Hyundai Sonata 30th Anniversary

Hyundai is celebrating the 30th anniversary for the iconic Sonataç mid-size sedan. The Sonata made its debut in 1985 in Korea, playing a pivotal role in Hyundai’s growth and reputation.

With more than 7.3 million Hyundai Sonata models sold since its introduction, Sonata has become a family sedan loved by customers all around the world.

“The Hyundai Sonata has been a huge factor in Hyundai’s growth not only in the U.S., but around the world,” said Dave Zuchowski, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “During its 30-year history, we have been able to craft and evolve Sonata to the ever-changing needs of our customers. And, with the Sonata family growing this summer to include the all-new Sonata Plug-In Hybrid, we’re expanding an already diverse lineup with something for everyone.”

In the U.S., Sonata was introduced in 1988 and helped Hyundai grow into one of the country’s top automakers. Since then, Hyundai Motor America has sold more than 2.3 million units in the U.S., including nearly 80,000 Sonata Hybrid models since its 2011 U.S. introduction.

HYUNDAI SONATA GENERATIONS (maybe you can remember we done a trip through the years about the 7th Sonata’s generation)

1st Generation Sonata (1985) (Check our article here)

The 1st Generation Sonata was one of Hyundai’s first models designed exclusively by Hyundai’s in-house design teams. The 1st Generation started the Sonata legacy by exceeding 1 million unit sales in Korea for a single model line for the first time.

2nd Generation Sonata (1988) (Check our article here)

Unlike the 1st Generation model, which was rear-drive, the 2nd Generation Hyundai Sonata employed a front-wheel drive system for enhanced interior packaging efficiency. As Korea’s first independently-designed model, it departed from angular design language and adopted a more organic, aerodynamic design. The facelift of this generation, launched in 1991, was the first model to be badged with the newly revised Hyundai logo.

3rd Generation Sonata (1993) (Check our article here)

The 1990s marked the acceleration of digital technologies replacing traditional analog technologies. The 3rd Generation Sonata leveraged this consumer trend, enjoying robust sales due to many advanced features, including automatic side mirrors and anti-lock braking system (ABS) technologies.

4th Generation Sonata (1998) (Check our article here)

The 4th Generation Sonata, launched in 1998, was the best-selling model in Korea from February 1999 to August 2000. This generation was sold in Europe and was equipped with an in-house developed engine and a Hyundai Intelligent Vehicle Electronic Control (HIVEC) transmission. It was also the highest scoring mid-size sedan in the 2004 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey in the U.S.

5th Generation Sonata (2004) (Check our article here)

The 5th Generation Sonata was designed to be a world-class mid-size sedan as a fundamental development target. This generation of Sonata adopted a European design theme, offering premium character and road presence. Equipped with significantly advanced features and a top-ranked safety rating, the 5th Generation Sonata received near universal praise from automotive media and customers alike.

6th Generation Sonata (2009) (Check our article here)

The 6th Generation Sonata was one of the first Hyundai models to employ the industry-leading Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy. Its bold and compelling design, powerful, efficient engine and solid performance created a new sensation in mid-size sedan markets throughout the world with record sales, solidifying Sonata in the minds of consumers as one of the Hyundai’s most recognizable models. In addition, the Sonata Hybrid model was introduced globally on the Sonata platform in 2010.

7th Generation Sonata (2014) (Check our reviews of the Turbo and the 2.4 GDi here & here, respectively)

The latest 7th Generation Sonata has further refined and balanced the convention-shattering version of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy, raising the bar for the mid-size sedan segment in both design and performance. Further, the all-new Sonata expanded its powertrain offerings with two additional eco-friendly models, including the Sonata Hybrid unveiled in 2014, and the first Sonata Plug-In Hybrid model, introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2015.

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2016 Hyundai Santa Fe Rendered

Today we can share with you first render of the 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe facelift thanks to @KKSStudio partially undisguised while the car continue its testing around Europe and South Korea.

Looking at the picture, the Hyundai Santa Fe facelift shows a little updates such as a Tucson inspired muffler and front hexagonal grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, newly designed LED front and rear lights and alloy wheels.

The facelift Santa Fe is expected to be first mass production Hyundai Hybrid SUV in cooperation with Hyundai WIA (a member of the Hyundai Motor Group and the 2nd biggest automotive parts manufacturer in South Korea) and to be launched this year.

This technology will be named as “e-4WD” and it will be mounted on the rear wheel of the SUVs. The system will transmits the power to the rear wheels only, while the petrol engine will move the front wheels. A regenerative braking system to charge the battery with the energy generated at the time of deceleration will be mounted. 

Recently Hyundai Wia was started the final stage of the e-4WD system development scheduled to be mass produced during this year. The system may be mounted on the Hyundai Motor’s main SUV, the Santa Fe. The e-4WD system can be selectively controlled from the interior.

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KIA RACING Scores Back-to-Back Podium Finishes In Rounds Five And Six Of Pirelli World Challenge At Barber Motorsports Park

Kia Racing’s highly-anticipated return home to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, did not disappoint as the team scored a pair of hard-fought podium finishes in rounds five and six of the Pirelli World Challenge (PWC).  The double podium moves Kia Racing drivers Ben Clucas, in the No. 36 DonorsChoose.org Optima turbo, and Mark Wilkins, in the No. 38 B.R.A.K.E.S. Optima turbo, into sixth and seventh, respectively, in the GTS Driver Championship standings.

“We were holding our own in fourth place for most of the race Friday afternoon, just trying to stay within striking distance of the leaders and put ourselves in a position to move up late in the contest,”  said Wilkins, who qualified third in round five.  “After some contact between the cars ahead of me, a gap opened and I was in the right place at the right time.  The result was second place but the competition wasn’t giving an inch and it was no cakewalk.”

Meanwhile, Wilkins’ teammate, Ben Clucas in the No. 36 DonorsChoose.org Optima turbo, was one of the cars involved in Friday’s incident in round five which benefitted his Kia Racing teammate.  The contact sent him off-track and ended his hopes for a podium performance, and he wound up finishing eighth – a disappointing result after starting the race outside row one on the grid and setting a strong pace during the race.  However, the team’s hard work in the paddock and Clucas’ determination behind the wheel would reward him the next day in round six.

Clucas’ No. 36 Optima battled hard with a pair of Ford Mustangs for much of the contest Saturday afternoon, with plenty of position changes throughout the 50-minute race.  It was a good, clean race from flag to flag and eventually Clucas crossed the line in third place – his second podium in the early months of a long season ahead.

“We had a good car here this weekend and I thought we had a shot at the podium in both races. Obviously, things turned out better for us in round six, but I was happy for Mark to get the podium finish in round five,” said Clucas.  “We had the pace in practice and qualifying, but racing is a whole other matter.  We got some much-needed Manufacturer and Driver points this weekend, so we’re feeling pretty good.”

After a challenging weekend, the team came away from Barber feeling positive as it was a nice result for Kia at its home track, which is very close to the Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) plant in West Point, Georgia, where the Optima is assembled.  The team already has its sights set on rounds seven and eight at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, where the Kia Racing team has tasted victory in the past – scoring Kia Racing’s first PWC victory in 2012.

Tape-delayed televised coverage of the doubleheader weekend will air on the CBS Sports Network Sunday, May 3, at 2 p.m. ET.  Live-streamed coverage of all PWC races is available online at www.world-challengetv.com, and race fans can keep up-to-date with the Kia Racing team via the Kia Motors America Facebook and Instagram pages, and on Twitter @Kia.

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Fuel Cell Hyundai & Kia Cars to Cut Prices by 50% by 2020

Hyundai Motor Group and its affiliate Kia Motors will reduce the current prices of fuel cell hydrogen electric vehicles by 40-50 percent by 2020.

Lee Gi-sang, senior executive of Hyundai Motor Group, said this on May 4 in a keynote speech in the 28th International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition (EVS 28) held at Kintex Exhibition Center in the northwest of Seoul.

He also said, “We will come up with a total of 22 environmentally friendly car models including two fuel cell Hyundai & Kia cars by 2020 while at the same time cutting the prices by more than 40-50 percent from the current level.” “We will make concurrent efforts to develop all-electric vehicles while working on fuel cell car development,” he added.

He also mentioned the need for government support as a way to kickstart the eco-friendly vehicle market by saying, “In order to expand the social infrastructure and raise the price accessibility, the automobile industry definitely needs the government’s help.”

The current line-up of Fuel Cell Hyundai & Kia cars had only one member, the Tuscon FCEV, while Kia had two EV, the Soul and the Ray boxes. Hyundai currently offers the Tucson Fuel Cell in the Los Angeles/Orange County region for $499 per month for a 36-month term, with $2,999 down. This includes the addition of a remarkable new addition to the Hyundai Assurance program –unlimited free hydrogen refueling. Fuel Cell Hyundai

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Android Auto to be Available in Hyundai Sonata in June

Hyundai and Kia Motors plan to apply Google’s Android Auto application for the first time in the 2015 Sonata in June, and then when the new generation Optima will arrive to the dealers, it will have available too. This will be in October.

The Android Auto app would clear the way for drivers to enjoy various smartphone functions through the display of the vehicle which is larger than smartphones. While driving cars, they also could send emails or text messages by voices.

Hyundai Motor America and Kia Motors America announced on May 4 that they will appoint Google’s vehicle-dedicated app Android Auto for their Sonata and Optima (also called as K5) models.

The two car makers plan to expand the application of smart car systems into other models gradually. A company official said, “We will put Android Auto on our U.S. models first since it was developed based on consideration of the U.S. situations.”

Hyundai also plans to apply another smart car application Apple Car Play on a gradual basis. The automobile industry expects the number of vehicles equipped with Android Auto to expand up to 3.1 million units next year from 600,000 units this year.

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Hyundai to Boost SUV Capacity in U.S. & China After Q1 Results

A report from AutoNews said that Hyundai could be thinking about to boost production of SUVs in the United States and China plantas after the latest results of the Q1 profits fell again, due to the cost of agressive marketing campaigns to sell more cars and weak yen.

Hyundai, which together with affiliate Kia Motors ranks fifth in global sales, said net profit eased 1 percent to 1.91 trillion won ($1.77 billion) in the January-March period from 1.93 trillion won a year earlier. The decline was its fifth quarterly profit drop in a row.

While rivals cash in on the SUV boom, spurred in part by cheaper fuel, Hyundai has grappled with a lack of production capacity and absence of new models in the segment.

The firm said it expects earnings to improve in the current quarter, fueled by overseas rollouts of the latest version of its Tucson SUV.

“We were not able to cope with the market demand because of SUV capacity constraints, which have impacted our earnings,” President Lee Won-hee said on a conference call.

Hyundai is “actively” considering boosting production capacity in the United States, as well as China, to keep up with market growth, Lee said.

Dave Zuchowski, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, said earlier this month “another Hyundai assembly plant in North America is among the options under review as the company nears a decision on where to add crossover production capacity around the globe”. He said no decision has been made.

A Pickup truck?

Lee said the company is also “cautiously” considering entering the pickup Santa Cruz truck market, a segment dominated by U.S and Japanese rivals.

Hyundai and Kia raised their 2014 vehicle sales targets late last year even as demand for their mainstay sedans stalled. Hyundai was forced to boost sales promotion incentives by nearly 30 percent in the U.S. market, to an average $2,200 per vehicle, in order to clear inventory during the quarter.

At the same time, the South Korean won strengthened against currencies in Russia, Brazil and Europe, eroding overseas earnings. More than 85 percent of Hyundai’s vehicle sales are booked outside its home turf.

To ease the impact of weaker emerging market currencies, Hyundai has raised vehicle prices in Russia and Brazil, and increased the portion of exports from plants there as well as local parts sourcing.

Lee said Hyundai won’t freeze production in Russia. Instead, the firm’s goal is to boost market share and emerge as a winner when the rouble stabilizes.

Lee reaffirmed that Hyundai is actively considering whether to pay an interim dividend as part of efforts to continuously raise dividend payouts.

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2017 Hyundai Equus Interior Spotted

Today we received the latest set of spy pictures of the next-generation Hyundai’s flagship luxury sedan, the 2017 Equus. Spotted for the first time in production form in South Korea in December 2014, the car continue under testing program.

Now the 2017 Hyundai Equus car was spotted inside a South Korean parking while the front and rear seats were undisguissed and also the dashboard where we can see the steering wheel with the Equus logo, high quality wood trims, but part of the center console continue under a large piece of black cloth.

The re-engineered Equus will come with new sheet metal designed by Peter Schreyer including a redesigned instrument panel and center stack, along with a new front fascia and grille design and other updates.

The new generation 2017 Hyundai Equus is scheduled to debut as a 2016 or 2017 model year and will include a V8 engine, and All-Wheel Drive for the first time through an 8-speed automatic, Hyundai is also working on a newer 10-speed automatic transmission, which may become available by the time the Equus arrives in the market.. The current Hyundai Equus was launched at the 2010 New York AutoShow. Stay tuned for more info soon!

The 2017 Hyundai Equus will ride on a stretched version of the Genesis Mk2’s platform featuring a new multi-link rear suspension that was fine-tuned with a little help from Lotus.

Source: Hankyung

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All-New 2016 Kia Sportage to Debut in September

Today we want to share with you a new information about the next-generation 2016 Kia Sportage (codenamed as QL). According to South Korean sources, the 2016 Kia Sportage will debut in September, a few months after due to the launch of the new Tucson.

Since launched in 2010, the third generation Kia Sportage (also called Sportage R in South Korea) was a total hit for Kia. With an amazing design, the Sportage surprised everyone and increased Kia brand image around the world.

The new 2016 Kia Sportage will resemble a lot of the design showed in the chinese only Kia KX3, especially the front end. Inside, the Sportage will follow what we have already seen into the new Sorento.

At the front on this prototype we can see a bigger Tiger-nose tri-dimensional front grille between new wrap-around headlamps and ice-cubed LED lights, like in the new Sorento or pro_cee’d GT, but at the same time, Kia used the same solution on the K5 Modern adding a spherical three LED on the headlights. At the rear end, newly designed LED taillights will be mixed with separated reverse and indicators lights like in the current model.

About engine line-up, 7-speed dual clutch transmission will be available at launch besides a choice of gasoline direct injection and diesel engines, plus small turbo engines. In the diesel side, improved 1.7 CRDi 131 hp could be the most desired into European market. About the petrol engines, the 1.6 GDi will be the base engine, while a turbo variant will offer more power for European spec model. About an all-new small turbo engine, the 1.2 T-GDi delivering 132 hp is not confirmed yet.

South Korea line-up will be reduced to 1.7 CRDi available with 7-speed DCT & 2.0 CRDi diesel engines, plus a 2.0 T-GDi engine.

The new Sportage will be based on the KX3 chinese model design cues.

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2015 Shanghai AutoShow: Kia K5 Revealed

Thanks to our friends from IndianAutos, we are covering the 2015 Shangai AutoShow and today we want to share with you the Chinese-Spec Kia K5 sedan. The Chinese K5 is differentiated from the new K5/ Kia Optima sedans previewed in other markets with exterior styling elements, and will go on sale later this year locally.

Though the next-generation K5 in China sports the familiar Kia design language akin to the new Optima, the trapezoidal lower grille design and a long chrome strip on it is unique to the Chinese car. It also gets a new alloy design and twin-exhaust pipes. Otherwise, the sedan shares exterior elements like projector headlights, Kia’s familial tigernose grille, slender daylight opening, and the tail section with the new Kia Optima (US-spec).

The 4-door K5 rides on a new platform and is based on the new seventh-generation Hyundai Sonata (LF). Over 50 percent of the sedan’s body is made from high strength steel.

The Kia K5 globally is offered with a well-covered engine line-up consisting of a diesel, 3 petrols and a hybrid version. This includes a turbo-charged 1.6-liter and a 2.0-liter petrol units, a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter petrol motor, a 1.7-liter diesel, and a hybrid variant with a 2.0-liter petrol engine and 30kW electric motor. A 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is available on the 1.6 T-GDi variant.

The Chinese Dongfeng-Yueda-Kia joint venture will manufacture the new Kia K5 mid-size sedan which competes with the Toyota Camry, the Peugeot 508, and the Volkswagen Passat.

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Video: Take a Closer Look to the Kia Novo

Alongside Kia revealed the new generation Kia K5 (also called Optima) at Seoul AutoShow, the automaker also showcased the Kia Novo concept car. This mid-sized sedan bring forward the future look of Kia’s compact cars.

Taking its name from the Latin ‘novatus’ (meaning renewed or refreshed), the Kia Novo concept is aimed at modern urbanites with stressful jobs and frantic schedules. Interpreted by Kia’s designers, the name ‘Novo’ represents the concept of making something new and fresh.

The Novo establishes a calming, focused environment in which drivers can refresh and rejuvenate as they transition from one life commitment to the next.

The Novo’s sharply creased bodywork gives the car a clean, modern appearance when viewed from the side, with strong lines on the doors, skirts and aluminum wing vents. Rear-hinged doors complete the car’s striking profile appearance, with slim, central pop-out door handles running level to the finely-sculpted aluminum door mirrors.

The Novo is powered by the latest high-tech production Kia powertrain to match its dynamic looks. A 1.6-liter ‘Kappa’ turbo gasoline direct injection (T-GDI) engine has been paired with the brand’s seven speed DCT to power the front wheels. The result is decisive, sporty performance and impressive fuel economy for Kia’s latest show star.

So today we want share with you this video of the Kia Novo where you can see closer thanks to our korean blogger & friend TNKfree.

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Kia GT Concept Production Model Confirmed by KMA Executive

It seeams like the long-awaited Kia GT Concept production form is closer than ever. Revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the GT was a V6 T-GDi rear wheel drive sportsedan.

Latest reports from our friends from Drive Australia were talking with Kia Motors America Head of Product Planning, Orth Hedrick, and “he revealed the car is closing towards production readiness”.

After we revealed that the GT sportsedan car got the green light at the 2014 KMA Dealer Show, he also added that the GT4 Stinger concept, a 2+2 coupe revealed at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show is unlikely to get the green light from Kia.

I’m agree, in the case Kia decided to built this coupe, will be after a success of the GT sportsedan production model, not before.

“They’re under development,” Hendrick said. “The GT4 Stinger we have some more work to do as far in an hypothetical case to bringing it into production. The market for a coupe is not stront for the lenght of time needed to get a return on your investment. So for the GT we are actively working on that car” he added.

Product Planing Chief also added why the sedan have the green light instead of the Kia GT4 Stinger coupe:  “I think for us the GT is a sedan so it has a lot broader appeal than a two-door coupe. They don’t do well here. They do really, really good for 18 months and then they really fall off. You can get just as much emotional experience in a sedan, a more practical car, than a coupe. But it communicates something very, very clear to market with a coupe in your line-up.”

Asked when the GT was likely to be officially confirmed and shown off in production guise Hedrick said: “We’ll have an announcement soon.”

Despite the long gestation period Hedrick is confident that the GT would still make a big impact for the brand, especially in US-market.

 “It would communicate a younger, more emotional message to the market,” he explained. “I think buyers of those types of vehicles tend to be more engaged with their cars. We tend to prioritise that with our design, with our approach to marketing the cars, the fact that we race vehicles… Our buyers tend to be more passionate.”

So well, it looks like it will turn into reality soon! What do you expect on this new Kia model?

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2015 Shanghai AutoShow: Hyundai Tucson Concept Revealed

The South Korean automaker revealed during the 2015 Shangai Auto Show its all-new Hyundai Tucson concept, why concept? This is a model adjusted to meet the taste of the Chinese market, with wider wheelbase alongside another touches.

Newly designed hexagonal front grille along with a wide rear appearance highlighted to this Tucson more a “bold” and “refined” impression. Its head and tail lights are designed with a futuristic image and high-quality aluminum material was also adapted for its side mirrors, apart from a new colour called as “Gold Citrus”.

The automaker added the all-new Hyundai Tucson will be available with two petrol engines, the 2.0 GDi engine and the 1.6 turbo GDI engine, delivering 165 and 201 hp respectively. Adding that it will focus its marketing on the model’s enhanced safety and convenience features. The 1.6 T-GDi will be available with a 7-speed in house Dual Clutch Transmission.

The South Korean carmaker plans to produce and sell this chinese Hyundai Tucson from the second half, a move aimed at strengthening its SUV lineup and expanding its market presence in the SUV market in China. 

Apart from the Hyundai Tucson concept, the South Korean brand also showcased its completely SUV line-up including Santa Fe and ix25, plus the Sonata family including the Plug-in Hybrid car and Turbo versions.

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The Korean Car Blog 5th Year Anniversary

Five years ago my partner Jose and I started this idea of providing news to all KDM fans. We are always looking for the latest news, reviews and interviews but mainly focus on spy shots and leaked pictures. It was difficult at the begin but thanks to all of you we made it happen.

Throughout the years Jose and I have dedicated many hours into the blog but it came a time to bring new fresh content to the blog with new editors. We have the pleasure to have in our team 3 great friends. Don Southerton, CEO and Founder of Bridging Culture Worldwide with many years of experience as a consultant to Hyundai and Kia Motors. Next we have Corey Bell, a KDM enthusiast who is sharing with us his experience in South Korea with his America made Kia Optima at the streets and the track, but also bringing the KDM knowledge to the USA. Last but not least, we have the greatest pleasure of having our good friend and contributor Mark Juhn, Former President/CEO at Hyundai Motor America, COO & Sr Exe V.P. at Kia Motors and President/CEO at Hyundai Corporation.

We would like to thank them for helping us make The Korean Car Blog the first place to go for all your Hyundai and Kia news.

Since we are celebrating our 5th anniversary, we decided to give the blog a new look improving some aspects the other theme didnt allow us, we hope everyone enjoys the new look (still work in progress, sorry for any inconvenience), along with the new theme we are giving some prizes away. These prizes are coming from the companies Hyundai Motor, Hyundai Motor America, Hyundai Steel, Kia Motors America, Kia Motors Worldwide, Kia Racing, Kinetic Motorsports and The Korean Car Blog. The pictures below are all the gifts that will be part of this giveaway.

The Korean Car Blog staff would like to say thanks to all our readers for all this great 5 years and we are looking forward for the following years to come giving you the latest and most accurate news.

Entry-Form

Take a closer look to the gifts are included in our prize and good luck!

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Peter Schreyer Thougths About All-New Kia Optima

Two weeks ago Kia revealed the 2nd generation 2016 Kia Optima (also called as K5 in South Korea). After a lot of comments and several reviews of how Kia reinterpreted one of its more succesful cars, a post about which one you prefer and some vides, today we want to share with you the thoughts of Kia’s chief designer & president, Peter Schreyer.

Watch Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, shares some thoughts and insights on his philosophy as well as the evolution of the all-new Optima.

On the video, you can see how Peter Schreyer told that the all-new Kia Optima is more an evolution than a revolution and its design was simply intended to stand out on the road.

The Optima still looks very good (apart from that C-pillar window), especially when you’re compare with some of its direct rivals (I prefer the K5 Modern korean spec model).

Later, Schreyer said the Kia company from 5 or 10 years ago, gone. And this is a very important subject matter because indeed, 10 years ago Kia was something completely different,  with a range of cars far from today in terms of design, quality, etc…

Now its time to think about it what can we expect on the near future, will Kia turn into a more important brand between 10 years? Could Hyundai & Kia climb more positions into the major automakers? We sure we will here to tell you.

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Hyundai Veloster Midship RM15 Concept

The RM15 (Racing Midship 2015) is an aggressively-styled, high-performance mid-engined coupe concept based on the Hyundai Veloster that makes a confident statement about Hyundai Motor’s passion for performance and its expertise in the development of advanced vehicle technologies and materials.

The core structure of the RM15 is based on an aluminum spaceframe, clothed in light, stiff body panels formed in carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) – together achieving a significant weight saving compared to a conventional all-steel vehicle. The body panels are painted in the signature colors of the company’s ‘N’ brand (pale blue, black, red and Hyundai mid-blue) which also feature on the Hyundai WRC i20 rally car.

Power comes from Hyundai Motor’s Theta 2.0-liter T-GDI engine mounted transversely behind the two-seater cabin and ahead of the rear axle, ensuring optimized weight distribution and a low moment of inertia for excellent handling agility and high levels of traction. The four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine generates 300 ps at 6,000 rpm and drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Strong torque delivery (39 kgm [383 Nm] at 2,000 rpm) helps to reduce the 0-100 km acceleration time to just 4.7 seconds.

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