Next-gen Hyundai Sonata (YF) spied, i30 F/L?

A few days ago, KBS - a renowned South Korean TV channel giant - aired a program that showed what goes behind the walls of Hyundai's R&D facility in Namyang, Korea. Similar to Bob Lutz's TV-only sneak peeks of the Pontiac G8 and Cadillac CTS in the past, the Korean program gave the audience a glimpse of the next-generation Hyundai Sonata (YF) in testing.

If you look closely in one of the shots, you will gain a very minute look at the interior of the upcoming mid-size sedan. From what we can tell, the info screen housing will be characterized by a bold contour on the top that reminds vaguely of the Infiniti FX and Honda Accord. The overall design remains fairly conservative like the current Sonata, albeit the YF brings a sleeker coupe-like theme.

One shot shows the next-generation Hyundai Tucson (LM) in testing. It does not reveal more than what we already have determined. The most interesting part about this masquerade of images, however, is an image that shows a designer's sketch of a Hyundai i30. The one depicted is highlighted by a new front fascia, which implies a facelift in the runnings. Continue after the jump to view the images in their full glory.

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Hyundai keeps "Equus" name for VI

Hyundai has announced that it will retain the 'Equus' nomenclature for the automaker's anticipated large rear-wheel drive luxury car, code-named 'VI'. In the Korean market, the name is instantly recognized for luxury and Hyundai is very well cognizant of that fact.

The 'New Equus', as it is officially going to be dubbed, will be rear-wheel drive for the first time. The current Equus has been front-wheel drive since its inception in 1999. It is also developed fully by Hyundai for the first time, as the current generation model was the result of a co-operation with Mitsubishi. The New Equus will be available in two powertrain configurations initially: a 290 hp 3.8L Lambda V6 and a 375 hp 4.6L Tau V8. Later, Hyundai will add a more potent, 400+ hp 5.0L V8.

The New Equus will be unveiled next February, with sales commencing soon after.


[Source: Bobaedream (Korean)] [Read more on this article...]

2010 Lexus HS 250h Dedicated Hybrid Sedan Confirmed for Detroit Show

We've been hearing rumors about Lexus' first dedicated hybrid model for quite a while now, but today, the Japanese automaker officially confirmed that the all-new HS 250h will make its worldwide debut at next month's 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Lexus has not disclosed any official information whatsoever on the HS 250h, but according to the grapevine, the dedicated hybrid sedan will be similar in size to the company's IS Sedan.

Sources also suggest that the HS 250h will be initially launched in 2009 with conventional nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries, but will switch to lithium-ion cells by the end of 2010. Stay tuned on Carscoop for more details on the highly anticipated Lexus hybrid model.

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2010 Cadillac SRX Hits the Snow

GM has released the first official video of its new BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK rival, the 2010 Cadillac SRX. The compact crossover-SUV-CUV-we don't know the difference any more, will be unveiled at the Detroit motor show in January with sales scheduled to start during the second quarter of 2009. Cadillac has not announced any details on the powertrain options -or at least not officially- but expect to see the SRX being offered in most markets with the CTS' duo of 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engines. Hit the 'Read More' button below to watch the SRX pointlessly fooling around in the snow. [Read more on this article...]

Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss 2009

The Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss is the crown glory of the soon-to-be discontinued, SLR McLaren super sports car. Named after the British motor racing legend and Mille Miglia record-holder Stirling Moss, who drove the legendary SLR racing cars during the 1950s, the speedster version of the SLR comes with neither a roof nor a windscreen. Not that anyone will leave the car exposed to the elements of nature, but the vehicle can be closed by two tonneau covers which are carried in the boot.

Power is provided by the same supercharged V8 engine as the standard SLR with an output of 650HP. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 3.5 seconds and with a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph), the SLR Stirling Moss is the fastest series-production car drop-top in the world.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the common denominator uniting the Stirling Moss with the other members of the SLR family is the aerodynamic concept with a closed underbody and a diffuser in the rear bumper for maximum possible downforce at the rear axle.

The German firm's engineers have also retained the SLR's airbrake which is raised during powerful braking at speeds above 120 km/h (75 mph), so as to stabilize the vehicle even more in such situations.

The SLR Stirling Moss' exterior styling is reminiscent of the SLR racing cars from the 1950s featuring a pronounced arrow-shaped form and is characterized by an elongated bonnet and a compact rear-end. The sportscar is also equipped with folding swing-wing doors which open forwards. Inside, Merc's designers tried to leave only the bare essentials using materials such as carbon fibre, aluminum and leather.

Production of the exclusive SLR Stirling Moss will be limited to 75 units with pricing set at €750,000 -around $1,070,000. However, only customers who have previously bought an SLR will be able to order the Stirling Moss. Following the cease of production of the SLR models in May 2009, Mercedes will begin manufacturing the SLR Stirling Moss in June 2009.

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2009 Lincoln MKS/ Quick Drive

Nissan Korea officially marked its beginning in the South Korean market today at its launching event in Seoul. The initial line-up consists of the Murano and Rogue crossovers. Greg Phillips, the head of Nissan Korea, announced that other models, such as Altima and GT-R, will reach Korean shores by next year.

Simultaneously with the launch of the brand, Nissan opened four official dealerships located in Seoul, Bundang, and Busan. A fifth dealer was also announced for the first-half of 2009. The brand introduced a "3S" mantra: Sales, Service, and Spare parts. As Nissan shares close ties with the prominent brand Renault-Samsung, all Nissan vehicles can be serviced at all nine Renault-Samsung A/S centers across South Korea. Phillips stated that Nissan aims to nab a 10 percent market share of the import-car segment in South Korea by 2015.

The Rogue is available in three trims: 2WD, 4WD Deluxe, and 4WD Premium. The trio is respectively priced at a segment-busting 29.9 million Won (USD$22,535), 34.6 million Won (USD$26,078), and 35.9 million Won (USD$27,058). The Murano is priced at 48.9 million Won (USD$36,856).

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Lia Nissan of Colonie Murano and Rogue 2009

Nissan has recently introduced the world market in the mid-sized premium crossover, Roh (Murano) and urban style compact crossover logs (Rogue) two kinds of introduction to the Korean market and first, and then the next year Altima sedan, and Super Car GT - R models, such as the South Korean consumer demand, in sequential order in accordance with the will be available in the market.

Korea Nissan automobile marketing & of inclusion Middle East and Africa area; The qualitative dotage which generalizes a sale [cu] (Gilles Normand) executive vice-presidents lead and press interview “they are steady growth power next introducing the Nissan brand to Korean income market there is and attains GT2012 where is a mid-term plan of the Nissan automobile where the growth and trust have become character meaning which is big very,” “the product where the state-of-the-art technique and design of `SHIFT_the way you [ey_tta_la] Nissan bays which are a Nissan global tag line are had both, customer satisfactory service, to have price etc. is rational and the mobile means where the Nissan automobile is simple and to pass over level the possibility of moving the mind of the high Korean customers in order to be, customer impression Said will come true”.

Philips president that rack of Korean Nissan ㈜ " With official coming out of the Nissan brand Korean Nissan [lek] to be sour in Korean market the brand and the premium brand all [chwul_si_han] " where becomes the first Japanese auto company; Nissan brand coming out also revealed meaning which is different. Also " Nissan with the different competitive brand differently from queue [pu] until GT-r is various collects all styles with the brand which possesses the lineup which powerful and is, will be able to suit long-term in the expectation of the Korean customers who are various long-term and said”.

The nothing which is a medium-sized premium crossover which same time comes out today the log which is Roh and a city center style compact crossover model the speed change shock to apply Nick CVT (Xtronic CVT™) with X [thu] which is a Nissan up-to-date no permission transmission is quick without and makes a present a soft accelerative characteristic, nothing 9.3km/l where divides, the log 2WD and 4WD is proud a same class highest [swu_cwun_uy] continued ratio respectively with 11.8km/l and 10.7km/l.

Not only two models all SUV sections where the American express highway insurance association (IIHS) which stands the safe standard which is strict takes out the etc. safety which is selected in the difference which is most safe of course efficiency and design is majority holding the winning career which is an international.

Medium-sized premium crossover nothing 260 horse powers to affix VQ 3.5L engines which are selected in 14 continuous world-wide 10 engines which divides and displays 34kg.m torques, is comfortable and dry is silent makes a present an experience round. The interior is and “design and the up-to-date biased system which is various the suite room which moves” [khen] [seyp] with becomes [lek] to be sour one atmosphere and provides. Meantime, log 168 horse power to load 2.5L series 4 cylinder engines and the operation to embody 23kg.m torques of same class top makes a present the fun, the demand which driver is functional and the response which is emotional all to be satisfied, is a compact crossover of new dimension.

Philips president Korean Nissan ㈜ that rack “will be planning coming out next year and according to demand of the Korean customer investigated coming out of the models which Nissan are charming actively even in the mote E, and the GT-r outside said until 2015 the plan which will secure a domestic income market share 10%”.

Departure and dealer the Nissan domestic formality which simultaneously starts a sale the Seoul area south of the Han river JJ motors, is Seoul Seocho Korean-American auto motive, secession SK network [su], and Pusan Pacific motors etc. 4 place, to first half of the year Inch'on area (Korean-American auto motive) Nissan exhibition hall next year 5 a plan the open is.

The Nissan customers `3S' (sale [cu] and service, the [su] fair - the parts) [khen] [seyp] from the synthetic maintenance service center of the maximum size which is located in all Nissan exhibition hall which is founded under and Seoul number of stars east the Nissan bay will be able to experience the dignity service a possibility of receiving the periodical inspection which is basic from Kwangju, Daegu and 9 [lu] Roh Samsung service centers which are located in change of abode, the pearl, Kangnung and Cheju etc. entire country and plate personal seal service etc. even on this outside, Ilsan and Inch'on, electrification, there is.

Nothing Roh's consumer price is 4,890 ten thousand won (additional tax inclusion), log 2WD and 4WD deluxe, and 4WD premiums are respectively 2,990 ten thousand won, 3,460 ten thousand won and 3,590 ten thousand won (additional tax inclusion).

[Source: BobaeDream] [Read more on this article...]