The All-New 2011 Hyundai Equus badge

First the Genesis sedan, then the Equus. Clearly, Hyundai is pinning its ears back and charging upmarket like Ndamukong Suh rushing Aaron Rodgers. And, like the rookie Husker-bred defensive end, the Korean automaker is making a rather successful transition to the next level. What’s next? Quite possibly a sedan designed to compete directly with the benchmark entry-level luxury sedan, the BMW 3 Series. After that, Hyundai may craft a crossover to go up against the segment-defining Lexus RX CUV.

According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal, Hyundai isn’t nearly done refining the image of its top-level nameplates. Hyundai USA head John Krafcik told the WSJ in an interview that the automaker is actively considering whether it should break its premium models apart from the rest of its lineup, much in the same way Honda does with Acura, Toyota does with Lexus and Nissan does with Infiniti.

While this isn’t exactly news, Krafcik’s level of candor is. Three options are apparently on the table. First, an entire separate dealer network could be created to sell these Genesis-branded machines, but this would be very costly. Second (and reportedly most likely), a subset of the automaker’s current set of dealers could add a section to their dealerships designed to cater specifically to upmarket clients – a showroom-within-a-showroom, if you like. They could even have their own dedicated employees. Lastly, Hyundai could stick with its current scheme of training at least one salesperson on the Genesis line, leaving the dealerships alone.

Whichever way Hyundai chooses to move, don’t expect any hasty decisions. Krafcik says the company will keep a close eye on the success of its Equus sedan in the States before making any judgments on its dealer network. In the meantime, expect Hyundai to unveil a new global branding strategy at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show along with a slogan to replace the current “Drive Your Way” message.

One thing is clear: this decision will shape the way forward for Hyundai’s continued performance in the United States. We’re keenly interested in your take on the matter, and we know the automaker’s execs are listening, too. What strategy should Hyundai adopt in its bid to move further upmarket? Make yourself heard in the comments section below.

2011 Elantra Limited

Hyundai today introduced another exciting model, its all-new 2011 Elantra at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This marks the world debut of the latest version of the popular compact sedan. The 2011 Elantra encompasses Hyundai’s latest ambitions including “Fluidic Sculpture” design, advanced safety and fuel efficiency. In the very competitive compact car segment the Elantra continues to be on a fast four year lifecycle.

VIEW PARKWAY HYUNDAI’S ELANTRA INVENTORY

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2011 ELANTRA

• All-new fifth generation Elantra compact sedan

• “Fluidic Sculpture” design

• Launches with new 1.8-liter “Nu” engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission

• 40 mpg highway on all models with A/T or M/T

• Best-in-class standard fuel economy

• Improved fuel efficiency by up to 18 percent over its predecessor

• More fuel efficient than Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla

• Production began at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in November with shipments to dealers before year-end

• “Class-above” mid-size car interior volume

• Standard VSM, ESC, TCS, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD

• Touch-screen navigation with rearview camera and iPod®/USB inputs

• Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with voice recognition

• Segment first: Heated rear seats

Elantra is the fourth vehicle in Hyundai’s 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven new models in the next 24 months), following on the heels of the all-new Tucson, Sonata and Equus.

The 2011 Elantra represents a modern approach to the traditional compact sedan segment, using emotional design and luxury features offered with Hyundai’s strong value proposition. The 2011 Elantra poses some intriguing questions:

• Why can’t a compact car have modern, sleek, sophisticated style?

• Why pay luxury car prices to get advanced safety features?

• Why buy a mid-size sedan when you can get exceptional room in a compact car?

• Why can’t a compact car get subcompact car fuel economy?

HYUNDAI “FLUIDIC SCULPTURE” DESIGN

Elantra exemplifies Hyundai’s emotional “Fluidic Sculpture” design principles. “Fluidic Sculpture” considers the interplay of wind with rigid surfaces to create the illusion of constant motion. Elantra is an evolution of the design qualities found in Sonata.

Successful sedans in the U.S. market all have a distinct silhouette and Day Light Opening (DLO – a designer’s term for the side glass) and Elantra is no different. Along Elantra’s sides are Sonata’s flowing lines, with the addition of a strong undercut feature line starting at the front door. These lines, along with muscular wheel arches and a sleek roofline, create a memorable and spacious package. Flowing lines also lead to an aerodynamic body. The drag coefficient for the Elantra is an exceptionally low 0.28 that compares favorably to the Chevrolet Volt (0.29).

Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front grille and detailed swept-back headlights give Elantra a compact athletic face. The assertive stance is complimented by 15-, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and athletic proportions. Available fog lights and side repeater mirrors complete the distinct design. Elantra was designed at Hyundai’s North American Design Center in Irvine, Calif.
40 MPG – AN 18 PERCENT IMPROVEMENT IN FUEL ECONOMY

Elantra’s fuel economy is 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, with the six-speed automatic transmission or manual transmission. These figures give Elantra a highway-only driving range of up to 500 miles.

40 MPG POWERTRAIN

Under the hood, the Elantra is powered by an all-new 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque (145 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque for Elantra PZEV). The Nu engine was developed to replace the 2.0-liter Beta engine from the previous generation Elantra. The Nu is smaller in size, weighs 74 pounds less and helps achieve an 18-percent improvement in highway fuel economy, when compared with its predecessor. Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, most Elantras sold in California, Oregon and several Northeast states are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) by the EPA. The PZEV Elantra is as clean as many hybrid electric vehicles. The PZEV Elantra helps Hyundai meet its environmental commitments. Outside of these “green” states, the Elantra is available as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).

Key Engine Components

• Aluminum block and head

• Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT)

• Variable Induction System (VIS)

• Roller swing arm and Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLA)

• Electronic throttle control

• Offset crankshaft

The Nu engine features an aluminum block with a cast iron cylinder liner, cylinder head and crank. This unique configuration results in a block that is 30 percent lighter than an iron block, shedding more than 74 pounds off the entire engine weight, while still providing comparable strength.

The 1.8-liter Nu also offers Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. Using D-CVVT on both camshafts has several advantages when compared with using it just on the intake camshaft. They include a two percent improvement in performance (increased volumetric efficiency), two percent improvement in fuel economy (reduced pumping loss) and a 30 percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. In the valvetrain, roller swing arms and hydraulic lash adjusters reduce valve driven friction to improve fuel economy one percent compared with direct valve driving. The Nu engine also features a maintenance-free silent timing chain system to enhance durability and improve Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).

The application of a plastic two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS), enables switching between long and short intake manifolds, resulting in an across-the-board performance increase. These result in a four percent improvement in performance, a 15 percent reduction in cost and 30 percent reduction in weight, when compared with aluminum.

Another tool Hyundai engineers have incorporated into the next generation Elantra is an electronic throttle control. The electronic throttle control replaces the conventional cable and mechanical linkage found in the previous generation Elantra with fast responding electronics. This system accurately controls air intake and engine torque, improving drivability, response and fuel economy.

Hyundai’s first application of double-pipe plumbing (internal heat exchanger) is found in Elantra. Double-pipe plumbing improves cabin cooling performance, while minimizing the capacity of the compressor, which further reduces fuel consumption. An external controlled variable compressor is also used to improve fuel efficiency versus an internal variable compressor.

The Nu four-cylinder engine also has an offset crankshaft design that reduces friction between the piston and cylinder wall for a one percent improvement in fuel economy.

ELANTRA VS. ITS RIVALS

Note: ULEV standard engines shown for all models

SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSIONS

The 2011 Elantra can be equipped with a six-speed manual (M6CF3-1) or automatic (A6GF1) transaxle with SHIFTRONIC manual control. The 2011 Elantra is the first small car in the Hyundai lineup to receive a six-speed automatic. Hyundai now has its own six-speed automatic transmissions in its small, medium and large FWD cars. Hyundai is also only one of four global car manufacturers building their own unique six-speed automatic transmissions.

The all-new six-speed automatic is 11 pounds lighter than Hyundai’s global five-speed and 17 pounds lighter than the five-speed automatic found in Honda Civic. It is considerably simpler, having 62 fewer parts, which is a key to increased durability, lighter weight and lower cost. It also features a super flat torque converter that shortens the unit’s overall length by 0.43 inches, while being 2.6 pounds lighter.

This transmission mated to the 1.8-liter Nu engine helps Elantra deliver improved fuel efficiency – 11 percent more than its closest competitors and a four percent gain in fuel economy.

The 2011 Elantra’s six-speed manual transmission is also all-new and provides crisp shifts and further optimizes engine performance. These crisp shifts are courtesy of triple-cone synchronizers for first and second gears, double-cone for third gear and single-cone for fourth, fifth and sixth gears.

OVERALL DIMENSIONS

The all-new Elantra rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, just two-inches longer than the previous generation. Its overall length has increased by 0.9 inches to 178.3 inches, with the 69.9-inch width remaining the same. The height has been lowered by 1.8 inches to 56.5 inches, without affecting headroom. Consequently, Elantra maintains its “class above” status when it comes to interior room, in comparison to Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. In fact, the Elantra is so roomy the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a mid-size car, not a compact car like Civic and Corolla.

Elantra’s total interior volume of 110.4 cubic feet beats the 2011 Honda Civic sedan, 2011 Nissan Sentra, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 2011 Ford Focus and 2011 Toyota Corolla. Surprisingly, it even surpasses the Acura TSX (107.1 cu. ft.), Nissan Maxima (110.0 cu. ft), and VW Passat CC (109.3 cu. ft.) in total interior volume. Ultimately, the long wheelbase allows for compact car efficiency with mid-size car comfort. An example of this is found in the long seat track, delivering best-in-class front seat legroom. Elantra’s trunk volume at 14.8 cubic feet also beats Civic and Corolla.

VOLUME COMPARISON

2011 ELANTRA ARCHITECTURE

The all-new Elantra is fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a light weight coupled torsion beam rear suspension for enhanced steering stability and monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort. A 23.0 mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering.

All Elantras have column-mounted, motor-driven electric power steering that adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system. A quick-ratio steering rack is used for crisp feel on turn-in. Elantra’s turning diameter of 34.8 feet is better than Corolla’s at 35.6 feet.
World-class weight efficiency was one of the program targets for the Elantra engineering team. In fact, the 2011 Elantra leads all of its competitors in weight efficiency. Hyundai engineers also targeted leadership in power-to-weight ratio. Having these targets paid huge dividends in both performance and fuel economy.

POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO COMPARISON

The Elantra’s widespread use of high-strength steel provides a 37 percent increase in body stiffness at a lower body weight. High-strength steel allows the suspension to work optimally. At 2,701 pounds, the automatic transmission Elantra GLS is lighter than its competitors, while offering more interior room than Focus, Cruze, Civic and Corolla, with body-bending rigidity 50 percent higher than the Corolla. This weight efficient unibody architecture allows for Elantra to achieve an estimated 40 mpg EPA highway rating, without the need for a special eco model.

MODERN, SOPHISTICATED INTERIOR

Inside the Elantra, customers will find Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging, lighting, leading-edge design and craftsmanship. This approach is visible in the clarity of the instruments and the tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The seats help fuel economy and the environment, being made of lightweight, environmentally friendly foam. Heated seats are available in the front and the rear, a segment first. Not only does Elantra have multiple storage areas, but it delivers useable storage capacity.

STORAGE CAPACITY

The 2011 Elantra GLS has a two-tone interior. Gray and beige are the two GLS interior color choices. The Limited trim adds a monotone black interior. All Elantras have cloth-like pillar trim made of fibrous tissue and volcanic rock for a premium look and feel.

Elantra is available with two audio systems. Standard is a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks. A 360-watt system with external amplifier is optional.

Touch-screen navigation is available on GLS and Limited trims and includes a high-resolution 7.0-inch screen and voice-activation by headliner-mounted microphone. The sound system plays compact discs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from select mobile phones to the head unit. The XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the navigation unit and features channel logos, real-time NavTraffic and XM Data services, such as XM NavWeather®, XM Stock Ticker and XM Sports Ticker. The system also integrates a rear-view camera, which cannot be found on the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. Users can even upload personal pictures from a USB rather than a CD to be displayed on the system’s home screen.

Elantra owners can also get premium features, such as a proximity key with push button start and immobilizer, power sunroof, one touch driver’s window and leather seating surfaces.

This modern, sophisticated interior is also whisper quiet. Engineers worked hard on reducing noise and vibrations inside the cabin.

NVH COMPARISONS

The all-new Elantra is fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a light weight coupled torsion beam rear suspension for enhanced steering stability and monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort. A 23.0 mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering.

ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES: PART OF HYUNDAI’S ASSURANCE COMMITMENT

Elantra was one of the first compact sedans with ESC when it launched in July of 2007. The 2011 Elantra now takes compact car safety to the next level with the introduction of Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Similar to the one found in the Hyundai Equus, VSM optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS).

VSM works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry pavement on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides 8 Newton meters of counter steering. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering. ESC is still not standard on the 2011 model year Civic.

Elantra features six airbags—including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbag.

The Elantra also features a state-of-the-art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes (Civic, Jetta and Corolla still feature rear drum brakes) and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions. This package delivers shorter braking distances from 60 miles per hour than Civic, Corolla and Mazda 3.

Elantra engineers even looked at something as simple as the parking brake, having introduced Hyundai’s first integrated rear parking brake caliper for weight reduction.

In terms of passive safety, the Elantra has strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones and the rear doors have internal dual beams unlike some of its competitors.

2011 ELANTRA PRICING

The all-new Elantra offers modern design, loads of comfort and convenience features, and is an outstanding weapon against gas prices all with a low starting price of $14,830.

Trim Level/Package MSRP w/out Freight
2011 Elantra GLS Standard $14,830
2011 Elantra GLS M/T Popular $16,080
2011 Elantra GLS A/T Popular $17,080
2011 Elantra GLS Preferred $17,630
2011 Elantra GLS Navigation $19,380
2011 Elantra Limited $19,980
2011 Elantra Limited Premium $21,980

Note: Freight is $720

ELANTRA VS. CRUZE VS. FIESTA – FUEL ECONOMY COMPARISION

Information Source: www.Hyundainews.com

The All-New Sonata moves up in rank bumping the Altima to 4th place and narrows it's sights on the Camry and Accord

Hyundai is movin’ on up. According to The Detroit News, the Sonata officially displaced the Nissan Altima as the third best-selling mid-size sedan in America last month. In August, the Korean manufacturer sold 21,399 units, falling just behind the Honda Accord at 22,506 and the Toyota Camry at a little over 30,000. Those numbers are just based on retail sales, not the vehicles that are sold off to rental fleets. The Sonata has been besting rivals like the Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu for a good while now, but this is the first time the car has managed to rattle the Japanese triumvirate that dominates the segment.

Interior quality and list of features helps boost sales for the All-New Sonata

It seemed to be only a matter of time, though. The Sonata now wears some of the best looking sheet metal of any midsizer out there and its price tag comes in a good bit lower than both the Accord and the Camry. Throw in a snappy interior and very efficient drivetrain options, and suddenly you’ve got the attention of the car-buying public. The Detroit News says that since the 2011 Sonata debuted, the number of car buyers considering the vehicle has leapfrogged from 6.2 percent in January of 2007 to 19.5 percent recently. Thanks for the tip, Nicolai!

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama to begin Elantra production this fall

• Hyundai’s three most popular models (Elantra, Sonata, and Sante Fe) will now be built in the U.S.

The All-New 2011 Elantra is set to be built in Hyundai's Montgomery, Alabama plant alongside the 2011 Sonata.

MONTGOMERY, Ala., 9/20/10- An all-new Hyundai Elantra will join its larger sibling, the Sonata, in production at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) starting in late fall this year. This change, along with the recent move of the Santa Fe to a production facility in Georgia, will further increase Hyundai’s overall U.S. production capacity, which was already producing over half of total U.S. sales volume.

“Hyundai’s philosophy is to build our vehicles where we sell them, and with the addition of the Elantra to our U.S. production mix we now manufacture our three most popular models right here in the U.S.,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America.

The all-new 2011 Elantra sedan will make its public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November, while sales are scheduled to begin early next year. The new Elantra shares the same game-changing recipe of distinctive design and class-leading fuel economy that has made the 2011 Sonata the most shopped vehicle in the entire industry the last four months (source: Compete), and the 6th best-selling vehicle in the industry in August.

Sonata is the best-selling vehicle in Hyundai’s U.S. lineup, with sales of 128,484 though the end of August, a 50% increase over the same period last year. Elantra sales through the same period of 90,960 are up 21% over the same period last year.

HMMA has consistently ranked as one of the highest quality plants in Hyundai’s worldwide operations and is an outstanding example of Hyundai’s focused commitment to quality. This year Sonata was again ranked in the top-three in quality by the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study in the competitive mid-size sedan category. The HMMA-built Sonata was also recently awarded Auto Pacific’s first-ever President’s Award in recognition of its record-setting consumer performance in 48 categories ranging from the basics of comfort and convenience, to performance and environmental friendliness.

More than 1,200,000 vehicles have rolled off the HMMA assembly line since production began on May 20, 2005.

“We’re thrilled to be adding another pillar of the Hyundai lineup to our production mix here at HMMA,” said Ashley Frye, director of production, HMMA. “We’ve been extremely proud to build both Sonata and Santa Fe on our assembly line, both of which have been hugely successful models for Hyundai in the U.S. and we hope to carry that momentum with us as we embark on the new 2011 Elantra.”

2011 HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE
Interior Refinements and New 3.8 R-Spec Enhance Genesis Coupe Lineup

2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ – Fresh off its inaugural year in which it thumped the likes of G37, Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger in various comparison test shoot-outs while leading all competitors in residual value, Hyundai’s Genesis Coupe is back for 2011 with interior updates, a revised lineup, and its hottest model ever, the 3.8 R-Spec.

2011 GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS

 
o New soft-touch, matte-finish surfaces on door panels, center speaker grille, glove box, and lower instrument panel
o New dark metalgrain accents on center stack, door handles, air vent register bezels and steering wheel trim
o Padded door armrests
o Softer, premium steering wheel leather
o Cloth-wrapped A-pillars
o Chrome finish for A/T shift gate bezel and center stack control knobs
o Chrome finish gauge cluster rings
o Rear coat hooks
o Trunk deck lid grab handle
o Enhanced multi-information display screen graphics
* 3.8 R-Spec model added
* Navigation with Fully Automatic Temperature Control now standard on Genesis Coupe 2.0T Premium
* Revised model lineup featuring six flavors of Genesis Coupe: 2.0T, 2.0T Premium, 2.0T R-Spec, 3.8 R-Spec, 3.8 Grand Touring, 3.8 Track

INTERIOR DESIGN

For 2011, Genesis Coupe features several interior upgrades that reflect Hyundai’s commitment to craftsmanship and high-quality materials. The instrument panel is crafted in a seamless, soft-touch skin fully encompassing new dark metalgrain trim. Softer leather now wraps the steering wheel and padding has been added to the door armrests for increased comfort. The A-pillars are now covered in a premium fabric to match the roof liner. New information screen graphics enhance appearance and readability and the finish of the controls has also been enhanced.

“The interior upgrades, our hot new 3.8 R-Spec model, and revised lineup of six focused models show that Hyundai is meeting the demands of our customers,” said Scott Margason, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The upgraded interior is a great illustration of how Hyundai continually raises its own high benchmarks for quality.”
2011 Genesis Coupe

The 2011 Genesis Coupe is a purpose-built rear-wheel drive sport coupe featuring two performance-focused engines – a 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a range-topping all-aluminum, 306-horsepower, DOHC 3.8-liter V6 engine.

GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS

* 306-horsepower from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 from Genesis sedan
* 210-horsepower turbocharged, intercooled inline four cylinder
* Platform-mate and sinister sibling of the Car of the Year-winning Genesis sedan

Genesis Coupe is Hyundai’s most dynamic performance car, appealing directly to the true driving enthusiast. Genesis Coupe uses the same flexible rear-wheel drive architecture developed for the Genesis sport sedan.

POWERTRAINS

Two engines infuse Genesis Coupe with performance. The 3.8-liter Lambda DOHC V6 engine delivers 306-horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque on regular unleaded. This engine will launch the Genesis Coupe from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds. To maximize the power band, the 3.8-liter engine utilizes DCVVT and a new Variable Intake System (VIS) that helps cylinders breathe more efficiently at both low and high RPM. The better-breathing results in outstanding off-the-line acceleration, passing performance and remarkable fuel efficiency. The V6 engine uses an alloy block and cylinder heads for lighter weight and thermal efficiency and features durable timing chains with no scheduled maintenance.

The turbocharged, intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder benefits from Dual CVVT on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The 2.0-liter turbo generates 210-horsepower and 223 lb.-ft. of torque. It also features a cast-aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. Both engines feature a free-flowing dual cat-back exhaust and an available Torsen® limited-slip differential to put the power to the ground.

SPORT-TUNED SUSPENSION

Genesis Coupe employs a MacPherson® strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link independent rear suspension setup.The front suspension is mounted to the body via a solid subframe which is lighter and stronger than a multi-piece component would be. To help reduce body roll and tune the Genesis Coupe’s at-the-limit handling for maximum predictability, 24-mm diameter front and 19-mm diameter rear stabilizer bars are used.

While all Genesis Coupe models offer a sporty and involving driving experience, the high-performance Genesis Coupe R-Spec and 3.8 Track models are the most willing partners for the true enthusiast. The track-tuned suspension features a stiffer front spring rate, stiffer rear spring rate and unique shock valving. The Genesis Coupe R-Spec and 3.8 Track models deliver a substantial increase in roll control over standard versions of the Genesis Coupe. Superb structural rigidity sets the foundation for precisely-tuned handling performance in all Genesis Coupes.

TRANSMISSIONS

Both engines are mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. The Genesis Coupe 2.0T offers an optional five-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC® while the 3.8-liter V6 offers a ZF® six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC to handle the additional torque. Both automatic transmissions feature steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

HIGH PERFORMANCE BRAKING SYSTEMS

Brembo four-piston calipers clamp down on 13.4-inch ventilated front brake rotors and 13-inch ventilated rear rotors on R-Spec and 3.8 Track models. All other models get substantial 12.6-inch front ventilated rotors and 12.4-inch rotors in the rear with floating single-piston calipers.
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

The 2011 Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track offers Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. The advantages of HID headlamps include greater lighting power, daylight-type lighting and reduced power consumption.

Music lovers will welcome the 2011 Genesis Coupe’s standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods®. There is an optional in-dash navigation unit with a multi-gauge information display screen. This system provides new features including Bluetooth streaming audio capability. This easy-to-use unit can be controlled via 6.5-inch WVGA touchscreen or voice-recognition by headliner-mounted microphone.

SEGMENT-LEADING SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES

In keeping with Hyundai’s focus on offering segment-leading standard safety technologies across its lineup, the 2011 Genesis Coupe includes a wide range of both active and passive safety features. Standard safety technologies include driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags, along with front seat-mounted side airbags, side air curtains and active front head restraints.

All Genesis Coupe models feature standard four-channel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance under various dynamic loading conditions. The system also includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum ABS-level braking force when a panic stop is detected.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC), one of the industry’s most effective life-saving technologies, is standard in all Genesis Coupe models.

WEIGHT EFFICIENCY

“One of the program targets for the Genesis engineering team was world-class weight efficiency,” Margason said. “When you look at the size and content of both Genesis models, you’ll find we lead all our competitors in weight efficiency. We also target leadership in power-to-weight ratio. We think that’s just smart strategy in today’s world. It pays huge dividends in both performance and fuel economy, and that’s especially important in the segments in which these cars compete.”

Vehicle Engine Curb Weight (lbs.) Length (inches)
Genesis sedan 3.8-liter V6 3,748 195.9
Genesis sedan 4.6-liter V8 4,012 195.9
Genesis Coupe 2.0-liter turbo 3,294 182.3
Genesis Coupe 3.8-liter V6 3,389 182.3

Both Genesis Coupe and sedan are rich in ultra-high-strength steel, leading to world-class body rigidity. The Genesis sedan is 10-12 percent stiffer in torsion than its Lexus and Mercedes-Benz competitors, yet it is lighter than these benchmark sedans, and offers more interior room. At just 3,294 pounds, the Genesis Coupe 2.0T is hundreds of pounds lighter than all of its IRS-equipped rear-wheel drive competitors, with body-bending rigidity 24 percent higher than the BMW E46 M3.

Curb Weight Power-to-weight
Vehicle Length (inches) (lbs.) Horsepower ratio
Genesis Coupe 3.8 182.3 3389 306 11.1
BMW 335i 181.1 3560 300 11.9
Infiniti G37 183.1 3627 330 11.0
Camaro LS 190.4 3780 304 12.4
Challenger 197.7 3819 250 15.3

This focus on weight efficiency pays dividends across the board. The Genesis sedan owes its ability to deliver both strong performance (0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds) and excellent fuel economy (25 mpg EPA highway rating) in great part due to its impressive weight efficiency. Similarly, the Genesis Coupe 2.0T sets a high fuel efficiency bar with a remarkable 30 mpg estimated EPA highway rating, because of its weight-efficient platform and its efficient 2.0-liter, low-pressure, turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Genesis Coupe product highlights

* 2.0T (6-speed MT or 5-speed AT)
* 2.0T R-Spec (6-speed manual transmission only)
* 2.0T Premium (5-speed AT only)
* 3.8 R-Spec (6-speed manual transmission only)
* 3.8 Grand Touring (6-speed AT only)
* 3.8 Track (6-speed MT or AT)

Genesis Coupe 2.0T: A more efficient take on the rEAR-Wheel drive sport coupe

Standard equipment includes:

 

* 2.0-liter, low-pressure, turbocharged, intercooled 4-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210 hp, 223 lb.-ft. of torque (at just 2,000 rpm), 30 mpg EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph
* M6VR1 6-speed manual transmission (Optional: A5SR1 5-speed electronic automatic transmission with lockup torque converter and steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift Shiftronic® controls)
* 18-inch Euroflange alloy wheels with staggered Bridgestone Potenza RE92A tires (225/45VR18 front, 245/45VR18 rear)
* Electronic Stability Control with Traction control, ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist
* 12.6-inch ventilated front rotors with 60mm single piston floating caliper
* 12.4-inch solid rear rotors with 43mm single piston floating caliper
* Sport-tuned MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and five-link rear independent suspension, 24mm front stabilizer bar, 19mm rear stabilizer bar
* Front strut brace
* Quick-ratio hydraulic steering (2.7 turns lock-to-lock)
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System
* Front, side-impact, side-curtain air bags
* Active front head restraints
* Driver’s lumbar support
* Black-out front lower fascia
* Air conditioning with outside temperature display
* Dark metalgrain and chrome interior accents
* Remote keyless entry system with alarm
* Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
* Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors
* AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD audio system with six speakers
* iPod/ USB/Aux jack connectivity
* Steering wheel audio controls
* Cruise control
* Trip computer
* Projector beam headlamps with auto light control
* Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity with steering wheel controls

Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec: the ultimate upgradeable, affordable, turbocharged rear-wheel drive performance platform

R-Spec model adds or substitutes:

 

* 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)
* Torsen limited-slip differential
* Black leather bolsters with red cloth insert seats
* R-Spec badge
* Front camber adjustment bolt (Camber bolts included but not installed. Dealer installation of the camber bolts is optional at the customer’s discretion)
* Note: Automatic transmission not available with R-Spec
* To reduce cost, weight, and complexity, R-Spec eliminates some non-essential convenience equipment such as automatic headlights, cruise control and some chrome/metalgrain interior accents.

2.0T PREMIUM: HIGH DEMAND TECHNOLOGY

In addition to 2.0T standard equipment, the 2.0T Premium model adds or substitutes:

* Power driver’s seat
* 360-watt AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD Infinity® premium audio system with 10 speakers including DVC subwoofer, eight-channel external amplifier and diversity antenna
* Proximity key with push-button start
* Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink® and compass
* Power tilt-and-slide sunroof
* Touch-screen Navigation system
* Fully automatic temperature control

Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec

3.8 R-Spec equipment includes:

 

* 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine with DCVVT delivering 306 hp and a top speed of 149 mph 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
* 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)
* Torsen-type limited-slip differential
* Black leather bolsters with red cloth insert seats
* R-Spec badge
* Front camber adjustment bolt (Camber bolts included but not installed. Dealer installation of the camber bolts is optional at the customer’s discretion)
* Electronic Stability Control (ESC) w/ Traction Control System (TCS)
* Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) w/ Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
* 4-Wheel disc brakes with Brake Assist
* 6 airbags: Advanced dual front airbags with Occupant Classification System (OCS), front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
* Active front head restraints
* Remote keyless entry system
* Multi-information display (MID)
* Fog Lights
* Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
* AM/FM/XM®/CD/MP3 audio system
* iPod®/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks
* Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
* Bluetooth® hands-free phone system
* Manual air conditioning w/ outside temperature display
* Trip computer
* Power windows with auto-down/up
* Power Door Locks and Outside mirrors
* Note: Automatic transmission not available with R-Spec
* To reduce cost, weight, and complexity, the R-Spec eliminates some non-essential convenience equipment such as automatic headlights, cruise control and some chrome/metalgrain interior accents

Genesis COUPE 3.8 GRAND TOURING: refined performance with premium features

In addition to 3.8 R-Spec equipment, the 3.8 Grand Touring adds or substitutes:

 

* ZF® 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift Shiftronic® controls
* 18-inch Euroflange alloy wheels with staggered Bridgestone Potenza RE92A tires (225/45VR18 front, 245/45VR18 rear)
* 12.6-inch ventilated front rotors with 60mm single piston floating caliper
* 12.4-inch solid rear rotors with 43mm single piston floating caliper
* Sport-tuned MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and five-link rear independent suspension, 24mm front stabilizer bar, 19mm rear stabilizer bar
* Front strut brace
* Fully automatic temperature control
* Premium door sill plates
* Chrome front fascia accents
* Power driver’s seat
* Heated driver and passenger seat
* Leather seating surfaces
* 360-watt AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD Infinity® premium audio system with 10 speakers including DVC subwoofer, eight-channel external amplifier, and diversity antenna
* Touch-screen navigation system
* Proximity key with push-button start
* Automatic headlights
* Cruise control
* Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink® and compass
* Dark metalgrain and chrome interior accents
* Heated mirrors with outside turn signal indicators
* Backup warning system
* Power tilt-and-slide sunroof
* Note: Deletes track-tuned suspension, Brembo® braking system, Torsen limited-slip differential, camber adjustment bolts, and R-Spec badge

GENESIS COUPE 3.8 TRACK: ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE

The factory-tuned 3.8 Track model deletes the backup warning system and chrome front fascia accents from the Grand Touring model, and adds or substitutes:

* Black leather seating surfaces
* 19-inch gunmetal finish alloy wheels with staggered 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)
* Torsen limited-slip differential
* Aluminum pedals
* Xenon HID headlamps
* Aero wipers
* Rear spoiler
* Black-out front lower fascia
* Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)

Genesis Coupe is available in eight exterior colors:

* Karussell White
* Bathurst Black
* Silverstone
* Nordschleife Gray
* Acqua Minerale Blue
* Tsukuba Red
* Mirabeau Blue
* Interlagos Yellow

Genesis Coupe features four different interior themes:

* Black environment, premium black cloth seats (2.0T, 2.0T Premium)
* Black environment, black leather-bolstered seats with high-friction red cloth insert (2.0T R-Spec, 3.8 R-Spec)
* Black environment, black leather seats (3.8 Track)
* Black environment, saddle brown or black leather seats (3.8 Grand Touring)

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through about 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

Small refinements to the interior of the 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

* Interior refinements

While it shares its platform, doors, glass and roofline with the conventional gas-powered models, the Sonata Hybrid has a surprisingly assertive look all its own. Just check out its gaping hexagonal air inlet with a floating bumperette and license plate holder – it looks nothing like the controversial wavy slat assembly on the gas Sonata. The same goes for the piercing new headlamps with integrated light tube ribboning, as well as the wing-shaped chrome garnish on the hood’s leading edge. The Sonata Hybrid’s visuals are actually bold enough that one could be forgiven for thinking that Hyundai might have reserved it for the forced-induction 2.0T model. We wouldn’t call it a pretty face, but it’s clearly got aggression to spare.

Move along the Sonata Hybrid’s profile, and you first notice the KitchenAid-spec 16-inch alloys and the subtle rocker panel extensions employed for better aerodynamics. Out back, the rear bumper cap has also been resculpted to more cleanly detach air (notice the harder-edged lines around the corners), and a blacked-out lower fascia helps to visually lighten the design. The Sonata Hybrid’s coolest design element? Its clear rear lights, because the brake lamps appear to incorporate an atom symbol graphic when lit. All of those changes help drop the coefficient of drag from a slick 0.28 cD to a positively eel-like 0.25.

The Sonata Hybrid’s Middle Path approach continues beneath the skin. While Hyundai is the first to make use of lithium polymer batteries in a mass-production hybrid, it also incorporates some more common hardware, including a conventional six-speed automatic it shares with other Sonata models. By eschewing the complexity of a continuously variable transmission, Hyundai has cut costs while delivering a driving experience that’s closer to that of a normal internal combustion vehicle. In this application, the house-developed gearbox is attached directly to the electric motor – there is no torque converter. A small clutch pack with an electric oil pump can uncouple the 169-horsepower 2.4-liter Theta II engine entirely, allowing the 30 kW motor to deliver its 151 pound-feet of torque, whirring car and driver noiselessly to speeds up to 62 miles per hour.

Although Hyundai hasn’t downsized the Sonata’s gasoline engine for hybrid duty, it has converted it to run on a more efficient cycle. While abandoning Nicolaus Otto for James Atkinson generally results in improved fuel economy, it also comes at the expense of low-end torque (in this case, 156 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm). Conveniently, twisting down low is exactly the electric motor’s strong suit, so it picks up the slack to help the Hybrid deliver a more traditional driving experience.

Additional good news arrives in the form of the Sonata Hybrid’s LiPo battery pack. It may have cost more than a nickel metal hydride solution, but Hyundai claims that the magazine-like prismatic cells offer greater robustness and lighter weight than other batteries. Compared to the yestertech NiMH pack in the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Hyundai claims that its 1.4 kilowatt-hour pack is 20-30 percent lighter, 40 percent smaller, and a tenth more efficient. You might expect for this to pay dividends in the area of cargo capacity (the batteries are located in the trunk), but in truth, the Hyundai’s 10.7 cubic-foot trunk is still dramatically smaller than that of a gas-only Sonata (16.4 cubes) and it’s about the same size as its competitors. Even if the flat-pack configuration doesn’t help free up more luggage space, Hyundai says the cells have improved thermal efficiency to help prolong life – the company’s durability targets for the pack stands at 10+ years and 150,000 miles.

Thanks in part to the LiPo batteries and the Sonata’s already light construction, the Sonata Hybrid checks in at 3,457 pounds, meaning that not only does it weigh a good bit less than the Ford Fusion Hybrid (along with the rest of its rivals), it actually undercuts the Blue Oval’s sedan in V6-flavor.

Unfortunately, we didn’t really get a feel for how this lightness impacts handling because we were limited to very brief, largely straight-line runs in prototypes at Hyundai’s Namyang Proving Ground outside of Seoul. What we can tell you is that at first blush, the Sonata Hybrid accelerates and shifts gears like a normal family sedan. By this we don’t mean “normal for a hybrid”– it just gathers speed in an utterly familiar, drama-free fashion. Yes, if you’re reserved with the throttle, you’ll generally be able to accelerate to around-town speeds without awakening the 2.4-liter until the battery’s depleted, but when driven as you would normally, you’ll realize that Hyundai’s decision to go with a conventional stepped gearbox over a CVT was a smart choice as the drivetrain acts and sounds like any other four-cylinder powertrain – no wonky stretched rubber band sensation or soundtrack that many CVT units deliver. We did notice a couple of incidents where the transmission ‘clunked’ a bit from gear to gear under part throttle, but Hyundai engineers acknowledge that they still have some bugs to work out before the car enters production.

Hyundai quotes a total combined power estimate of 209 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 194 pound-feet of torque. Both figures are actually slightly better than the gas-powered Sonata’s 198 hp and 184 lb-ft, although obviously the Hybrid is heavier. The gas-only car already has class-leading fuel economy figures of 22 miles per gallon in the city and 35 on the highway, while Hyundai estimates the hybrid will drum up 37 mpg in the urban cycle and 39 mpg out on the highway. As we’ve already observed over 40 mpg on the highway in a non-hybrid Sonata, we’re guessing that the factory estimates may be under-reported a bit. Even still, as with most hybrids, you’re really only likely to garner huge fuel savings – about 40 percent – if most of your driving is conducted in the city, not out on the open road. Either way, Hyundai has yet to officially reveal any other performance metrics, but we did note a Powerpoint slide suggesting 0-62 mph in 9.2 seconds, which seems a tad conservative.

The Sonata Hybrid’s cabin is nearly identical to other models in the range, with its most noticeable departure being the 4.2-inch LCD sandwiched in the middle of the gauge cluster. It displays the usual types of data for a gas-electric vehicle – mpg, EV-mode, energy flow diagrams and so on. As is the way these days, there’s also a video game-like mode to tell the driver how eco-conscious he or she is being, with points accumulated over time and a visual efficiency telltale that ranges from gray to bright blue. Beyond the gizmology, interior differences are expected to include a hybrid-specific color option as well as different seat patterns. All of which is fine by us, as the Sonata already has one of nicest interiors in the family sedan segment (though we admit we’re getting a bit tired of the blue gauge backlighting).

We’ll have to wait to arrive at a verdict on the Sonata Hybrid until pricing is revealed and we get substantially more time behind the wheel of a production model, but thus far, it looks pretty compelling. Treading The Middle Path for its development has not only saved Hyundai cost in certain areas (e.g. shared body panels and transmission), it’s enabled the company to splash out and go for broke in the ones that are important (LiPo batteries, distinct front-and-rear ends). Will it lead to a state of euphoric enlightenment for hybrid shoppers? Hyundai sure hopes so.

Hyundai USA has officially released the US specifications for the upcoming 2011 Hyundai Equus. Here’s the press release:

HYUNDAI RELEASES ENGINEERING AND FEATURE INFORMATION FOR THE ALL-NEW 2011 HYUNDAI EQUUSFOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 26, 2010 – Hyundai revealed additional engineering and feature information for the all-new 2011 Equus today. The Equus will be offered in just two configurations, Equus Signature and Equus Ultimate, both lavishly contented.

Equus Signature features the award-winning 385-horsepower Tau® V8 engine, a 608-watt Lexicon® audio system with 17 speakers, electronically controlled air suspension with continuous damping control, Vehicle Stability Management with pre-collision warning, Smart Cruise Control, HID headlamps, front and rear parking assistance system with rearview camera, premium leather seating, Alcantara suede headliner, driver seat massage, heated and cooled front seats, heated wood and leather steering wheel, and numerous other premium technologies and features. The Equus Ultimate adds features typically found only in low-volume special-order luxury sedans with six-figure price tags, including a forward-view parking and cornering camera, power decklid, reclining rear seats with powered headrests, cooled rear seats, rear seat massage and leg support, rear seat refrigerator and a rear seat entertainment system.

“When you’re spending this much for a new car, you don’t want to feel like you’ve been shortchanged on engineering, technology or features,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “Equus Signature has the technology and content of fully-optioned flagship models from Lexus and BMW, while Equus Ultimate delivers a specification approached only by our competitors’ low-volume, special-order models.”

This straightforward lineup of just two extremely well-equipped configurations enables a simple and elegant purchase experience, a key aspect of Hyundai’s innovative perspective on intelligent luxury, which also includes “Your Time, Your Place,” the industry’s first at-home vehicle demonstration program, the Valet Service program, which provides at-home pickup for Equus service and maintenance and the industry’s first iPad-based interactive owner’s manual.

EQUUS SIGNATURE KEY STANDARD FEATURES

• 4.6L DOHC Tau V8 engine
• Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®
• Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS)
• Electronically Controlled Air Suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC)
• 19-inch chrome alloy wheels with P245/45R19 (front) / P275/40R19 (rear) tires
• Four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and EBD
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with TCS and Brake Assist
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system with pre-collision warning
• Nine airbags: Advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags
• Electronic active front head restraints with power controls
• Electronic seatbelt pretensioners
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
• Smart Cruise Control
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with LED turn signal indicators
• Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) with auto-leveling
• Fog lights and automatic headlights
• Front and rear parking assistance system with rearview camera
• Dual power-folding heated auto-dimming side mirrors w/ turn signal indicators and approach lamps
• Dual asymmetrical exhaust tips integrated with rear bumper
• Proximity key entry with push-button start
• Illuminated scuff plates, inside door handles and door armrest
• Premium leather seating surfaces and Alcantara® suede headliner
• 12-way power driver seat plus lumbar adjustment and 10-way power front passenger seat
• Driver seat massage system
• Heated and cooled front seats
• Heated, wood-trimmed and leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
• Integrated Memory System (IMS) for driver-side seat, mirror and steering wheel
• Leather-wrapped dash and real wood interior trim
• Electroluminescent cluster (Supervision) with 3.5-inch TFT LCD screen
• Electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold
• Power windows with auto-down/up
• Navigation system w/ DIS and multimedia controller
• Apple iPad interactive owner’s manual
• 608-watt Lexicon 7.1 Discrete surround-sound audio system with 17 speakers
• iPod/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks and iPod connection cable
• XM® Satellite Radio & NavTraffic® with trial subscription
• Bluetooth® hands-free phone system
• Dual automatic temperature control with air quality system
• Windshield-wiper deicer, rain-sensing wipers and auto-defogging windshield with humidity sensor
• Electrochromic auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass
• Acoustic laminated windshield , front and rear side windows
• Power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof
• 60/40 power reclining and heated rear seats
• Power rear sunshade and rear side-window sunshades
• Luggage net
• Premium-grade floor mats
• Premium-grade trunk cargo mat
• First-aid kit (PIO)

FIRSTS FOR HYUNDAI AND CONSUMERS
As Hyundai’s flagship rear-wheel-drive sedan, Equus contains many Hyundai firsts. One innovative new technology is the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, which governs ESC, the electronic parking brake, smart cruise control, the collision warning sensor and the seatbelt tensioning system for optimal safety. The seatbelt tensioning system works through sensors, which detect critical driving situations and retract the seatbelts accordingly to prevent passenger movement. The Equus’ dynamic safety package is further enhanced by the Lane Departure Warning System and driver’s knee airbags.

Beyond safety, the Equus will also debut power rear side-window sunshades, a heated steering wheel, power trunk lid, dual power, heated and cooled front seats, rain-repelling front side windows, a thermoelectric rear console refrigerator, 60/40 split power reclining rear seats and electronically-controlled Air Suspension with dual-mode Continuous Damping Control.

Several new driver information technologies make their debut on the Equus. Driver and passengers can keep an eye on the Equus’ numerous electronic systems through the 3.5-inch TFT LCD vehicle information monitor. Equus also features a forward-view cornering camera and a parking guide system with both top view and rear view perspectives.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
Hyundai’s Tau V8, which has been rated one of Ward’s “Ten Best Engines” for two consecutive years, is a strong technological building block for Equus. It is joined by an unsurpassed standard feature list including Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, a heated steering wheel, power reclining rear seats, heated rear seats and a 608-watt Lexicon 7.1 Discrete surround sound audio system with 17 speakers. Equus Ultimate adds first-class rear seating and other focused rear compartment features that can only found on low-volume special-order competitive models.

EQUUS COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
Tau V8 engine, rated one of Ward’s “Ten Best Engines” for 2009 and 2010
First-class seating available on Equus Ultimate (competitors’ best seating options come only on the long-wheelbase variants)

• Standard Smart Cruise Control
• Standard Lane Departure Warning System
• Standard heated steering wheel
• Standard power reclining rear seats
• Standard heated rear seats
• Standard premium Lexicon 7.1 Discrete surround sound audio system with 17 speakers
• Available rear console refrigerator (only available on some competitors’ LWB models)

EXTERIOR FEATURE AND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY COMPARISON
Compared to its primary competitors, the Lexus LS460, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi A8, the Equus delivers a remarkable advantage in technology and feature content. Air suspension, 19-inch wheels, a collision warning system, nine airbags including rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, a Lane Departure Warning System, Smart Cruise Control, HID headlights, AFLS, front and rear parking sensors, a rear backup camera and a proximity key with push-button start come standard on Equus Signature and Equus Ultimate.

INTERIOR FEATURE COMPARISON
Equus delivers an extraordinary package of interior technologies and features including an Alcantara suede headliner, heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, memory system, electronic parking brake, auto vehicle hold, navigation system, iPod connection, dual fully automatic temperature control, sunroof, power rear side-window shades, driver-seat massage, power reclining rear seats (60/40), heated rear seats and a power rear sunshade.

Of special appeal to audiophiles is the Equus’ standard, industry-leading 608-watt audio unit, the Lexicon® 7.1 Discrete surround sound audio system featuring 17 speakers.

EQUUS ULTIMATE ADDS ULTRA LUXURY FEATURES

• Equus Ultimate adds or replaces:
• 50/50 split rear seats (four-passenger seating) with reclining function
• First-class passenger-side rear seat: leg support and massage system
• Cooled rear seats
• Rear-seat entertainment system w/ eight-inch monitor
• Thermoelectric rear center console refrigerator
• Rear-seat power up/down head restraints w/ manual tilt
• Rear-seat illuminated vanity mirrors
• Forward-view cornering camera
• Power trunk lid

The Equus Ultimate takes the luxury mandate of the Equus Signature and enhances it with a package of high-end amenities new to this price class. In the rear, the power-adjustable right-side seat provides passengers a generous 84 degrees of leg support, with the capability to move the front passenger seat forward and out of the way for full leg extension.

The Equus Ultimate replaces the 60:40 rear seat of the Equus Signature with a 50:50 power reclining seating configuration.

The seat-back of this 50:50 seat massages and vibrates with heat — the perfect relaxation therapy for extended cruising. It is operated by its own remote control unit.

Ample, first-class-style headrests also contain wings that can be adjusted for perfect comfort and support, ideal for napping or mere relaxation.
The rear seat experience in the Equus Ultimate is further upgraded by an eight-inch LCD screen.

This individual entertainment system will play DVDs for rear-seat passengers, as well as demonstrate audio features and report on HVAC status. The rear multimedia monitor can be controlled from the rear console, which also houses the remote control seat massage function.

These controls also activate the heated and cooled rear seats and the rear console refrigerator.

Other Equus Ultimate features include rear-seat power up/down head restraints with manual tilt, rear-seat illuminated vanity mirrors, a forward-view cornering camera to help drivers navigate around tight corners and a power trunk lid.

THE HEART OF HYUNDAI’S FLAGSHIP – SOPHISTICATED POWERTRAIN AND CHASSIS TECHNOLOGIES
The Equus is powered by Hyundai’s two-consecutive-year award-winning 4.6-Liter DOHC Tau V8 engine, mated to a ZF® six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. The overall driving experience is enhanced by Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) and an electronically-controlled Air Suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and Smart Cruise Control. Stopping power is provided by four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and EBD. The Equus rides on 19-inch chrome alloy wheels with P245/45R19 (front) / P275/40R19 (rear) tires.

STANDARD SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Equus features standard ESC with TCS and Brake Assist. A new Hyundai safety innovation comes in the form of the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with pre-collision warning. VSM ties all of the active and passive safety features together, making sure that they perform optimally and in conjunction with one another.

Other safety features include a total of nine standard airbags (advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags), electronic active front head restraints with power controls, electronic seatbelt pretensioners and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). In addition to these, a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) makes its Hyundai debut on the Equus.

COLORS
Equus offers four exterior color choices and three interior theme choices. Exterior colors are White Satin Pearl, Black Noir Pearl, Granite Gray and Platinum Metallic. Interior themes are Cashmere with genuine Birch Burl wood, Jet Black with genuine walnut wood and Saddle with genuine walnut wood.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through about 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

Hyundai Recasts Intelligent Luxury with Two Equus Configurations

Before you buy somewhere else, there are a few things you should know

Not every dealer is as transparent as Parkway Hyundai in Wilmington, NC is when it comes to doing business. Here are a few things you should know and keep an eye out for:

Disclaimers – Some dealers will show you an incredibly low price on their website that seems to blow the competition away. Well, read the fine print and you’ll quickly see that the price that’s “too-good-to-be-true” is exactly that. Many dealers will show a vehicle priced with every available rebate reduced from the original price. Some of these rebates include:

·         HMFC Financing Rebates – Available when Hyundai Motor Finance offers a Rebate when you opt for special financing rates through HMFC.

·         Owner Loyalty Coupons – Available when existing Hyundai owners purchase or lease certain new Hyundai models

·         Manufacturers Rebates – Available when Hyundai offers Rebates on different models that vary in amount and availability.

·         Military Rebates – Available when customers meet certain requirements pertaining to their employment by the U.S. Military.

·         College Graduate Rebates – Available when recent college graduates complete college under certain conditions (i.e. attend an accredited 4 year college/university).

·         Mobility Coupons - Allowance for Handicap Adjustments to vehicles when certain conditions are met.

 

Chances are you won’t qualify for every rebate all at once – but that doesn’t stop some dealers from saying they are all “available.” Yes, they are available, but unless you fall into each rebates’ qualifying requirements you are in for a surprise when it comes time to talk numbers.

 

Bump Stickers – Addendum stickers are an interesting practice to say the least. You’ve seen them, but have you every really thought about what they are and what they say about the dealer? Technically called “Addendum Stickers,” these stickers have commonly become referred to as “Bump Stickers,” due to the fact that they allow dealers to do exactly that – bump the price! You would be amazed at some of the business practices some dealers take when it come to these stickers – practices that could cost you hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars when it comes time to complete your purchase. Here are a few examples of what we’ve seen over the years:

 

·         “Market Adjustment” – $1,995.00 – Exactly what market adjustment? We aren’t to sure what this means other than they just made $2,000 extra off of you if you bought from their market.

·         “Coastal Environmental Protection Package” – $995.00 – Includes Paint Protection and Fabric Sealant – That’s an expensive wax and conditioning job if you ask us.

·         “Detail Appearance Package” – $295.00 – This sounds like the most expensive car wash we’ve ever heard of.

·         “Import Market Assessment” – $695.00 – Honestly, we don’t know what this even means. Do you? We do know it means the dealer who is charging this just made another $695 if you buy from them.

·         “Dealer Protection Package” – $1,595.00 – We assume this one is a combination of all of the above. Again, almost $1,600 you just threw away if you bought from dealers like this.

The only Addendum Stickers you may ever see at Parkway – and we stress the words “may see” since we don’t use them often – will be for dealer added accessories that you can actually see. This may include a set of Cross Rails on a Santa Fe, Mud Flaps on a new Sonata, Sunroof Deflector on a new Elantra or a Cargo Cover on a new Tucson. We aren’t in the business to charge for “invisible products,” but we are in the business of doing things the right way.