Hyundai Motorsports Will Debut New Generation i20 at Rallye Monte-Carlo

Hyundai Motorsport will debut its New Generation i20 WRC for the first time in competitive rally conditions at the 2016 season-opening Rallye Monte-Carlo, which takes place next week from Jan. 22 to 25.

The debut event in this season’s FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) will see Hyundai Motorsport field three cars – for the first time in Monte-Carlo – as the team looks to build on a successful 2015 campaign, in which it challenged for second place in the Manufacturers’ Championship.
For the first rally of 2016, the team will field two New Generation i20 WRCs, which will be driven by the Belgian pairing of Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul and the Spanish duo of Dani Sordo/Marc Martí, rallying under the Hyundai Shell World Rally Team name.
Hayden Paddon/John Kennard will drive a 2015-specification i20 WRC for the Hyundai Mobis World Rally Team as they tackle Monte-Carlo’s stages for the first time, before taking the wheel of a third New Generation i20 WRC car at Rally Sweden and beyond.

The New Generation i20 WRC accumulated over 8,000km of testing in its development phase but the unforgiving stages of Rallye Monte-Carlo will offer the new car its sternest test yet. WRC’s oldest event, Rallye Monte-Carlo was first run over 100 years ago, in 1911.
Hyundai Motorsport has carried out tests on all terrains and weather conditions with the New Generation i20 WRC in order to best prepare for the car’s debut rally. The team will also draw on two full seasons of competition and its previous attempts at Rallye Monte-Carlo to improve on last year’s top-six results.

Kia’s New Flagship SUV, The Mohave

Kia recently released the all new Mohave completely redesigned and made to explore. At the heart of the car lies the latest 6 cylinder diesel motor to provide both power and economy. The latest photo of the Mohave is presented with a background of icy mountains entailing the feeling of adventure.

The new SUV’s structure stems from an all-wheel drive based frame-body, this high-performance and authentic design ensure that it has “magnificent design strength” along with advance exterior to provide better safety.

Both strong and eco-friendly, the 3.0 V6 Diesel engine.

The 6 cylinder motor deemed is 3.0L in displacement, making it a balanced motor in both power and fuel economy. Designed to handle the daily rigors of life and exploration, Kia updated the motor by making it more environmentally friendly in emissions while retaining the often sought high performance characteristics that diesel motors have.

The details of the motor include 260 horsepower with an estimated 256 ft-lbs of torque. That is an impressive number offering an almost perfect balance between horsepower and torque. Furthermore, this design ranks in the world’s top energy performance and composite fuel economy based on their 2WD model’s district fuel economy standards. Part of this performance may be due to Kia’s gas emission reduction devices. Named SCR, (Selective Catalytic Reduction) the device allows the motor to deliver dynamic performance while meeting the emission standard Euro6. Furthermore, the Mohave has an 8 speed automatic transmission that allows the vehicle to sip fuel during long travels giving it better mileage.

Other side the Mohave can easily transition to off-road conditions and be responsive in areas that require power and torque. Thanks for the 8-speed transmission and low-end torque capabilities of the motor kicking in at 1500 rpms, the Mohave will be ready for any uphill climb making the Kia’s SUV practical for the adventurer in all of us.

Advance suspension made for comfort and performance

The new Mohave is rear independent suspension allowing for better suspension travel during off road excursions as well as better handling in both road and dirt conditions. In addition, Kia tuned their shock absorber suspension for high speed stability and cornering performance. Furthermore, the front suspension has a hydraulic rebound spring that allows city driving experience to be greatly improved. Other comfort improvements come in the form of managing Noise, Vibration, and Harshness, by managing that transmission, wheel stiffness, and road noise to ensure quality and comfort for the high-end SUV.

Strength, Luxury, and Styling

The Mohave carries with it a modern styling which is both appropriate in urban and rural areas. Fitted with a front and rear skip plate the premium SUV is ready to face the natural obstacles the come with exploring. The SUV is fitted with LED fog lights for better visibility under heavy weather conditions. The front grill gives the SUV sporty look and depth along with a unique logo that we have not seen in the U.S.. Stylish accents surround the car with wheels and side mirrors with a chrome finish reflecting just the right amount of luxury without it being overbearing. Other luxuries include an exclusive Mohave steering wheel, 2 color wood grain trim, and NAPA leather interior.

Safety and Tech

The Mohave is fitted with an abundance of safety technology with the goal of preventing an accident from ever happening. For example, the Mohave is fitted blind spot assistance which becomes more of a necessity when driving bigger vehicles. Other tech includes forward collision awareness systems that detects other vehicle changes in speed or proximity, and a high beam assist when driving in night time conditions. Kia also brought the fun tech comforts that are to expected in a high-end SUV like the Mohave. The most notable one are camera parking assists which are very helpful when parallel parking, especially in a large vehicle. Smartphone interface systems along with Kia’s UVO system, 8 inch navigation system, dual control A/C system and more.

Price and Amenities

With all the added amenities, performance upgrades, and safety feature it was safe to assume Kia’s luxury SUV would be relatively expensive. However, Kia offers 3 different options to the Mohave that separate themselves based on the drivetrain. For instance, their most expensive model trim would be full-time 4-wheel drive (all-wheel drive) and would cost 4680 Yuan which is an estimated to be around $71,000 USD. Their middle trim model has 4-wheel drive available and costs around $65,000, while their lower trim model would be only 2-wheel drive at an estimated cost of $61,000. Other trim changes include the choice of natural to Napa leather, and luxury packages but the majority of the cost is in the choice of drivetrain.

Production of the Mohave

As demands and interests increase for a premium SUV, Kia acknowledges the demand by creating marketable SUV. The manufacturer is expecting to surpass 4,500 car sales with customer profiles strongly leaning toward mature men between the ages of 40 and 50 years of age. In conclusion, the Mohave represents Kia’s movement to offer luxury, performance, and affordability for all vehicles. The Mohave is another venture meant to show the world that Kia will have a vehicle for every person, and journey while remaining strong in quality. With gas prices getting less expensive there is a good chance the Mohave may reach the U.S., which would be a good move on Kia’s behalf since the U.S. consumers love SUVs and travel to areas where 4-wheel drive vehicles are often recomended.

The All-New 2017 Kia Sportage Prices Are Out

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced pricing for the all-new 2017 Sportage CUV.

Offered in three trim levels – LX, EX, and SX Turbo, the all-new Sportage is priced aggressively with a starting MSRP of just $22,9901 for the FWD LX. The fourth-generation Sportage, Kia’s longest running nameplate, comes to market with a starting price that is lower than any competitor equipped with a powertrain comparable to Sportage’s updated 2.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic.

“In 2015, the final year of production for the outgoing Sportage model, sales were up 25 percent, which speaks to the appeal and staying power of that vehicle, and with our aggressive pricing strategy for the all-new 2017 model, we’re looking to continue that momentum,” said Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KMA. “In a segment that’s primarily known for utility, we see the Sportage as a very compelling offer to those looking for stand-out design, intelligent packaging and engaging driving dynamics.”

2017 Sportage

2017 Sportage

2017 Sportage

The $22,9901 FWD 2017 Sportage LX comes standard with a host of design, technology, and convenience features including LED Daytime Running Lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, chrome window surround, rear privacy glass, 5-inch touchscreen with Rear Camera Display , Bluetooth® , 3.5-inch LCD cluster, keyless entry system, auto-on/off dual projector headlights, and Drive Mode Select (DMS), which allows the driver to choose among Normal, Eco, and Sport. Also standard is a robust 181-hp GDI four cylinder engine combined with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The available $1,100 LX Popular Package adds heated front seats and heated outside mirrors, a 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar support, upgraded tricot cloth seats with YES Essentials™fabric technology and roof rails. A $900 LX Cool and Connected Package adds dual-zone auto climate control with auto defog and an all-new UVO 7-inch touchscreen featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay® when powered by a compatible smartphone.

The FWD Sportage EX, starting at $25,5001, builds upon the LX Cool & Connected Package by adding leather seat trim along with Push Button Start and Smart Key, 18-inch wheels, fog lights and gloss black exterior trim. Opting for the $1,9001 EX Premium Package adds a heated steering wheel and power-folding mirrors as well as panoramic sunroof, Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)2, auto-dimming rearview mirror w/Homelink®, mirror-integrated LED turn signals, and LED interior lighting.

A $2,700 Technology Package adds a UVO 8-inch touchscreen with navigation , 320-watt Harman Kardon® premium audio system with Clari-Fi™technology, Front & Rear Parking Assist System, Smart Power Liftgate™, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), High Beam Assist (HBA), Front Collision Warning System (FCWS), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection2, ventilated front seats, and an 8-way power passenger seat.

2017 Sportage

2017 Sportage

As the performance flagship, the fully-loaded $32,5001 Sportage SX Turbo refrains from option packages and comes standard with a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Adding to the EX Technology Package, the SX Turbo also includes larger front brakes, and sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, satin exterior trim, dual exhaust pipes, front and rear metal-look skid plates, unique grille design, bi-Xenon HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL), “ice cube” LED fog lights, LED tail lights, 4.2-inch color LCD instrument cluster, gloss black interior trim, metal pedals, D-shaped steering wheel, paddle shifters, metal scuff plates, authentic dashboard stitching, and a choice of five expressive interior colors.

A Magna Dynamax™ intelligent AWD system is available on any trim for $1,500 and features a 50/50 locking center differential and torque vectoring. Every AWD model features a front fascia with steeper approach angle for enhanced capability.

2017 Sportage

2017 Sportage

2017 Sportage

2017 Sportage

2017 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Continues To Attract Zero-Emissons-Focused Customers 2017 Hyundai Tucson Fuel cell

2017 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Continues To Attract Zero-Emissons-Focused Customers

Hyundai’s zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered Tucson Fuel Cell vehicle continues to satisfy and attract new customers focused on high-versatility and clean transportation.

“At Hyundai, we strongly believe that hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles represent the next generation of zero-emission vehicle technology, and we’re proud to be a leader in offering the mass-produced Tucson Fuel Cell to our customers,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Every day, these customers are enjoying the benefits of refueling speed and superior range that compare favorably with gasoline vehicles, providing a seamless transition from traditional vehicles with minimal loss of utility. We’re confident that advancing fuel cell technology will increase the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, and that everyone will benefit.”

The Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell has also received strong support from government agencies, such as the California Air Resources Board. “These ultra-clean vehicles play a critical role in our efforts to clean the air and meet our climate goals,” said Air Resources Board chairman Mary D. Nichols. “Fuel cell cars are not vehicles of the future – they’re here now, and we applaud Hyundai for bringing them first to market in California where they are most needed.”
FUEL CELL PRICING AND BENEFITSThe Tucson Fuel Cell lease program remains unchanged for 2017. Customers in both Southern and Northern California can drive Hyundai’s Tucson Fuel Cell for just $499 per month for a 36-month term, with a $2,999 down payment. This includes the addition of a remarkable benefit – unlimited complimentary hydrogen refueling and At Your Service Valet Maintenance at no extra cost.

“When we spoke with customers about fuel cell vehicles, many wondered about the cost of hydrogen,” explained O’Brien. “To ease those concerns as the hydrogen refueling network builds out, we decided that covering this cost for these early adopters was consistent with how we like to treat our customers.”

In addition, Tucson Fuel Cell owners enjoy concierge services such as At Your Service Valet Maintenance, at no extra cost. Should a Tucson Fuel Cell require any service, a Hyundai dealer will pick up the vehicle and provide a loan vehicle, then return the car after service to the customer’s home or business, at no charge.

Customers interested in the Tucson Fuel Cell can indicate their interest (the first step in the ordering process) by visiting Hyundai.com. Retail consumers can find availability at five select California Hyundai dealers: Win Hyundai in Carson, Tustin Hyundai, Hardin Hyundai in Anaheim, Keyes Hyundai in Los Angeles and Capitol Hyundai in San Jose. Availability of the Tucson Fuel Cell will expand to other regions of the U.S. consistent with the accelerating deployment of hydrogen refueling stations. Tucson offers three exterior color options: Winter White, Hydro Blue and Chromium Silver.

TUCSON FUEL CELL ADVANTAGESHyundai has developed its Tucson Fuel Cell to alleviate some of the range and utility limitations of traditional battery electric vehicles. The Tucson Fuel Cell maintains the day-to-day flexibility of the gasoline-powered Tucson, so that its driver is able to fulfill their transportation needs without range or recharging-time concerns to their lifestyle.

The Tucson Fuel Cell is an advanced electric vehicle – one that creates its own electricity, on-board, from hydrogen. According to the University of California, Irvine Advanced Power and Energy Program’s 2013 study, the hydrogen fuel cell provides comparable total well-to-wheel emissions to a battery electric vehicle. For the Tucson Fuel Cell driver, this social benefit is achieved with greater utility, versatility and without compromises. Consider:

• Driving range of 265 miles
• Refueling time similar to gasoline vehicle of same size; about five minutes
• Minimal reduction in daily utility compared with its gasoline counterpart
• Instantaneous electric motor torque
• Minimal cold-weather effects compared with battery-electric vehicles
• Superb daily reliability and long-term durability
  • No moving parts within the power-generating fuel cell stack
  • More than two million durability test miles on Hyundai’s fuel cell fleet since 2000
• Extensive crash, fire and leak testing successfully completed
• Quieter EV operation
• Zero greenhouse-gas emissions, emits only water vapor

The Tucson Fuel Cell began mass production in February 2013 at the Ulsan, Korea assembly plant that also manufactures the Tucson gasoline-powered CUV. Manufacturing the Tucson Fuel Cell at the same plant allows Hyundai to leverage both the high quality and cost-efficiency of its popular gasoline-powered Tucson platform.

HYDROGEN RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS

The benefits of hydrogen are well known – required supplies for the U.S. market can be produced domestically and its supply is virtually unlimited. It can be produced by varied means – including renewable sources such as biogas. Hydrogen can even be sourced directly from water, using electrolysis to split hydrogen molecules with electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.

Further supporting hydrogen infrastructure development, California approved a plan to develop up to 100 hydrogen refueling stations in the state over the next several years. This recent California initiative dovetails with increased government support of hydrogen infrastructure development at the federal level, such as H2USA. In addition, the California Energy Commission awarded $44.5 million for the development of 28 new hydrogen stations (plus one mobile refueler), bringing the total number of hydrogen fueling stations (open, in-development, and proposed) to over 50 stations in the near future.

FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY: HOW IT WORKSHyundai’s fuel cell effectively replaces the battery pack used in an electric vehicle by generating electricity from hydrogen through an electrochemical process that does not involve hydrogen combustion, with no moving parts within the fuel cell stack.

The fuel cell electrochemical process is as follows:

• Hydrogen enters the anode, air (oxygen) enters the cathode
• Catalyst splits the hydrogen electrons and protons
• Electrolyte conducts the positively-charged ions while blocking the electrons
• Electrons are used to create an external circuit, generating electricity
• Catalyst combines the hydrogen ions and electrons with oxygen to create water and heat energy
• A single fuel cell produces approximately one volt; fuel cells are “stacked” to meet voltage requirements