2012 Hyundai Genesis Prada Limited Edition Goes on Sale in Asia

Hyundai has introduced the production version of its Genesis Prada in Korea, two years after a special edition was unveiled at the Seoul Motor Show. The limited edition variant is based on the 2012 Genesis sedan, equipped with a 430 PS Tau 5.0 GDi engine.

The company says the the joint project is the result of both companies’ approach to create a highly unique version of the Genesis model, addressed to the most sophisticated clientele.

The edition comes in three special colours, these being Black Nero, Blue Baltico and Brown Moro, and these are applied with a three-layer coat technology with stereoscopic gold pearl.

Dark chrome accents, in a nod to the unique palladium-coated buckles on Prada’s bags, are to be found, with the radiator grille, emblem and door handles wearing the material. The innovations introduced by Prada include also 19-inch alloy wheels and an outer, wedge shaped antenna.

Inside, there’s definitely no shortage of leather – the dashboard and the upholstery in the Genesis Prada get the artisan-crafted treatment in the form of “saffiano” leather, which is Prada’s signature top quality leather. Genesis Prada badging and a GP500 emblem round off things with this one.

Hyundai says the car will be produced by customised personal orders, and that it will work together with Prada to carry out exclusive VIP marketing activities on the vehicle, of which there will only be 1,200 units available for the Korean market. There are plans to offer the car to a limited number of Middle Eastern and Asian countries, including China, at a later point.



[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai Unveils Europe-Only i40 Saloon in Barcelona

Hyundai officially pulled the covers off the latest version of the D-segment i40 at the 2011 Barcelona Motor Show this week.

Full article and more images after the jump!

The debut of the i40 saloon follows the global reveal of the i40 tourer at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, "The i40 saloon shares the same qualities found in the tourer.

"We have ambitious but achievable targets for the i40 range, expecting to sell 60,000 units in a full year and building on the momentum Hyundai has gained in Europe in recent years.

"The launch of i40 will help us reach 3% market share by the end of 2011," Allan Rushforth concluded.

The all-new i40 will be available with a choice of four Euro V-compliant engines: two petrol and two diesel.

These units cover a power spread of 115 ps to 177 ps, with torque delivery extended across a wide engine-speed range.

Manual and automatic transmissions will also be offered.

In a segment where diesel models represent over 75% of total sales in Europe, Hyundai is anticipating that the 1.7-litre diesel unit developing 136 ps will be the most popular engine among both private and fleet buyers.

Overall, Hyundai is expecting a 65/35% spread between diesel and petrol-powered i40 sales.

Hyundai Unveils Europe-Only i40 Saloon in Barcelona

Hyundai officially pulled the covers off the latest version of the D-segment i40 at the 2011 Barcelona Motor Show this week.

Full article and more images after the jump!

The debut of the i40 saloon follows the global reveal of the i40 tourer at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, "The i40 saloon shares the same qualities found in the tourer.

"We have ambitious but achievable targets for the i40 range, expecting to sell 60,000 units in a full year and building on the momentum Hyundai has gained in Europe in recent years.

"The launch of i40 will help us reach 3% market share by the end of 2011," Allan Rushforth concluded.

The all-new i40 will be available with a choice of four Euro V-compliant engines: two petrol and two diesel.

These units cover a power spread of 115 ps to 177 ps, with torque delivery extended across a wide engine-speed range.

Manual and automatic transmissions will also be offered.

In a segment where diesel models represent over 75% of total sales in Europe, Hyundai is anticipating that the 1.7-litre diesel unit developing 136 ps will be the most popular engine among both private and fleet buyers.

Overall, Hyundai is expecting a 65/35% spread between diesel and petrol-powered i40 sales.

Hyundai Unveils Europe-Only i40 Saloon in Barcelona

Hyundai officially pulled the covers off the latest version of the D-segment i40 at the 2011 Barcelona Motor Show this week.

Full article and more images after the jump!

The debut of the i40 saloon follows the global reveal of the i40 tourer at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, "The i40 saloon shares the same qualities found in the tourer.

"We have ambitious but achievable targets for the i40 range, expecting to sell 60,000 units in a full year and building on the momentum Hyundai has gained in Europe in recent years.

"The launch of i40 will help us reach 3% market share by the end of 2011," Allan Rushforth concluded.

The all-new i40 will be available with a choice of four Euro V-compliant engines: two petrol and two diesel.

These units cover a power spread of 115 ps to 177 ps, with torque delivery extended across a wide engine-speed range.

Manual and automatic transmissions will also be offered.

In a segment where diesel models represent over 75% of total sales in Europe, Hyundai is anticipating that the 1.7-litre diesel unit developing 136 ps will be the most popular engine among both private and fleet buyers.

Overall, Hyundai is expecting a 65/35% spread between diesel and petrol-powered i40 sales.

Hyundai Launches Veloster in S. Korea

As part of the company’s new brand, called ‘Premium Youth Lab,’ which targets the younger generation by offering "premium emotional values", Hyundai has launched the new Veloster in South Korea today.

The company has announced that it will limit production and sales of the Veloster in the Korean market to 18,000 units annually in order to optimize its premium value. Prices will start at KRW19.4 million ($17,200) and go up to KRW20.95 million ($18,640). Hyundai plans to start sales of the Veloster in the European market in the first half of this year, followed by the US and other general markets in the second half.

Hyundai introduced its cutting-edge Hyundai Veloster three-door coupe in a world debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. It delivers innovation to the compact coupe segment with a unique three-door configuration for easy rear-seat access, Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system, Pandora Internet radio with seven-inch touch-screen display, and a new 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine mated to Hyundai's first dual-clutch transmission.

The all-new Gamma 1.6-liter four-pot is the smallest Hyundai engine to use Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI). "Gasoline-direct-injection technology allowed Hyundai engineers to create an engine that is powerful, fuel-efficient, and has fewer emissions," said Hyundai American Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) powertrain director, John Juriga. "Despite its small size, it generates some big numbers, with both impressive horsepower output and up to 40 mpg on the highway."

Peak output is rated at 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm, while maximum torque is 123 lb-ft at 4,850 rpm. The engine also features Continuously Variable Valve Timing, an electronic throttle control, a roller timing chain, variable induction and innovative anti-friction coatings such as CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating.

[Source: Hyundai Motor Company]

Hyundai Launches Veloster in S. Korea

As part of the company’s new brand, called ‘Premium Youth Lab,’ which targets the younger generation by offering "premium emotional values", Hyundai has launched the new Veloster in South Korea today.

The company has announced that it will limit production and sales of the Veloster in the Korean market to 18,000 units annually in order to optimize its premium value. Prices will start at KRW19.4 million ($17,200) and go up to KRW20.95 million ($18,640). Hyundai plans to start sales of the Veloster in the European market in the first half of this year, followed by the US and other general markets in the second half.

Hyundai introduced its cutting-edge Hyundai Veloster three-door coupe in a world debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. It delivers innovation to the compact coupe segment with a unique three-door configuration for easy rear-seat access, Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system, Pandora Internet radio with seven-inch touch-screen display, and a new 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine mated to Hyundai's first dual-clutch transmission.

The all-new Gamma 1.6-liter four-pot is the smallest Hyundai engine to use Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI). "Gasoline-direct-injection technology allowed Hyundai engineers to create an engine that is powerful, fuel-efficient, and has fewer emissions," said Hyundai American Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) powertrain director, John Juriga. "Despite its small size, it generates some big numbers, with both impressive horsepower output and up to 40 mpg on the highway."

Peak output is rated at 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm, while maximum torque is 123 lb-ft at 4,850 rpm. The engine also features Continuously Variable Valve Timing, an electronic throttle control, a roller timing chain, variable induction and innovative anti-friction coatings such as CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating.

[Source: Hyundai Motor Company]

Hyundai Launches Veloster in S. Korea

As part of the company’s new brand, called ‘Premium Youth Lab,’ which targets the younger generation by offering "premium emotional values", Hyundai has launched the new Veloster in South Korea today.

The company has announced that it will limit production and sales of the Veloster in the Korean market to 18,000 units annually in order to optimize its premium value. Prices will start at KRW19.4 million ($17,200) and go up to KRW20.95 million ($18,640). Hyundai plans to start sales of the Veloster in the European market in the first half of this year, followed by the US and other general markets in the second half.

Hyundai introduced its cutting-edge Hyundai Veloster three-door coupe in a world debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. It delivers innovation to the compact coupe segment with a unique three-door configuration for easy rear-seat access, Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system, Pandora Internet radio with seven-inch touch-screen display, and a new 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine mated to Hyundai's first dual-clutch transmission.

The all-new Gamma 1.6-liter four-pot is the smallest Hyundai engine to use Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI). "Gasoline-direct-injection technology allowed Hyundai engineers to create an engine that is powerful, fuel-efficient, and has fewer emissions," said Hyundai American Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) powertrain director, John Juriga. "Despite its small size, it generates some big numbers, with both impressive horsepower output and up to 40 mpg on the highway."

Peak output is rated at 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm, while maximum torque is 123 lb-ft at 4,850 rpm. The engine also features Continuously Variable Valve Timing, an electronic throttle control, a roller timing chain, variable induction and innovative anti-friction coatings such as CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating.

[Source: Hyundai Motor Company]

Hyundai Adds New GDI Engines to 2012 Equus in Korea

Hyundai launched the more powerful 2012 Equus for the company's home market of South Korea today. For 2012, the Equus is powered by either an all-new 3.8-liter V6 GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine that produces 334 horsepower or the new 429 horsepower 5.0-liter Tau V8 GDI powertrain. Both engines, also found in the recently unveiled 2012 Genesis, are mated to Hyundai's new in-house developed 8-speed automatic transmission.

The new 3.8-liter V6 engine achieves a claimed 9.7 km/L of fuel economy, which is approximately 22.8 US MPG. The 5.0-liter V8 does 8.8 km/L or around 20.7 US MPG. The 2012 Equus for the Korean market also adds new amenities both inside and out such as full LED headlamps, intelligent accelerator pedal (for crash avoidance) and new wheel designs.

Expect to see the new powertrains to be available in the 2012 Equus for the North American market as well when it arrives in showrooms later this year.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai Adds New GDI Engines to 2012 Equus in Korea

Hyundai launched the more powerful 2012 Equus for the company's home market of South Korea today. For 2012, the Equus is powered by either an all-new 3.8-liter V6 GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine that produces 334 horsepower or the new 429 horsepower 5.0-liter Tau V8 GDI powertrain. Both engines, also found in the recently unveiled 2012 Genesis, are mated to Hyundai's new in-house developed 8-speed automatic transmission.

The new 3.8-liter V6 engine achieves a claimed 9.7 km/L of fuel economy, which is approximately 22.8 US MPG. The 5.0-liter V8 does 8.8 km/L or around 20.7 US MPG. The 2012 Equus for the Korean market also adds new amenities both inside and out such as full LED headlamps, intelligent accelerator pedal (for crash avoidance) and new wheel designs.

Expect to see the new powertrains to be available in the 2012 Equus for the North American market as well when it arrives in showrooms later this year.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai Adds New GDI Engines to 2012 Equus in Korea

Hyundai launched the more powerful 2012 Equus for the company's home market of South Korea today. For 2012, the Equus is powered by either an all-new 3.8-liter V6 GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine that produces 334 horsepower or the new 429 horsepower 5.0-liter Tau V8 GDI powertrain. Both engines, also found in the recently unveiled 2012 Genesis, are mated to Hyundai's new in-house developed 8-speed automatic transmission.

The new 3.8-liter V6 engine achieves a claimed 9.7 km/L of fuel economy, which is approximately 22.8 US MPG. The 5.0-liter V8 does 8.8 km/L or around 20.7 US MPG. The 2012 Equus for the Korean market also adds new amenities both inside and out such as full LED headlamps, intelligent accelerator pedal (for crash avoidance) and new wheel designs.

Expect to see the new powertrains to be available in the 2012 Equus for the North American market as well when it arrives in showrooms later this year.

[Source: Hyundai]

2011 Kia Sportage SX with GDI Turbo Makes U.S. Debut, Pricing Announced

Kia Motors America announced the launch of the 2011 Sportage SX today. The SX models come with a more powerful four-cylinder turbo engine with direct injection, as well as exterior and interior styling enhancements. The Sportage SX arrives in showrooms later this month with a base price of $25,795 for the front-wheel drive (FWD) model and $27,295 for the all-wheel drive (AWD) model, both excluding a $695 destination charge.

This is Kia’s second vehicle in the U.S to feature the Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine, following the 2011 Optima Turbo. The unit produces 256 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of peak torque, while delivering an estimated 22 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway.

On the outside, SX models receive unique 18" alloy wheels, a signature SX grille, dual exhaust, and special side sill moldings. Exterior updates are complemented by SX-specific interior enhancements, including standard aluminum door sills and a sleek new supervision gauge cluster.

In addition, the Sportage SX employs sport-tuned suspension featuring firmer shock and strut rates for improved handling and dynamic performance over non-SX models.

Available exclusively on the Sportage SX are the Orange and Blue interior color packages. The Orange Color Package includes orange stitching on the steering wheel, center console, and seats coupled with orange accents on the door panels and air vents. A unique blue patterned cloth seat and blue interior accents are included as part of the Blue Color Package.

Sportage LX and EX trims come standard with a 176 horsepower 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT).



[Source: Kia Motors America]

2011 Kia Sportage SX with GDI Turbo Makes U.S. Debut, Pricing Announced

Kia Motors America announced the launch of the 2011 Sportage SX today. The SX models come with a more powerful four-cylinder turbo engine with direct injection, as well as exterior and interior styling enhancements. The Sportage SX arrives in showrooms later this month with a base price of $25,795 for the front-wheel drive (FWD) model and $27,295 for the all-wheel drive (AWD) model, both excluding a $695 destination charge.

This is Kia’s second vehicle in the U.S to feature the Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine, following the 2011 Optima Turbo. The unit produces 256 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of peak torque, while delivering an estimated 22 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway.

On the outside, SX models receive unique 18" alloy wheels, a signature SX grille, dual exhaust, and special side sill moldings. Exterior updates are complemented by SX-specific interior enhancements, including standard aluminum door sills and a sleek new supervision gauge cluster.

In addition, the Sportage SX employs sport-tuned suspension featuring firmer shock and strut rates for improved handling and dynamic performance over non-SX models.

Available exclusively on the Sportage SX are the Orange and Blue interior color packages. The Orange Color Package includes orange stitching on the steering wheel, center console, and seats coupled with orange accents on the door panels and air vents. A unique blue patterned cloth seat and blue interior accents are included as part of the Blue Color Package.

Sportage LX and EX trims come standard with a 176 horsepower 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT).



[Source: Kia Motors America]

2011 Kia Sportage SX with GDI Turbo Makes U.S. Debut, Pricing Announced

Kia Motors America announced the launch of the 2011 Sportage SX today. The SX models come with a more powerful four-cylinder turbo engine with direct injection, as well as exterior and interior styling enhancements. The Sportage SX arrives in showrooms later this month with a base price of $25,795 for the front-wheel drive (FWD) model and $27,295 for the all-wheel drive (AWD) model, both excluding a $695 destination charge.

This is Kia’s second vehicle in the U.S to feature the Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine, following the 2011 Optima Turbo. The unit produces 256 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of peak torque, while delivering an estimated 22 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway.

On the outside, SX models receive unique 18" alloy wheels, a signature SX grille, dual exhaust, and special side sill moldings. Exterior updates are complemented by SX-specific interior enhancements, including standard aluminum door sills and a sleek new supervision gauge cluster.

In addition, the Sportage SX employs sport-tuned suspension featuring firmer shock and strut rates for improved handling and dynamic performance over non-SX models.

Available exclusively on the Sportage SX are the Orange and Blue interior color packages. The Orange Color Package includes orange stitching on the steering wheel, center console, and seats coupled with orange accents on the door panels and air vents. A unique blue patterned cloth seat and blue interior accents are included as part of the Blue Color Package.

Sportage LX and EX trims come standard with a 176 horsepower 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT).



[Source: Kia Motors America]

Geneva 2011: 2012 Kia Rio EcoDynamics will be UK's Lowest Emission Car

It's a grim day for all hybrid-electric cars out there as Kia has proven with the all-new 2012 Kia Rio that sipping fuel no longer requires swallowing a hefty "hybrid" premium price tag beforehand.

Full article and more images after the jump!

That is the case for the Rio "EcoDynamics" ,powered by an all-new 1.1-liter three-cylinder CRDi diesel engine that, according to Kia, will make it the greenest car on the road and will achieve an impressive 88 miles per gallon (73 U.S. MPG). The tiny engine produces 69 bhp, but who cares about horsepower here? The magic number, as inscribed on the showcar in the pictures, is 85. Precisely, 85g/km of CO2 emission output, thereby "out-cleaning" the Smart fortwo (86g/km of CO2), the current title-holder of the cleanest car in the U.K., and certainly all hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius (89g/km of CO2).

The 3-cylinder diesel Rio EcoDynamics achieves its amazing emissions figures with the help of Kia’s ISG stop start system. The car will also be available with 1.4- and 2-litre petrol engines as well as a 1.4-litre diesel.

We'll have more information on the 2012 Kia Rio later in the day. We just thought you might be as impressed as we were with the Rio EcoDynamics when we read the specs of this beauty.




[Source: Kia]

Geneva 2011: Hyundai i40 Unveiled, No Plans for U.S. Release

Hyundai officially pulled the wraps off the all-new i40 at the Geneva Motor Show today. The i40 is the company’s first D-segment vehicle to be developed specifically for the European market. At the Swiss venue Hyundai brought the estate variant, with a saloon to follow later this year.

Full article and more images after the jump!

Taking styling cues from Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language, it maintains signature features such as the hexagonal grille. Interior highlights include heated and reclining front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and an active de-mist system that automatically detects and clears mist on the windscreen.

Designed and engineered at Hyundai’s R&D headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany, in terms of performance the i40 comes fitted with a 1.7-liter diesel engine, codenamed ‘UII’, which will emit from just 113 g/km of CO2. The i40 will also be available with a 2.0-liter "Nu" 4-cylinder petrol engine.

Now, here's the bad news folks. According to a Hyundai exec who spoke with Inside Line at the show, there are "no plans for a Sonata wagon in the U.S." We're no less pleased with this report as we think the i40 is arguably one of the best interpretations of the station wagon we've seen in a while. Meanwhile, our European friends will get their first crack at the Hyundai i40 estate during the second-half of this year.



[Image Source: CarAdvice.com.au]

While we didn't have the privileges to be in Geneva for the i40 unveiling, many other websites certainly did and have generously taken many high-res images of the car for your enjoyment. Check them out in the links below!

Hyundai i40 rolls into Geneva: WorldCarFans

Hyundai i40 Live Photos: autoevolution

More Images of the 2012 Kia Rio Surface, First Interior Shot! [UPDATED]

UPDATE: New images added after the jump.

We're mere hours away from the opening of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and the anticipation for some of the scheduled debuts there is growing by the minute. Kia hopes to make a big splash at the annual show with the world debut of the all-new 2012 Kia Rio hatchback, as well as the European premiere of the new Kia Picanto.

Check out Kia's countdown page with live video streaming of the company's scheduled press conference at Geneva later today HERE.

Until then, enjoy the latest images of the new Rio, straight from the folks at Kia, after the jump! Have a say about the first interior shots at the comments section!

Click here for our original post on the 2012 Kia Rio

More images after the jump!

First Photos of the Hyundai Veloster for Europe Hits the Web!

With the Geneva Motor Show just around the corner, Hyundai gave several journalists an early glimpse of what it has in store for the upcoming show.

Alongside the Europe-only i40 CW (they get all the good ones eh?), the all new Veloster tailored for the European market also made its premature debut at this event. From these pictures alone, we can discern several minor tweaks made for the European version including a different (and better looking if we must say) set of alloy wheels and a brighter shade of orange paint compared to that of the North American version.

In Europe, the Veloster will arrive in showrooms this spring with the same 138 horsepower 1.6-liter GDI engine found in the North American version and a choice between a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission with dual clutch. A diesel version may be in the pipeline, but has not been confirmed yet by Hyundai.

Stay tuned for more information to come during the Veloster's official presentation next week.