood, roof and ground effects for reduced weight. Strong hints of the production version are highlighted in its “Z” bodylines and powerful curves. When the production sports coupe arrives, it likely will be the most affordable 300+ horsepower car on the market, and the most dynamic performance car yet from Hyundai.

DESIGN PROCESS

“The mission for Concept Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car with a design that would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts,” said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif. “With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that.”

The powerful curves, surface detail and “Z” bodyside lines come straight from the same underlying inspiration that guided two earlier, well-received concepts: the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sports tourer. The undulating beltline borrowed from the Talus adds intrigue while enhancing outward visibility for both the driver and rear passengers. The HCD8 sports tourer’s sensual body forms influenced the overall design theme while also providing direction for the concept’s assertive headlight and taillight designs.

The look of Concept Genesis Coupe was in part inspired by LeMan’s race cars, drifters and by Jada Toys Dub City™ die cast vehicles. The front and rear stance of the Concept Genesis Coupe can be described as sinister.

“Beauty and danger co-exist in the design of the Concept Genesis Coupe,” said Eric Stoddard, senior creative designer. “When viewed from a distance, the car is beautiful to look at. But up close it can appear a bit menacing and even a little intimidating.”

The concept’s rocker panels are drawn close to the ground making the bodysides extra thick and the daylight opening extremely thin, allowing the wheels to be slammed up into bulging fenders. To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized.

Three large heat extractors sculpted into the hood are designed to cool just about any powerful engine. When the concept becomes reality, three large openings in the front fascia will allow for better engine breathing. The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia repeat the design theme of the front cooling ducts and are surrounded by a large carbon fiber air diffuser.

An arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car’s broad shoulders and wide stance. Concept Genesis Coupe rides on 20-inch polished aluminum deep-dish wheels with Hankook 255/35 ZR front tires and 275/35 ZR rear tires.

SPECIFICATIONS

Configuration: Front engine, rear-wheel drive sports coupe
Wheelbase: 2,820 mm / 111 inches
Overall length: 4,666 mm / 183.7 inches
Overall width: 1,902 mm / 74.9 inches
Overall height: 1,386 mm / 54.5 inches
Wheels: 20-inch, five-spoke
Tires: Hankook 255/35 ZR front and 275/35 ZR rear
PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION CAR DETAILS

Engine type: V6
Estimated horsepower: more than 300 horsepower
Estimated torque: more than 250 lb. ft.
Displacement: 3.8 liters
Block material: high pressure die cast aluminum
Cylinder head material: aluminum
Valvetrain: Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC)
Valve timing: continuous variable valve timing
Estimated 0-60 mph: under 6 seconds
Transmission type: 6-speed manual
Front brakes: Brembo, 340 mm disc, twin-piston calipers
Rear brakes: Brembo, 330 mm disc, twin-piston calipers
Limited slip differential

Hyundai i10
While Hyundai’s rivals are still reeling from the astonishing acclaim awarded to the i30 hatchback, the company has released details of the next instalment in its all-new range of ‘i’ cars - the i10.

This exciting new city car is designed to be fun-to-drive, affordable and practical while offering quality and equipment that no other rival can offer at the price.

With diminutive dimensions of just 3,565mm long and 1,595mm wide, the i10 promises to be easy to thread through city traffic and a pleasure to park in tight car parks.

Although it has compact overall dimensions, the i10 has a wheelbase of 2,380mm - exceptionally long for this class. With the wheels pushed far into each corner there is more space inside for people and luggage, plus it gives the i10 ‘big car’ refinement and handling attributes.

Unlike some competitors the i10 is a full five seater and has five door practicality as standard too.

Prices are expected to start at less than £6,500 but i10 owners won’t feel they’re driving something that has been stripped out to keep costs low. Even the entry-level model will have air conditioning as standard - unique in this class.

The i10 also has a proper tailgate rather than just a piece of glass, four opening windows with electric operation at the front, central locking, electric power steering, tinted glass, 14-inch wheels, body coloured bumpers and an integrated six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo.

To ensure high safety standards across the range, all i10s will have four airbags with a passenger side cut-off switch, allowing a child seat to be fitted in the front of the car if required.

All i10 models will be powered by a 67PS, 1.1-litre petrol engine mated to either a manual or an optional automatic gearbox. The gearshift is mounted on the centre console to improve ergonomics and free up the space between the driver and the passenger seat.

Manual versions will be capable of an official average fuel consumption of more than 60mpg and produce just 119g/km of CO2, qualifying for the VED ‘tax disc’ rate of £35 a year and exemption from the new London Congestion Charge proposals due to take effect in February.

Like all Hyundai cars, the i10 will also be covered by a five year, unlimited mileage warranty to provide peace of mind motoring for half a decade.

Hyundai believes that the i10 is such an attractive, high quality package that its city car sales are set to double from current levels to around 10,000 per year by appealing to new customers and retaining existing Hyundai buyers. The first i10s will arrive at Hyundai dealerships in March 2008.