Grayson Hyundai

It's official: Hyundai is currently hard at work developing an automatic transmission with no less than 10 gears.

Hyundai representatives revealed the news to Car and Driver but were tight-lipped when it came to discussing when the gearbox might arrive and which cars it will be used in.

Previous rumors suggested that the amply-ratioed transmission could hit the market in 2014, possibly in the brand's Genesis and Equus luxury sedans. C & D, however, speculated that the autobox could make its way to the Elantra and Accent in order to boost the small cars' already respectable EPA numbers even higher.

Transmissions have been gaining gears at a rapid clip in recent years, and it remains to be seen when automakers will call it quits on what must surely be a game of diminishing returns. If the news from Hyundai is any indication, however, don't expect the proliferation of almost semi-like gearboxes throughout the industry to stop any time soon.

By Nat Shirley on LeftLaneNews.com

Thursday, Jan. 19th, 2012 at 2:15pm

J.D. Power and Associates has released its annual Customer Retention Study, and Hyundai ranks the highest among brands in retaining buyers. Hyundai's retention rate is up four percentage points to 64 percent in 2012, thanks largely to the Elantra and Sonata models. J.D. Power says that much of the manufacturer's retention rate can be traced to its growing vehicle offerings and positively changing perceptions about Hyundai quality and market appeal.

Ford and Honda tied for second place with a rate of 60 percent. The report notes that Jeep enjoyed the largest improvement over the previous year with a jump of 17 percentage points to 51 percent in 2012.

The study also evaluated which buyers were more likely to return to an automaker for their next purchase, and the data revealed women and younger buyers had a higher brand retention rate than older consumers and males. Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Mercedes-Benz were all found to be particularly adept at keeping their female customers, while Ford, Kia, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz did a better job of holding onto buyers from Gen X and Y. Hit the jump for the full results of the 2012 Customer Retention Study.

As seen on autoblog.com by Zach Bowman

And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for... the Car of the Year awards to rule all Car of the Year awards... the definitive selection of the very best the industry has to offer has been decided. Well, we don't know about all that, but the votes have been tabulated and the assembled jurists (including our own Chris Paukert) have selected the 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year.

The finalists were whittled down from a list of 30 candidates to include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Passat (on the car side of the equation) and the BMW X3, Honda CR-V and Range Rover Evoque (on the truck side, despite them all being car-based crossovers). And after (what we hope was) careful consideration, the panelists have selected the Elantra and the Evoque as the overall winners.

The awards will undoubtedly sit proudly atop the mantles at both Hyundai and Jaguar/Land Rover's headquarters, but will surely be received with particular jubilation by Land Rover, which has won the award for the first time in this, its largest market.

As seen on autoblog.com by Noah Joseph

Another embargo has fallen by the wayside, at least partially. We have a lot to tell you about the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, but much of it has to wait until the car is revealed tomorrow afternoon at the Detroit Auto Show.

What we can show and tell you, what's already out and about on the Internet, are these three images and the basic specs below.

Note that the standard Veloster's 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine produces only 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque. The extra 63 horsepower afforded by the addition of a turbocharger, among other mechanical upgrades we'll talk about later, makes the Veloster instantly competitive with other sport compacts like the Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper S.

Make sure to come back tomorrow afternoon when we call tell you all we know about the 2012 Veloster Turbo, as well as share live images from its debut at the Detroit Auto Show.

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

• 201 horsepower / 196 pound-feet of torque
• Six-speed manual or dual clutch transmission
• 2,800 pounds (up from 2,584 pounds)
• 27 City / 38 Hwy

As seen on autoblog.com by John Neff

What is it?

Hyundai claims its new Veloster is an example of "the coupé, redefined." Seeing that most others are trying to convince the buying public that four-door, swoopy designs are the equivalent of a four-door coupe, we ask "why not?"

As it is, the Veloster is a four-seat, three doors-and-a-hatch coupé that appears to be just the ticket for first-time buyers, college students, retirees, and just those who are looking for a little fun in a stylish, if a bit quirky, ride.

In spirit, Veloster kind of replaces Hyundai's departed Tiburon, a less-than-loved sporty-looking coupe. With only a 1.6-liter engine, it slots in well below the dynamically impressive but hardly big-selling Genesis Coupe.

What's it up against?

The Ford Fiesta, Mini Cooper, Honda Fit, Fiat 500c, Scion tC and perhaps the Volkswagen Beetle, are all players in the field that can potentially give the Veloster fits.

Essentially it comes down to your taste in style, size, and the thickness of your wallet, since no car in this segment really cuts the same shadow.
Any breakthroughs?

Did we mention that passenger-side rear door? Oh right, we did. That design move alone puts the Veloster in a rare place, especially for a Korean automaker: That of an innovator. We think it was a conscious effort to keep things safe for rear seat passengers by making the door available only on the passenger side. Sure, a passenger can still enter through the left side by flipping the driver seat forward.

Hyundai even claims that at 40 mpg, the Veloster achieves better highway mileage than Honda's CR-Z hybrid. A standard Blue Link Telematics system is included for other standard, and optionally available features. Every vehicle whether equipped with navi or not, gets a standard multi-function LG-brand seven-inch touch-screen monitor for control of the in-car entertainment as well as videogame console connectivity.
How does it look?

The new Veloster appears as though it's the love child of the Genesis Coupe and Aston Martin's new One-77 supercar. Featuring the same front fascia-mounted intakes (although not functional here) the Veloster appears to really be trying to flatter the Aston Martin. The look mostly works. From the side, and with its blacked-out A-pillars it manages to channel its inner Bell Helmet.

As we mentioned earlier, the Veloster has two distinct sides. The reality is the eye sees only what it wants to see. Meaning that we did not notice this until we actually walked around the vehicle. Two shorter doors on the right side, occupy the space that is taken up by a single door on the left. Clever use of the C-pillar helps to keep an otherwise awkward appearance for the rear door handle hidden from most casual observer's views.
We think the blacked-out roof enhances the vehicle's overall appearance as it leads into the two-piece glass hatch. A blacked-out rear lower valance provides an opening for the center-mounted exhaust pipes, as well as a clean view of the car as it drives away. Scalloped portions of the rear fenders and hatch help to add visual interest to a car that, when painted in the copper orange metallic that ours was, is hard to take your eyes off of.
The design is further proof that Hyundai is finally refining its own design language.

And on the inside?

Hyundai claims that in addition to the motorcycle helmet look of the car in profile, that two-wheel conveyance managed to inspire their interior designers as well. To their eyes, the center stack appears like a fuel tank of, perhaps a Suzuki Hayabusa. To ours, the look is more "Transformers." Either way, it's still a fun look that we enjoyed while cruising around in this metallic pumpkin.

A simple, two-gauge binnacle occupies the driver's attention, while redundant controls on the wheel including audio, Bluetooth, trip and cruise control are all easily located underhand. We appreciated the thoughtful design of two power ports at the base of the center stack that flank the AUX and iPod-in jacks. People that we called on our Bluetooth-equipped phone seemed to complain about excessive background noise while in the middle of the conversation. We think this is possibly due to the microphone placement in the headliner, which is mounted directly below the smoked roof panel. That said, Veloster is not notable for its ambient noise supression.

A large central controller operates the climate control system and is easy enough to locate without removing your eyes from the road. Cubby holes are located throughout the cabin along with cupholders and bottle pockets in the doors.

The technical fabric-covered seats offered good support over the long haul. Care must be exercised getting into and out of the rear seat as well as accessing the cargo area through the rear hatch. So important is this, that Hyundai has applied stickers warning about possible head injury in languages including English, Korean, and Arabic.

But does it go?

At the Veloster's launch a while back, we heard grumblings about its 1.6-liter in-line four-cylinder engine. At 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque, it's not quite ready for any land speed record attempts at this moment. A gas direct injection mill, it is used in other vehicles built by parent company Hyundai in both its Hyundai and Kia brands. Equipped with a six-speed EcoShift dual clutch automatic transmission, we too, felt that it lacked the oomph that the exterior looks conveyed.

Jumping forward a few months, our metallic orange Vitamin C-colored example is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, one of the better row-it-yourself units we've seen from Hyundai. Like the old chestnut that states it is more fun to drive a slow car fast rather than a fast car slow, the Veloster proved its mettle at nearly every turn. The manual transmission provided a very engaging experience that was missing when we tried the dual clutch automatic at the car's launch. We especially liked the added kick from the dual continuously variable valve timing (D-CCVT in Hyundai-speak), which occurred at the higher portions of the rev-band, and seemed to ignite the afterburners on this little 1.6-liter engine.

The suspension set up on the Veloster is hardly revolutionary, instead relying on the tried and true MacPherson strut front suspension with coil overs, gas shocks and the 24 mm stabilizer bar in front. The rear is a simple torsion set-up with monotube shocks and a 23 mm stabilizer bar. Electric power assisted steering points the Veloster in the direction you want it to go. Ours was equipped with 17-inch alloys shod with Nexen M+S tires. It seemed to thrive playing on-ramp roulette where the front driver wanted to pull us around as fast as we felt comfortable enough to guide it. A little soft on turns, it still managed to exude confident road manners.

Equipped with the manual transmission, the Veloster has a curb weight of 2584 lbs.. The EPA says that's good for 28/40 mpg We saw a combined average about of 32.3 miles per gallon.

Why you would buy it:

Good looks with vehicular innovations equal a fun-to-drive ride, week in and week out.
Why you wouldn't:

You are holding out for a turbo in late 2012.

Leftlane's bottom line

With looks that may not agree with everybody's tastes and the added utility of a three-door hatchback, Hyundai continues in its quest for world domination.

Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com recently reported that Hyundai - for the second quarter in a row - topped all other auto makes in the U.S. for brand loyalty. The rating is based on information from "owners of the brand who are currently shopping the same brand for their next vehicle," according to the team from Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence.

"Hyundai's loyalty has been relatively high over the past couple of years because owners have been impressed with the level of quality received for the price paid," said Arthur Henry, market intelligence manager for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "However, Hyundai loyalty is now stronger than any other brand because of the impressive and well-received styling of their recently launched and redesigned models."

These include the all-new Hyundai Veloster, a stylish three-door coupe that offers a lot to like in a nimble, fun-to-drive package. With an MSRP of $17,300, the Veloster includes standard features like a punchy 138-hp, 1.6-liter I4 engine as well as a seven-inch touchscreen-style audio setup, Bluetooth functionality with voice recognition, Hyundai's Blue Link suite of telematics services, Vehicle Stability Management and Electronic Stability Control, and superior fuel efficiency.

"Hyundai owners truly love their cars, so it's no surprise that their support has pushed us to the top of kbb.com's brand loyalty rankings," said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "From all-new models like the 40 mile-per-gallon 2012 Veloster, to popular models such as Sonata, Elantra and Accent, we continually offer our customers more reasons to remain loyal to our vehicles and our brand."

As seen on hyundaiinthenews.com

COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 22, 2011- The all-new 2012 Hyundai Veloster three-door coupe earned an Auto Style Award from eCityofStyle as part of its12^th annual awards program. eCityofStyle.com, the ultimate online source for an insider's look into the world of style, picked the five most stylish autos for the current model year. With more than 300 new cars for 2012, the finalists were selected after judges assessed exterior and interior style, fun-to-drive factor, exclusivity, and the all-important head-turning quotient.

"Gone are the days of Hyundai's budget car status. Today, the Korean automaker is a legitimate threat to the establishment, designing cars that look considerably more expensive than they really are," said eCityofStyle editors. "The Veloster is perhaps Hyundai's most successful execution of its new design language, called Fluidic Sculpture. From the tight front end to the sculpted side creases to the powerful wheel arches, the Veloster's exterior is both aggressive and sleek."

Following the 2011 Equus' style award win last year, Hyundai is grabbing consumer attention and media headlines again with Veloster. Veloster and the other winners were selected by fashion editors, stylists, fashion photographers and designers; all experts that live outside of the automotive world.

"With Veloster, we want to show consumers that high style and reasonable pricing can go hand in hand," said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Veloster stands out from the crowd with a stylish yet functional design. We're honored that eCityofStyle is recognizing the beautiful design and unique personality of the car."

Veloster's cutting edge integration of the third-door combined with a breakthrough design inspired by a high-performance sport bike allows Veloster to stand-out from its competition and makes a bold statement about Hyundai's commitment to innovative design. Distinctive black A-pillars give the glass a motorcycle helmet visor appearance and in the front is an aggressive form of Hyundai's signature hexagonal front grille and unique Hyundai-signature LED position lights. Veloster's dynamic rear design has a distinctive glass hatch, dual centered chrome exhaust tips and black lower fascia that complement the assertive front fascia. Inside, the center stack and controls resemble a sport bike fuel tank and the air vents are inspired by motorcycle tailpipes, while the floor console mirrors the seat of a bike.

Joining the Veloster as Auto Style Award winners are the BMW 6 Series, Fiat 500, Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG and Range Rover Evoque. For more information about the 2012 Auto Style Awards visit: http://www.ecityofstyle.com/i91/asa/

1. Better Driving Habits

Stay within the speed limits. Driving at reduced highway speed requires less fuel to get you where you are going. On long level highway drives, cruise control maintains fuel consumption better than drivers can on their own.

Fast starts, aggressive passing and abrupt braking all contribute to higher fuel consumption. There's no need to race up to the speed limit when the signal turns green. Easing down on your accelerator pedal rewards you will less fuel consumption. Additionally, when your car is coasting, almost no fuel is being used. Rather than racing to the next stop light, let your foot off the gas pedal sooner and coast a longer distance toward your stop.

Use overdrive gears (if equipped.) Overdrive reduces your engine speed and uses less fuel than running at higher RPMs.

On warm days, park in a shaded area to minimize the need for air conditioner use. Air Conditioners place additional loan on engines requiring more fuel.

2. Plan Your Trips

If possible, adjust your work hours so you commute during off peak hours, and avoid stop and go traffic. (Ridesharing saves money and resources for commuters, too!)

Cold engines can be less efficient. Combine two short errands in one longer trip rather than taking separate trips to accomplish your to do list. Route your trips using navigation aids when possible to determine the shortest overall route to several destinations.

3. Maintain Your Vehicle

Clear out the junk! Extra weight from unnecessary cargo in the vehicles forces the engine to work harder and use more gas. Carry only what you need for each trip in your vehicle.

Use the oil grade recommended in your Owner's Manual. Improper oil weight can also cause the engine to work harder.

Address a Check Engine light immediately. It may reflect a condition which wastes fuel. Keep your engine tuned and in top working order.

4. Tire Pressure Matters

The U.S. Government suggests that you can save up to 3.3 percent on fuel by keeping your tires properly inflated (according to www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml). Air molecules slowly seep out of tires over time so check your pressures on all four tires regularly. Keep tires inflated to their recommended levels listed on the label located on the driver's side door frame.

5. Use Feedback Systems (if equipped)

If your vehicle is equipped with a trip computer, use its average fuel consumption calculations in shorter segments. We tend to track our average consumption for each tank of gas. By resetting the computer at the beginning of each short trip, its feedback can help us learn the driving styles that provide the best results for various driving conditions and routes.

Two major automakers competing in very different segments have partnered to help develop the next-generation of vehicle networking and connectivity technology. Those two automakers are BMW and Hyundai, which have joined global tech firms Broadcom, NXP, Freescale, and Harman to establish the Special Interest Group (SIG).

The goal of SIG is to drive wide scale adoption of Ethernet-based connectivity as the automotive standard, develop industry criteria and to develop and support network migration applications. The alliance will also address industry requirements for improving in-vehicle safety, comfort, and infotainment, while hopefully  reducing network complexity and cabling costs.

Key to the newly established SIG is the proliferation of Broadcom's 'BroadR-Reach' technology as an open standard. This technology essentially enables high-performance bandwidth of 100 Mbps over an unshielded single twisted pair cable, eliminating the need for expensive, cumbersome shielded cabling.

For automakers, the technology should lead to improved telematics and safety features in cars along with lighter and less complex components. One of the key applications driving high-bandwidth requirements in cars is camera-based security like Nissan's Around View monitor. Other high-bandwidth applications that Ethernet could support include networked infotainment.

Note, BMW cars supporting Ethernet capability have been on the market since 2008.

As seen on motorauthority.com

The 2006 Azera was the first shot that Hyundai took at going upmarket, a big, soft, front-wheel-drive sedan packed with content and offered at a bargain price compared to the Toyota Avalon and Buick LaCrosse. But today, this Korean import seems more like it comes from the Island of Misfit Toys. Azera has quietly persisted while Hyundai has launched several well-received models, from the Genesis to the 2011 Sonata to the brand-new Veloster. Now comes the Azera's 15 minutes of fame, in the form of a complete overhaul for 2012 designed to make the Azera more of a premium offering.

The new Azera adopts Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design language that we've loved on the Sonata, but in this application something went amiss. Everything looks good up front, as the Azera's Fluidic front fascia looks similarly aggressive. But follow the attractive chrome trim strip back from the headlights and something goes bump in the night. The Azera's rear quarter panel retains a bulging character line similar to the old model, except that in the new sheet metal the flanks are even more pronounced - and Buick-like. Things get better out back, as the new Azera has an elegant decklid and rear taillights that wouldn't look out of place on any luxury car.

Underhood, the second-generation Azera gets a new 3.3-liter V6 with direct injection. This "Lambda II" powerplant is good for 293 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, while providing an estimated 20 miles per gallon in the city and 29 on the highway. Hyundai has also fitted the new Azera with its Active Eco mode, which should be good for a five-percent boost in fuel economy, according to the automaker. Like the old Azera, power is fed to the front wheels through a six-speed transaxle.

Standard Azera equipment includes some formerly optional content, like a navigation system with rearview camera, and Hyundai is also equipping Azeras with its Blue Link telematics system. Leather interior with heated front and rear seats, 18-inch alloys, and Vehicle Stability Management are all included, as well.

The 2012 Azera goes on sale in February, and while we will admit to being more excited about some of Hyundai's other launches next year (that's you, Elantra coupe) we're certainly not going to complain when we get our opportunity to chew up some comfortable highway miles, Azera style.