The R-Spec allows enthusiasts to tune their own car to their desired specifications. R-Spec provides genuine track-readiness and powertrain scalability in an affordable model. The R-Spec adds core Track model performance equipment to the most affordable 2.0T model, such as: Track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance Summer tires, Brembo® braking system, Torsen® limited-slip differential and R-Spec badging.

In a special nod to tuners, R-Spec will also receive a set of front strut camber adjustment bolts (dealer installation – optional for customer to install) to further enhance initial turn-in and handling response. To reduce both cost and weight, the R-Spec eliminates some non-essential convenience equipment such as: Bluetooth®, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. Genesis Coupe R-Spec is priced $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model, leaving tuners with extra cash for their own choice of aftermarket performance upgrades. Appropriately, R-Spec will be available in three exteriors colors most common among international racing teams: Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red. R-Spec comes with manual transmission only.

R-Spec equipment includes:

* 2.0-liter low-pressure turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210 hp, 30 mpg EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph
* 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
* Electronic Stability Control with Traction control, ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist
* 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered-width high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
* Brembo® braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
* Track-tuned suspension (higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front strut brace)

The real benefits come in terms of fuel efficiency. For the manual, the averaged figure over city and country combined driving is 6.7L/100km, with 7.5L/100km for the automatic+. On the open road extra cycle, this can drop to 5.7L/100km (manual) and 6.3L/100km (automatic)+.

Fuel economy has also been maximised with the addition of a new alternator management system, eliminating drag on the engine. The ‘Power Regulation’ is controlled by the engine computer modulating the alternator field coil current under certain operating conditions.

With the 6-speed manual gearbox, the ‘ECO’ coach is a new feature designed to promote fuel-saving driving habits. An icon on the LCD tripmeter screen begins to flash when the optimum gear shift point is reached. Other fuel-saving innovations include the fitment of a rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics.

5 star safety

The Santa Fe comes complete with a full suite of safety features, both active and passive, which have lifted its crash performance to the maximum 5* rating in the ANCAP assessment program. Standard on all models is ESP Stability Control, which includes Hyundai’s Traction Control System (TCS).

Driver and front passenger airbags, dual side front (thorax) airbags and front and rear passenger side curtain airbags (which extend to the third row) are standard across all three grades of the new Santa Fe.

Rollover sensors are a new feature on all models which, should the vehicle be at risk of overturning, trigger the side and curtain airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners.

Other standard safety features include Rear Park Assist, front active head rests and 3 point retractable seat belts for all occupants, including the third row. The Santa Fe also features a driver’s side safety window that retracts if an obstacle is detected.

The all-new ix20 will be available with a choice of four Euro V-compliant engines: two petrols and two diesels. Both engines cover a power spread from 77ps to 125ps. Every engine in the ix20 range (except 1.6 with automatic transmission) will also be available in Blue DriveTM form. Manual and automatic transmissions will also be offered.

The ix20 measures 4.1 meter in length and features an unusually long wheelbase for its class (2.615mm) and a 1.600mm high roofline. These dimensions, as well as developments in the field of interior packaging, ensure that the ix20 offers cabin space typical of many larger C-segment vehicles.

Production of the ix20 is under way at Hyundai’s newest European plant in Nošovice, Czech Republic. No price indication announced yet.

The Koreans have gotten their allocation of the new 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupes and it seems like one customer felt his Genesis Coupe could push the limits a little more than he thought possible. Needless to say that he learned the hard way by crashing into the concrete base of a metal light pole.

As you can see from the images, the 2.0T Genesis Coupe you see here was the only car involved in the accident leading us to believe that the driver lost control and the Brembo brakes of the Genesis weren’t strong enough to slow him down.

What’s more interesting is that the airbags failed to deploy. You can see that the front driver side received the most damage. Wonder what Hyundai has to say about this.

Hyundai Motor America (HMA) earns accolades from IAG Research for the “Most Effective New Nameplate Launch Campaign” for a Hyundai Veracruz ad that compares the exciting SUV with the Lexus RX 350. IAG Research, the TV ad effectiveness and program engagement company, presented the Second Annual IAG Automotive Advertising Awards recently at the 2008 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

The seven-passenger Hyundai Veracruz has raised the bar on what consumers expect in the premium, midsize crossover segment. For 2009, Veracruz adds Hyundai’s USB/iPod auxiliary inputs, making it easier for customers to operate and listen to their iPods through the vehicle’s audio system. Veracruz is available in two trim levels, GLS and Limited. The SE trim level has been deleted for 2009 and simplified into the new GLS Preferred Package, which adds the most popular SE features to create an even-better-appointed GLS. The 2009 Veracruz Limited is available with a monochromatic Black Diamond exterior with black leather interior trim.

Hyundai i20 Exteriors – Hyundai i20 is an elegant and smartly designed premium hatchback. It looks sporty from front fascia. According to auto expects the exterior design of the car is highly competitive, it is getting huge demand in Indian market due to its exterior design. The aerodynamic design helps the car to maintain good grip over air, where air intake is easy. The low slung grill in the front of the car with body colored bumpers is the most appealing part in the car. The wide head lamps along with the neatly carved fog lamps adds aggressive look for the car. The emblem of the Company right at the center of the grill looks awesome. The 165 mm of ground clearance provide good atmosphere even in the bad roads. Overall it is a nice hatchback with good fuel efficiency.

Hyundai Motor Company is a division established in 1967 under the Hyundai group of companies which was started in 1947 by Jung Ju-yung in South Korea. Interestingly, Hyundai started out as a construction company, bearing the name Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company. The word ‘hyundai’ is Korean for ‘modernity’.

Hyundai’s line-up consists of around 20 cars, 12 SUVs and Vans, and 29 commercial vehicles. The cars include models such as the i-Series, Accent, Genesis, and Excel, while the SUVs and Vans are known for names like Entourage, Grace, Santa Fe, and Porter.

Also, the company boasts of the world’s largest integrated manufacturing facility that can alone produce 1.6 million units annually. With worldwide production and sales that reach up to around 3 million vehicles a year, it is no surprise that Hyundai is now the world’s fifth largest automaker, and has earned its place in the Big Asian Four, together with Toyota, Honda and Nissan.

While the traditional cars use metal and glass, QarmaQ is assembled from plastic materials made by GE Plastics. The QarmaQ concept is the result of the cooperation between the 2 companies and brings, as novelty, a vista of the kind that only a view from the chopper gives, because of the great surface of the plasticized windows from the car’s body.
By integrating GE’s polycarbonate glazing wrap-around and the GE Lexan windscreens, the body weight of the cars is reduced by almost 50 %. A unique technology characterizes Lexan screens: Exatec Technology. It’ s a technology through which a thin, protective layer of glass is deposited on the screen, which helps when protecting from scratching or effects of humidity. The material, much lighter than traditional glass used in automotive industry, also increases the impact resistance and both occupant and pedestrian safety. When talking about pedestrian safety, we can also mention the system that uses deformable sections under the concept’s body panels, which is able to absorb crush energy in case a collision with a person may happen.
GE Plastics’ High Performance Thermoplastic Composite (which is used for the horizontal body panels) manages to also save some weight. 900 recycled plastic bottles have been used when manufacturing other body panels.
The new concept is a showcase of 30 new technologies that will be found in the future Hyundai models. The car is the result of the hard work of Hyundai Motor Europe’s Design and Technical Center and it has been engineered in cooperation with GE Plastics. It will be ready to roll in 2008 to 2014.

Hyundai Motor Company is a division established in 1967 under the Hyundai group of companies which was started in 1947 by Jung Ju-yung in South Korea. Interestingly, Hyundai started out as a construction company, bearing the name Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company. The word ‘hyundai’ is Korean for ‘modernity’.

Hyundai’s line-up consists of around 20 cars, 12 SUVs and Vans, and 29 commercial vehicles. The cars include models such as the i-Series, Accent, Genesis, and Excel, while the SUVs and Vans are known for names like Entourage, Grace, Santa Fe, and Porter.

Also, the company boasts of the world’s largest integrated manufacturing facility that can alone produce 1.6 million units annually. With worldwide production and sales that reach up to around 3 million vehicles a year, it is no surprise that Hyundai is now the world’s fifth largest automaker, and has earned its place in the Big Asian Four, together with Toyota, Honda and Nissan.

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