Thursday, August 30, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Hyundai Counts on New Santa Fe SUV to Boost its Family Sales in the US
With more than a million vehicles (1,072,679 to be exact) delivered in the first quarter of 2012, which account for a 16.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year, Hyundai’s global sales are booming. 
Yet John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, believes that despite its ever-increasing range, there is a segment in which the carmaker is weak: car buyers with families. He is counting on the 2013 Santa Fe to change that.
"We do really well in the pre-family life stage with our lineup, and we do well in the post-family stage", Krafcik told Automotive News. "The interesting thing is that the people with families who have kids in the house right now, they want to buy Hyundais more than any other group, and we just haven't had very many cars to offer them. And now we do", he added.
Kraficks expects to eventually shift more than 100,000 units annually. Given that its six-year old predecessor is Hyundai’s third best-selling model in the US, his optimism is well based.
That’s because the 2013 Santa Fe is based on an all-new platform, sports the company’s modern “fluidic sculpture” design and comes with front- or all-wheel drive in five-and seven-seats configurations. The former is labeled the Sport and is on sale now while the seven-seater, which will hit US showrooms in late December or early January, is 9.0 inches longer and has a wheelbase stretched by 3.9 inches.
Hyundai made a big effort in keeping overall weight down, with 38 percent of the body-in-white constructed of high-strength steel compared to less than eight percent in the previous Santa Fe. Thus, the Sport is 266 pounds lighter that the outgoing model and the seven-seat version weighs 397 pounds less than the Veracruz it replaces.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Hyundai now offers a seven passenger CUV
Hyundai continues to expand its lineup. The automakers latest offering was announced on August 17. The all-new 2013 Santa Fe crossover utility vehicle (CUV) comes in two flavors: the Santa Fe Sport and its new big brother, the longer wheelbase, three-row, seven-passenger 2013 Santa Fe. Both are designed for today’s family, with flexible seating and cargo areas; in addition, both sport Hyundai’s visually impressive “Fluidic Sculpture” exterior design. Both offer excellent performance due to efficient power plants and weight reduction. The 2013 model weighs 266 pounds less than the 2012 model. The all-new 2013 five-passenger Santa Fe Sport will appear at LA dealerships this month. Those interested in the larger model will have to wait until January 2013.
The Santa Fe Sport is powered by a four cylinder Theta II 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, which puts out 190 horsepower with improved fuel economy and acceleration. It is rated at 22 MPG city and 33 MPG highway. A turbo version of the Theta II 2.4 liter is also available. It churns out 264 HP with only a slight mileage hit (21 MPG city and 31 MPG highway). The brawnier Santa Fe has a Lambda II 3.3literGDI V6 under the hood. EPA mileage is 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway—not bad for a large vehicle that pushes a lot of air. All the engines are mated to Hyundai’s six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control. According to Hyundai, this transmission offers smooth shifts and a wide ratio spread that suits the engine’s characteristics. An automatic transmission warmer is included to keep the transmission oil at its optimal temperature, which improves real-world fuel economy.
In essence, one has the choice of a sportier vehicle with better fuel economy or a larger capacity vehicle with a thirstier engine. Hyundai notes that the three-row Santa Fe increases second-row legroom by 1.9 inches and cargo capacity 5.6 cubic feet; in addition, it houses second-row HVAC controls and vents to increase family comfort, while also offering a standard 50:50 split folding third-row bench seat with 31.5 inches of legroom.
An available option for both Santa Fes is Active Cornering Control All-Wheel-Drive (ACC AWD) system that cooperatively controls engine torque and braking in conjunction with the Vehicle Stability Management System. Hyundai notes that this system can anticipate traction requirements and deliver additional stability through braking via continuous monitoring of driving conditions compared with other AWD systems, which can only react to conditions after they occur. All AWD Santa Fes access an intelligent control unit that continuously analyzes data from the vehicle controller, and through a multi-clutch plate distributes torque to any single wheel at a time. The coupling system is fully controllable via an electro-hydraulic actuation system. Braking force can also be sent to any single wheel at a time via the software. These processes are known as torque vectoring and torque braking. All this analysis is completely transparent to the driver.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Now is the perfect time to get the vehicle of your dreams!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Hyundai ponders BMW 3 Series fighter
A source inside Hyundai told Automotive News that the Korean company is preparing a shortened version of the rear-wheel drive platform from the Genesis to underpin a 3 Series fighter. However the car, codenamed RK, will not go on sale until 2014 at the earliest.
By putting the 3 Series in its sights, Hyundai is setting a near-impossible goal for itself. Established competitors like Audi and Mercedes have repeatedly failed to beat the magic Bimmer in sales or critical acclaim, so can an upstart like Hyundai do better?
The 3 Series’ greatest attribute is probably its sporty handling, something Hyundai has not had much success with in its sedans. The Genesis sedan was meant to compete with full-size luxury cars like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, so it’s a bit of a land yacht. Still, its platform also supports the sporty Genesis Coupe, so there is hope yet.
If Hyundai’s recent efforts are any indication, the RK will look good. The flowing lines of the Sonata and Elantra help distinguish them from the American and Japanese competition. The 3 Series is a handsome car, but it looks very conservative compared to the cheaper front-drive Hyundais. If Hyundai uses the same styling theme on the RK, it could at least win the beauty competition.
Like other Hyundais, a competitive price will probably make the RK more enticing. The Genesis is such a compelling car because it offers 7 Series and S-Class accommodations for the price of its competitors’ midsize models. The 3 Series starts at $39,595, so the RK will have to undercut that. Hyundai’s impressive 10-year/100,000-mile warranty could also sweeten the deal.
Most luxury car buyers are not 100 percent rational, though. It’s hard to imagine people trading the snob appeal of a BMW badge for a Hyundai. Luxury buyers also have higher standards than the average Accent owner. When Hyundai launched the Genesis, it had to upgrade its dealers to provide a suitably upscale experience.
If Hyundai’s 3 Series fighter proves successful, a Kia version isn’t out of the question. Hyundai owns Kia; most of Kia’s models are based on Hyundai platforms. A Kia 3 Series competitor could be based on the company’s K9 luxury sedan.
Either a Hyundai or Kia 3 series competitor is a big gamble; it’s unclear whether luxury buyers want a bargain sedan without a prestige badge. However, a cheap rear-wheel drive sport sedan, is a good thing, regardless of which badge it wears.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Stop into St Cloud Hyundai!
And see why the 2012 Genesis is considered one of the best sedans out there on the market today!
Hyundai's 2012 Veloster might just steal the show
Cute to a fault, you get your money’s worth with the Veloster and then some. It’s an all-new Hyundai model and the competition sits with the other hatchbacks of its ilk, the Honda hybrid CR-Z, the Scion tC and the Mazda 3. Only this one is modern and sleek and offers a three-door design that I found more than a little appealing (aka a coupe-door on the driver’s side and two sedanish doors on the passenger side).
A four-passenger ride, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster is offered in only one trim. That’s okay though because this trim includes just about everything on your wish list anyway.
Standard on this hatchback are 17-inch alloy wheels, LED accent lights, heated side mirrors, a rear spoiler, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, full power accessories, height-adjustable driver’s seat, split-folding rear seats, and audio goodies like Bluetooth and an auxiliary audio jack and USB/iPod connectivity. You also get a seven-inch touchscreen and Hyundai's BlueLink telematics system.
There are some option packages; the Style package with 18-inch wheels, chrome grille with black highlights, fog lights, panoramic sunroof, and leatherette upholstery, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel or the Tech package, in addition to the Style package with automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, a navigation system, rearview camera, keyless ignition/entry, and a 115-volt outlet in the center armrest bin.
Under the hood the Veloster has a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine offering 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. With that a six-speed manual transmission is standard, but an automated dual-clutch manual transmission is available too.
Safety offering are the standard antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side and full-length side curtain airbags, and there is Hyundai's BlueLink with SOS assistance and crash notification.
Inside you will find plenty of room in the front seat albeit the back seat is a bit cramped. The bells and whistles are easy to use and navigate and the interior is a modern and fresh design with good texture and styling.
Even with the backseat being a bit cramped for headroom, there is a fair amount of legroom. The seats also fold down for added cargo space when needed, but even more kudos is the trunk size coming in at 15.5-cubic-feet.
A fun car to drive even if economical and while you won’t be able to win a race against a Ferrari, you will still find a strong and easy ride and that will make you feel in control.
Should You Need to Know: Take note of Hyundai's BlueLink telematics system that offers a number of safety standards and outbound text messaging and turn-by-turn navigation, to name a few.
Miles Per Gallon: The 2012 Hyundai Veloster that I drove came in at 28 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: The price tag for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster M/T is a mere $18,120. Sign me up for two.
Monday, August 13, 2012
How To Jump Start a Car
You have no clue how to jump start a car.
Every man should know how to jump start a dead car battery. You never know when you’ll need this knowledge to aid a stranded damsel in distress or help yourself. While jumping a dead battery is super simple, you’d be surprised by the number of men who have no idea how to do it. Even if a man has learned how to jump start a car before, it can be easy to forget what cables go where. Positive on negative? Ground the positive cable on the car with the good battery? Red cable is negative?
To help you avoid looking like a putz when asked to jump start a car and to help prevent you from shocking the hell out of yourself when you do it, here’s the rundown on how to jump start a dead car battery.
How to Tell if Your Battery Is Dead
Before you try jump starting a car, you need to determine that the battery is the reason the car isn’t starting up. If you turn the ignition and hear the engine cranking, a dead battery isn’t your problem and jump starting it won’t do a darn thing. However, if you turn the key and the car does absolutely nothing, then there’s a good chance you have a dead battery on your hands and jumping it may be your ticket to getting back on the road.
How to Jump Start a Car with Cables
Note: You should always carry jumper cables in your car with you. You never know when you’re going to need them.
Don’t be this guy
1. Make sure both cars are turned off.
2. Connect one end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal on the stalled battery.
3. Then connect the other red (positive) cable clamp to the positive terminal of the good battery.
4. Connect one end of the black (negative) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the good battery.
5. Then connect the other black (negative) cable to a clean, unpainted metal surface under the disabled car’s hood. Somewhere on the engine block is a good place. Unless you want to see flying sparks and a possible explosion, do not connect the negative cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery, .
6. Start the car that’s doing the jumping, and allow it to run for about 2 to 3 minutes before starting the dead car.
7. Remove cables in reverse order.
8. Keep the jumped car running for at least 30 minutes to give the battery sufficient time to recharge itself.
And you’re done. Give yourself a pat on the back for a manly job well done.
Unfortunately, jumper cables will not bring inanimate objects to life. Including hot model women you build in your lab.
Remember:
The hardest part of the job is simply remembering where to put each cable. Many a man has broken out in a sweat wondering if he is about to make a wrong move and toast himself to a crisp. Here’s the good news: It’s probably impossible to electrocute yourself from jump starting a car. The battery might give you a big shock, but the voltage is too low to penetrate your skin and put you down for the count.
But no one wants to be on the receiving end of a zap, no matter how mild. So come up with a mnemonic device to help you remember which color goes where. I personally think: red=blood=life=positive/black=death=negative.
How to Jump Start a Car Without Cables
If you have a standard transmission car, you can jump start that bad boy without using cables. Here’s how you do it:
1. Find a stretch of clear downhill road.
2. Fully depress the clutch and put the car in first gear.
3. Turn the ignition to on.
4. Take your foot off the brake and start rolling down the hill, leaving the clutch fully depressed.
5. Coast down the hill until you reach 5 or 7 miles per hour.
6. Release the clutch quickly. You should feel the engine turn and start. If it doesn’t start the first time, depress the clutch and release it again.
7. If you don’t have a hill, get some of your buddies to give you a push and follow the steps above.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
There's a lot to like about the Hyundai Sonata. Introduced early in 2010 for the 2011 model year, this latest version of the Sonata is stylish and economical. It rides and handles nicely, has a roomy interior and is well priced.
This Sonata is also a trail blazer, as it was among the first of the redesigned midsize family sedans to forsake the V-6 engine option.
Doing so simplified the development process, created more passenger space and enhanced fuel economy. The first Sonatas arrived with a single 2.4 liter, 198-horsepower, four-cylinder engine. Hyundai now offers a turbo, for the performance oriented buyer, and a gasoline-electric hybrid, for fuel efficiency mavens. For this review, Hyundai loaned us the hybrid version, which comes with a heftier starting price of $25,850.
The midsize hybrid family sedan arena has become crowded in recent years. In addition to the Toyota Prius, which is the undisputed sales leader, there's the hybrid Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Civic, Kia Optima (a not-so-distant relative of the Sonata) and the Chevrolet Volt, though it differs markedly from the others.
Acceleration is adequate, with the Hybrid reaching 60 miles per hour in 8.9 seconds. That's more than a second slower than in the standard Sonata, despite the fact that the combined horsepower of the Hybrid's gasoline engine and electric motor is slightly higher than the power of the base model's (206-hp vs. 198-hp). Working against the Hybrid's performance is the added weight of the more complex drivetrain and the modified gasoline engine that gives up low-end torque for greater efficiency.
The Sonata Hybrid can use only the electric motor at low speeds to get started, assuming the driver is content to set a leisurely pace. Heavier applications of the throttle prompt both the electric motor and gasoline engine to spring into action. The engine management system also shuts down the gasoline engine at highway speeds when little power is needed. A light in the instrument cluster lets the driver know this is happening.
The Sonata's hybrid drivetrain has garnered some criticism for having rough transitions between electric and gasoline operation, but our review car didn't display any of this. Generally speaking, the transition to the gasoline engine was impressively smooth and only occasionally noticeable. The six-speed automatic transmission also shifted smoothly, delivering only one harsh first gear engagement, while slowing, in a week of driving.
The ride in the Sonata Hybrid is steady and comfortable. Suspension noise over rough pavement is dampened to luxury car standards. The interior is very nicely done, giving the car an upscale feeling.
The handling is pleasant, with turns highlighting the good steering feedback, little lean, and a nice feeling of balance. Braking showed some nonlinearity in the pedal, not unusual in a hybrid that uses regenerative braking to help recharge the hybrid battery.
The battery is a 1.4kWh lithium-polymer battery pack rather than the more common nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion formulation. This was done to save weight and space.
The Hyundai Sonata is one of the best midsize sedans you can buy. The Sonata Hybrid does nothing to detract from this model's elevated position.
Paula Says "The Sonata Hybrid is quick enough for any driver."
Unless you're into reading the fine print, you wouldn't know the 2012 Hyundai Sonata we had for review was the Hybrid model. It looks like every other Sonata, except for the small "hybrid" labels on the body.
It also drives like any other Sonata, except you can start moving before the gasoline engine starts. Electric power alone allows you to back out of the garage and parking spaces.
That, of course, raises a problem. Electric power means almost totally silent movement. Check carefully for pedestrians.
It can take a little extra on the gas pedal to get the car moving, but once this minor issue is overcome, the Sonata Hybrid is quick enough for any driver. It's also a smooth operator, delivering much of the feel associated with more costly entry-level luxury cars.
The upside of any hybrid is supposed to be fuel economy; Sonata was nearly 30 percent more economical than the last pure gasoline-powered Sonata we reviewed. That car's 27.1 mpg average rose to 35.1 mpg in the hybrid, not bad for a sedan that is as big and solid as this one.
Folks who choose the hybrid will give up more than a few extra dollars, however. The battery and other electronics gobble up some trunk space, dropping the capacity from 16.4 to 10.7 cubic feet. Hybrid buyers will also give up the folding rear seat, though a small pass through in the area of the center armrest remains.
The rear seat is roomy but low. Shorter adults complained that they could not see much when riding in back ? the view ahead was particularly limited ? though they lavished praise on the space and comfort.
This Sonata Hybrid is roomy, responsive and economical. The warranty, up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, would appeal to me if I were a buyer.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Here's your chance to get behind the wheel of North America's Car of the Year!
Click here for more information!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Cheaper than Competition, Starts at $25,275
After showing off the all-new 2013 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport at the New York auto show in April, the Korean automaker has bestowed the short-wheelbase Sport model with a price tag: $25,275 (with destination) is what it will take to get you into Hyundai’s new crossover.
The 2013′s price is an increase of just $1725 over the 2012 Santa Fe. Standard equipment on the new model includes things like Bluetooth, keyless entry, LED running lights, a rear spoiler, and Hyundai’s BlueLink infotainment system. There are two engine choices: the base engine is a 2.4-liter I-4 estimated to produce 190 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, or buyers can opt for a 2.0-liter turbo-four good for an estimated 264 hp and 269 lb-ft that starts at $28,525 with destination. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and offer all-wheel drive for an additional $1750.
With a base price of just over $25,000, the 2013 Santa Fe Sport undercuts all of its competition by anywhere from $2845 (compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee) to as much as $5510 (Nissan Murano). A fully-loaded 2013 Santa Fe Sport 2.0T will run just $35,625 including destination.
Buyers who opt for the 2.4-liter can choose from three option packages on top of the standard Santa Fe. The Popular Equipment Package runs $950 and adds goodies such as fog lights, auto headlights, heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer for front-wheel drive cars (it’s standard on all-wheel drive models), a power driver seat, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Adding to the Popular Equipment Package is the Leather and Premium Equipment Package – for $2950, it adds mirror-mounted turn-signal indicators; proximity key with push button start; leather; a power passenger seat; heated, sliding, and reclining second row seats; dual-zone automatic climate control; a 4.3-inch touchscreen radio display with backup camera; and auto-dimming rearview mirror. Load up the 2013 Santa Fe Sport 2.4-liter by selecting the Technology Package — $2700 and requiring the other two packages – and score niceties like a navigation system with 8-inch touchscreen, Dimension premium audio system, panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel, and rear side window shades.
Those who step up to the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T have fewer choices to make, as the turbo comes standard with everything from the 2.4′s Popular Equipment Package, along with chrome exhaust tips, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a proximity key with push button start. Additionally, buyers can shell out $2450 for the Leather and Premium Equipment Package and/or $2900 for the Technology Package (which again requires the Leather and Premium Equipment Package).
There are nine exterior color options: moonstone silver, frost white pearl, twilight black, Serrano red, mineral gray, Cabo bronze, canyon copper, juniper green, and marlin blue. 2.4 buyers have only two interior choices – gray or beige – while the 2.0T adds the hues of black and saddle (brown).
The 2013 Santa Fe Sport goes on sale later this summer.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Hyundai Motor America Reports Record July Sales
"July was another solid month for Hyundai with surging consumer demand dampened a bit by ongoing shortages of core products like Accent, Elantra, and Sonata. Our 27 day supply of vehicles is lowest of all brands and less than half of industry average inventory levels," said Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president of sales. "This is a challenging situation in this hyper-competitive retail environment, so we are looking forward to August with great anticipation. Relief is definitely on the way with the first shipments of our all-new Santa Fe, built in West Point, Georgia, heading to dealers now and improved availability of recently launched and red hot Veloster Turbo, Elantra GT and Elantra Coupe."
The all-new Azera continued its strong sales pace resulting in an incredible 578 percent gain over last July. The Elantra family and Tucson saw sales gains of 22 percent and 17 percent, respectively, over the same period a year ago. Hyundai fleet sales and mix remained relatively low at 12 percent mix for the month and a 9.7 percent mix year-to-date, among the lowest in the industry.
In keeping with its industry-leading fuel efficiency status, Hyundai achieved a corporate average fuel economy level of 37.1 (EPA estimated 28 MPG window label value) in July, while selling 23,517 vehicles (38 percent of total sales) with EPA estimated 40 MPG window label highway fuel economy ratings.
"With the imminent addition of the third shift at our plant in Alabama increasing Elantra and Sonata production, and the launch of the new Santa Fe in Georgia underway right now, we'll be better able to meet demand for our core products in the coming months," said John Krafcik president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
How inviting is this gorgeous, one-owner 2012 Hyundai Sonata?
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