Is Kia K9 the same car as Hyundai Equus luxury sedan?

Spies have caught the all-new Kia K9 luxury sedan in Korea. The Kia K9 has been rumored to hit the South Korean market in spring 2012 as a 2013 model year. No official details about the car has been released as of yet, however, Kia fans over at Kia-World.net reported that the K9 luxury sedan shares powertrain technology with the 2011 Hyundai Equus.

Hyundai Equus sits on a rear-wheel drive platform, meaning the Kia K9 will become Kia's first ever rear-wheel-drive sedan. If rumors appear to be true, then the K9 will be powered by Hyundai's Tau V8 engine. It is not known which engine Hyundai will put under the hood of Kia's luxury car, but there are two options; the 4,6L V8 or 5,0L V8. In both cases, the V8 powerplant features GDI technology and churns out plenty of horsepower.

The 8-speed automatic transmission is also expected to be fitted under the hood of new Kia K9. Stay tuned for more news... [Photosource: bobaedream.co.kr]

Hyundai starts Solaris production in Russia

Hyundai Solaris production commences at the automaker's brand-new manufacturing plant in Russia!

Hyundai announced today it has began production of its all-new Solaris sub-compact sedan at its brand-new manufacturing plant in Russia. First unveiled as a Solaris concept car at the 2010 Moscow auto show, the all-new Solaris boasts Hyundai's eye-catching "fluidic sculpture" design and up-to-date safety features.

The vehicle is propelled by the automaker's upgraded 1.4L and 1.6L Gamma engines and features several adaptations to suit the Russia's weather conditions and roads. For example, the all-new Hyundai Solaris rides 160mm above the ground and features a larger-than-average four-liter washer fluid reservoir with fluid-level sensor to warn drivers when a refill is required.

In addition, the model is equipped with a robust 60Ah battery for improved cold-start performance and a heater duct for rear-seat passengers.

The all-new Hyundai Solaris sub-compact sedan, which is also known as the Hyundai Accent in the States, is built at Hyundai's Russian assembly plant, which currently employs around 1.300 workers. The plant is equipped with the latest assembly technology, which provides a high level of automation in the car production process.

While this year, Hyundai aims to produce 105.000 units of new Solaris in Russia, the plant is capable of producing 150.000 units per year. Currently, the Solaris is only available as a four-door sedan, but soon, it'll be joined by a five-door hatchback. Once the five-door Solaris hits production, Hyundai will increase the number of produced vehicles to 150.000 units per year.

Gui-Il Chun, General Director of HMMR, a fully-owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, told to the press: "This is a historic moment, not only for Hyundai, but for Russia as well, as we are the first foreign automaker to operate a full-cycle manufacturing plant here.

Hyundai Curb concept car

Hyundai plans to unveil the Curb concept car at the 2011 North American Auto Show next week.

The South Korean carmaker today released two teaser images previewing the side profile of the car's body and interior layout. In our humble opinion, the Curb concept represents Hyundai's desire to enter the untapped mini-crossover vehicle, which is currently dominated by Nissan Juke and a similar, but overpriced, vehicle from Mini.

We have no details about the Curb's powertrain technology, but we believe it uses Hyundai's "Blue Drive" powertrain technology, which means its either powered by Hyundai's advanced electric hybrid system or it could also run on electricity alone.

The Curb concept car will be making its official US premiere at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, which kicks off on Monday. Stay tuned for the full NAIAS auto show coverage and more official images and information of the new Hyundai Curb concept vehicle!

Hyundai Curb concept interior:

2011 Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group sales expected to rise 10 percent

Hyundai Motor Company, together with its affiliate Kia Motors, aims to boost the 2011 new car sales by as much as 10 percent!

Hyundai revealed yesterday that it plans to sell 6.33 million new cars in 2011, up 10 percent from 5.75 million units sold in 2010. To find the new growth, the South Korean carmaker plans to debut at least 12 new vehicles this year, including the Veloster sports car, which is scheduled to make its official premiere at the 2011 North American International Auto Show.

Hyundai will also introduce the all-new Azera sedan, which is also known as Hyundai Grandeur in the South Korean market and a brand-new MPV model. While there are no other details about other up-coming Hyundai products, we do have some information about the 2011 Kia releases.

The second largest Korean carmaker will roll out its entry-level Picanto minicar this year, as well as next generation Kia Rio. Kia will also debut a new minivan model, which will make its premiere at the 2011 NAIAS next month.

Upcoming new models will help Hyundai and Kia to do well in overseas markets, while global car demand will likely remain healthy, said one of the analytics working in the automobile industry. You can expect to see Hyundai to grow its sales further and challenge the Renault-Nissan alliance to take the place as the fourth largest carmaker in the world.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to get more horsepower and mild facelift

Hyundai's first real sports car, which brings the power to its rear wheels, the Genesis Coupe, is getting a mild facelift for the 2012 model year. The facelift will affect the car's front fascia, which will incorporate slightly redesigned set of head-lights, as well as some minor styling updates on the bumper.


According to some rumors, the 2012 Genesis Coupe will also receive a horsepower increase. The 2.0L Turbo engine, which is currently available in the US-specs Gen Coupe, will be replaced by a new powerplant.

It is believed that the 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe will get a 2.0L turbo engine from 2011 Sonata Turbo. If this comes true, the entry-level 2012 Genesis Coupe will feature 274 horsepower and achieve the segment's best fuel economy at the same time.

With the introduction of the new 2.0L turbo engine, Hyundai will probaby increase the power of its 3.6L V6, which is also available in the current Genesis Coupe model. The 3.6L V6 will get the GDI technology, which will result in more power and better torque numbers. Expect the 2012 Genesis Coupe V6 to pack somewhere close to 350 horsepower.

New Hyundai car releases in 2011

Recently, we obtained some relatively fresh information about Hyundai's 2011 releases. The South Korean largest carmaker plans to release several new and updated vehicles in 2011 in order to gains sales at its home Korean market as well as Internationally.

In the first half of 2011 Hyundai will launch two important vehicles. The long-awaited Grandeur HG, which will replace the Azera is slated to go on sale in Korea at the beginning of 2011. The all-new Grandeur HG, known also as Hyundai Azera in the States, will be the very-first from a Korean carmaker to be fitted with advanced smart cruise control system, which automatically regulates speed and distance with the vehicle in front. The system is also able to halt and restart the vehicle if the distance with the vehicle in front is suddenly reduced.

The Grandeur will be followed by an entry level sports coupe. First previewed as a Veloster concept car two years ago, the all-new FWD sports car, codenamed FS, is expected to make its official premiere at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show.



At the end of the 2011, Hyundai also plans to introduce the facelifted version of its Genesis Coupe which will receive slight styling makeover and powertrain upgrade. The 2.0L Turbo engine, which is available in the Genesis Coupe today is rumored to be replaced by Hyundai's brand-new 2.0L Turbo GDI engine, which already propels Sonata Turbo. The engine features gasoline direct injection technology and generates impressive 274 horsepower.

A slightly updated Gensis sedan is also expected to appear at Hyundai stores towards the end of the year. In addition, Hyundai also plans to reveal at least two concept cars in 2011.

Hyundai beatsToyota in terms of new car sales in Europe

Hyundai Motor Company sold more new cars in the European market than Toyota, during the first eight months of the year. In October, Hyundai and Kia sales combined topped 47,741 units, taking up 4.5 percent of the European auto market, while Toyota managed to sell 46,500 new vehicles for a 4.4 percent market share.

Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors saw its accumulated sales through October rise 3,8 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively, from a year earlier, but Toyotass salesdecreased 16,5% over the same period of time.

During the first ten months of the year, Hyundai and Kia sold 521,369 units in Europe, while Toyota sold about 10.000 units less vehicles (511,754 units).

According to Koreaherald.co.kr, the Volkswagen Group dominates the European new car market with a 21.4 percent share. It is followed by PSA (Peugeot Citroen), which holds 13.4 percent market share and Renault SA with a 10.2 percent share.

The PGA TOUR Season-Opening Event Gets a New Title Sponsor: Hyundai

Hyundai has done it again. It announced early this month that it has just closed a deal as the title sponsor for the next three years of the season-opening tournament of the PGA TOUR at The Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii in January 2011.

Hyundai Motor America has joined hands with the PGA TOUR and Seoul Broadcasting System International (SBS) for this global sporting event.

This is another big international spectacle that shall bear the name of Hyundai. The world cannot help but take notice. This is in line with Hyundai’s advertising strategy, which is called “Big Voices in Big Places”, targeting major international events and advertising venues such as the NFL Super Bowl, the Academy Awards where it landed an exclusive automotive sponsorship, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ as a global sponsor.

After a series of talks with the PGA TOUR and SBS, Hyundai was delighted with the three-way cooperation and finally sealed the partnership with both as the title sponsor of the tournament.

As agreed upon with PGA TOUR, the tournament that shall commence in 2011 shall be called the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. The moniker “Tournament of Champions” is the event’s original title, because the competition is exclusively for past tournament winners.

“Hyundai’s title sponsorship of the PGA TOUR’s traditional season-opening tournament aligns our brand with world-class athletes who mirror our own competitive drive,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America’s CEO and president. “This sponsorship ensures that every champion at the tournament will arrive in luxury, and the fans that follow the sport will be exposed to an all-new interpretation of intelligent luxury, the Hyundai Equus.”

The first Tournament of Champions was held at the Desert Inn Country Club in Las Vegas in 1953 until 1967. It then moved to Stardust Country Club in Clark County and then to La Costa Country Club in Carlsbad, California in 1969. After 30 years, the tournament made its way to picturesque Kapalua, Hawaii beginning in 1999.

PGA TOUR is excited to begin work with its new partner. According to Tim Finchem, PGA TOUR Commissioner, “We are delighted to welcome Hyundai to the PGA TOUR family. In our discussions, Hyundai expressed interest in continuing its brand momentum throughout the U.S., as well as further strengthening its position in Asia. This title sponsorship will help accomplish these goals.”

Now working hand-in-hand with Hyundai, SBS was the former title sponsor of the event and will continue to take a significant part, primarily because it has signed a 10-year sponsorship agreement with the tournament in May 2009. This means SBS shall provide its services through 2019, which include PGA TOUR broadcasts in Korea and on-site activities.

SBS has broadcasted the PGA TOUR tournaments in Korea for more than 15 years, and nine more years to come.

Golf lovers and aficionados are looking forward to the 2011 Hyundai Tournament of Champions that will happen on January 3 through January 9, 2011. All eyes are on Geoff Ogilvy, the two-time defending champion from Australia who has vowed to make a three-peat.

Feel free to read more about Hyundai Motor Company at our Hyundai fan website!

Hyundai Elantra 2011 unveiled at Los Angeles Auto Show

Hyundai unveils new Elantra compact sedan at the on-going auto show in Los Angeles.


Hyundai Elantra 2011 will hit the dealerships in the States shortly after its official unveiling. If you're planning to buy a new compact car, you should definitely wait a month or two and take it for a spin.

Hyundai says the all-new Elantra encompasses the automaker's latest ambitions including "Fluidic Sculpture" design, advanced safety and powertrain technology and fuel efficiency.

Under the hood, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra features the carmaker's latest four-cylinder engine with displacement of 1.8L. Codenamed Nu, the 1.8L four-cyl. unit produces 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque. The engine, which weighs 74 pounds less than the one it replaces, is mated to Hyundai's brand new six-speed automatic gearbox, which also available in the 2011 Sonata sedan and 2011 Santa Fe SUV.

The new model has grown in size; its overall length has increased by 0.9 inches to 178.3 inches, while the width remained the same as with with previous generation (69.9-inch). According to Hyundai, the height has been lowered by 1.8 inches to 56.5 inches, without affecting headroom.


In addition to offering a modern design and advanced powertrain technology, the Elantra also offers luxury features such as touch-screen navigation, rear-view camera, and iPod and USB inputs, heated rear seats, hands-free phone system with voice recognition and many others.

Pricing for the Elantra 2011 starts $14,830 for the base GLS model and ends $21,980 for the range-topping Premium model. [Source: Hyundai-blog.com]

Hyundai Grandeur/Azera 2012 image renderings

Hyundai introduces the up-coming Grandeur / Azera with the release of the very first official teaser shots.


Codenamed GH, the 2012 Grandeur (known also as Azera in the markets outside Korea) is scheduled to go on sale in South Korea at the beginning of 2011. According to Hyundai, the all-new Grandeur will be vastly improved in comparison to the current model as it will feature completely new exterior and interior design, as well as more modern powertrain technology.

The automaker has yet to reveal more details about the engine line-up of the new Grandeur, however, some websites like Hyundai Blog alreadyrevealed there will be four available engines when the model goes on sale.
The most powerful of all will be the 3.3L V6 with 286 horsepower, while the base engine will be a four-cylindwer unit that produces 201 horsepowr. A 3.0L LPI engine will also be available says Hyundai Blog, which provides more details and information about the forth-coming 2012 Hyundai Grandeur.

Hyundai will release more details about the new Azera/Grandeur within a month or two. Sales are expected to commence early in 2011.

Hyundai Sonata wins the 2010 Middle East Motor Award

The highly apraised Hyundai Sonata, which has already received numerous awards in the USA has recently received the MIDDLE EAST MOTOR AWARD 2010 as the best mid-size sedan in the segment.

The all-new Sonata underwent through several road and track tests as well as comprehensive competitor comparisons. Sonata bested all competing cars including the Honda Accord, Ford Taurus and Nissan Altima. According to judges of the 2010 Middle East Motor Awards, the Sonata provides superior performance, safety and technology than all of the afforementioned vehicles.


As well as in the States, where Sonata has experienced a high demand from consumers, it has also earned a steady recognition in the Middle East. Sonata sales in the Middle East have never been so high, says Hyundai. Its sales from Januar to September 2010 have grown up 103 percent compared to the same period of previous year!

The 2011 Sonata sedan has only been on sale in the Middle East since the beginning of the year and the popular mid-size model already won the Car of the Year title from Sports Auto and Gulf Auto magazines. Two months aof, the Sonata and Tucson crossover also received the Car of the Year awards from Syria-based Auto Sports publication.

Hyundai Montgomery plant to produce more Sonatas

New Hyundai Sonata sales are heating up!!

New Hyundai Sonata sedan, which went on sale in February this year, is so popular that Hyundai is having problems keeping up to build enough vehicles to satisfy the demand. The automaker has recently announced it will move production of Santa Fe SUV from its Montgomery manufacturing plant to West Point Georgia, where Kia Motors produces Sorento crossover.

Hyundai Sonata sales have increased more than 50 percent to over 18.000 units for the second month in a row and Hyundai workers at the plant have been working extended hours to produce enough Sonata sedans.



With the demand so high, it is very likely that the plant will need to remain on extended hours for the next few months.

According to top Hyundai official, the automaker expected the redesigned Sonata to sell well, but intial demand has them all. Sonata is setting record-high sales and Hyundai could sell even more cars if they could increase the supply. Unfortunatelly, Sonata's production is limited to around 200.000 vehicles per year.

"Demand is clearly above what we can supply at the Montgomery plant," Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik said recently.

Hyundai sales in Eastern Europe slows down

According to KAMA, Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association, South Korean automakers experienced slower sales in Eastern Europe in the first eleven months of 2009.

Their sales performance has been affected by economic slump in the region. Overall auto sales in Russia fell from 2.69 million units in 2008 to 1.34 million units in 2009.

Reportedly, Hyundai Motor Company and other South Korean automakers including Kia and GM Daewoo have sold a total of 88.547 new cars in Russia and some Eastern European markets in the first 11 months, while a year earlier they sold 378.395 new cars.


The report also mentioned that on the other hand, Hyundai achieved some good results in the US market. Its manufacturing plant, which produces Santa Fe SUV and Sonata sedan rolled out a millionth car last month after only four and a hlf years since opening!